CSC and OCMFA Host Talk on China's Soft Power and International Influence in Hong Kong

Civil Service College holds talk on "Telling Good Stories of China and Enhancing the Country's Soft Power"

The Civil Service College (CSC) today (July 30) held a talk in the series on the country's foreign affairs jointly with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (OCMFA) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The talk was delivered by Spokesperson and Deputy Director General of the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Mr Lin Jian. The theme of the talk was "Telling Good Stories of China and Enhancing the Country's Soft Power".

Addressing the talk, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said that this year marks the beginning of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan. Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world. It serves as an important window for the international community to observe China, and a key bridge for cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, playing a pivotal role in reinforcing connectivity.

Mrs Yeung added that HKSAR civil servants, in their respective positions, should make good use of their language capabilities and cultural backgrounds to help enhance the country's international influence and tell China's stories well to people around the world, thereby fulfilling civil servants' unique and important role.

About 400 participants, including the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Under Secretaries and Political Assistants, as well as civil servants in the directorate and senior ranks attended the talk at the Central Government Offices today.

The CSC and the OCMFA have been jointly organising this series of talks on the country's foreign affairs since late 2021. The series invites relevant officials of the MFA to speak on various topics, with a view to enhancing civil servants' international perspective, awareness of national security and holistic views.

Civil Service College holds talk on "Telling Good Stories of China and Enhancing the Country's Soft Power" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Civil Service College holds talk on "Telling Good Stories of China and Enhancing the Country's Soft Power" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Civil Service College holds talk on "Telling Good Stories of China and Enhancing the Country's Soft Power" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Civil Service College holds talk on "Telling Good Stories of China and Enhancing the Country's Soft Power" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (July 30) detected two drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 18 kilograms of suspected ketamine and about 3kg of suspected cannabis buds, with a total estimated market value of about $7.9 million. Two persons were arrested.

In the first case, a local woman, aged 35, arrived in Hong Kong from Zurich, Switzerland, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18kg of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market value of about $7.3 million, inside her check-in suitcase. She was subsequently arrested.

In the second case, a Malaysian male passenger, aged 27, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 3kg of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $0.6 million, inside his check-in suitcase. He was subsequently arrested.

Investigation of the two cases are ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases