HKSAR LegCo Strongly Condemns Smearing and Slanderous Remarks by External Forces on the "Hong Kong Alliance" Case

HKSAR LegCo strongly condemns smearing and slanderous remarks by external forces on the "Hong Kong Alliance" case

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (22 August) expressed strong opposition and dissatisfaction with, and strongly condemned, the malicious attacks, slanders and smearing against the judicial system and national security laws of Hong Kong by various western countries, anti-China media, organisations and politicians, using the court's verdict of conviction concerning the case of "incitement to subversion of state power by the Hong Kong Alliance".

The Legislative Council, Photo source: reference image

A spokesperson for LegCo pointed out, "The Constitution is the fundamental law of the state, making clear that the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the cornerstone of the constitutional order of the People's Republic of China. As an inalienable part of our country, Hong Kong must firmly uphold its constitutional order. Any attempt to subvert the fundamental system of the country will not be tolerated in any society under the rule of law. The court's verdict precisely reflects the spirit of the rule of law in conducting independent trials in accordance with the law."

The LegCo spokesperson stressed that the reasons for the court's verdict were detailed, clearly pointing out that the trial of the case was never targeted at the defendants' political views, but was based on objective law and evidence, strictly following the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and other relevant laws. After the HKNSL came into effect, the defendants still persistently pressed ahead with subversion activities, and their acts clearly went beyond the boundaries of lawful freedom of expression. The entire trial procedure was open and transparent, and the verdict was lawful, fair and reasonable, conforming to the fundamental interests of Hong Kong. It is an inevitable requirement for the comprehensive and accurate implementation of the HKNSL as well as relevant legal systems and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. LegCo solemnly urges external forces to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, respect the rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong, and refrain from smearing Hong Kong's judicial system with double standards.

National Security Law, Photo source: AP News

The LegCo spokesperson pointed out that freedoms of speech and association are not absolute. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also expressly states that restrictions may be prescribed by law under the prerequisite of safeguarding national security, among others. Members of the public must distinguish the rights from wrongs and clearly draw the line between this case and the normal expression of opinions.

The spokesperson reiterated that national security is the fundamental prerequisite for Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the fundamental premise of the "one country, two systems". Only by safeguarding national security can the various lawful rights and interests of the public be effectively protected, and favourable conditions be created for Hong Kong's long-term development. The spokesperson further emphasized that, for Hong Kong to advance from stability to prosperity, equal emphasis must be placed on both security and development. Security and development are not mutually exclusive, but complement each other. There is no finished state, only an ongoing process; security is the prerequisite for development, and development is the guarantee for security, neither of which can be dispensed with.

Under the executive-led system, LegCo, as the Legislature of the HKSAR, will certainly continue to fully support the HKSAR Government in administering in accordance with the law and firmly safeguarding national security, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

Photo source: reference image

Speech by CS at Carnival of Care and Harmony

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Carnival of Care and Harmony today (August 23):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to join you today at this Carnival of Care and Harmony.

This warm and vibrant gathering reminds me of everything that makes Hong Kong a truly multicultural metropolis - its energy, its openness and its spirit that welcomes everyone. For generations, people of diverse ethnic backgrounds have called this city home.

Yet we recognise that while Hong Kong belongs to everyone, our friends from non-ethnic Chinese communities may still encounter challenges in their daily lives, whether language barriers, cultural differences or simply for not always being fully understood. That is why we are committed to taking action.

Government bureaux and departments are dedicated to providing a wide range of support services to help ethnic minorities integrate more fully into society and realise their potential so that Hong Kong can truly become a home for all.

Since assuming office, the current-term Government has been steadily enhancing these services and introducing new initiatives to support our multi-ethnic communities.

In 2024, for example, we established two additional Support Service Centres, bringing the total to 10. These centres are strategically located in districts with larger ethnic minority populations. They run many programmes and activities to help community members engage more deeply with Hong Kong life.

To enhance services, we have also set up "Ethnic Minority Care Teams" within each Support Service Centre. Each team is led by a social worker, supported by programme workers and volunteers who are familiar with the languages and cultures of the communities they serve.

Through proactive outreach - including home visits and community activities - they connect with ethnic minorities in need, assisting with everyday challenges and providing timely support during emergencies or unexpected incidents. During typhoons, for example, these teams share weather updates through their community networks, accompany those in need to temporary shelters and check on elderly individuals living alone to ensure they receive proper care.

In just over two years, these teams have reached some 18 000 ethnic minority households. That is real impact.

Moreover, as announced in last year's Policy Address, each Support Service Centre has now established a "Youth Network" and a "Women's Network".

The Youth Network offers a platform for young people to connect with one another and with the wider community, including through exchange visits to the Chinese Mainland, which deepen their understanding of Chinese history and culture.

The Women's Network, meanwhile, aims to encourage social inclusion and encourage greater community participation among ethnic minority women.

Looking ahead, we will continue our efforts to support our non-ethnic Chinese friends to better integrate into our society and create more opportunities for everyone.

I wish you all a very enjoyable carnival and a fruitful afternoon of information sharing, performances, fun and games!

Let us join hands and build an even more caring and harmonious Hong Kong.

Now, I would like to say a few words in Cantonese.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the speech.)

Source: AI-found images