HKSAR LegCo firmly opposes and strongly condemns US politicians' wanton vilification and smearing of Hong Kong using the "LAI Chee-ying case"
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
A spokesperson for the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stated on September 17 that LegCo firmly opposes and strongly condemns politicians in the United States (US) Congressional-Executive Commission on China for using a so-called "hearing" regarding the "LAI Chee-ying case" to make false and smearing remarks, and threatening to impose "sanctions". The LegCo spokesperson stressed that, to set the record straight, the LegCo fully supports the HKSAR Government in acting in accordance with the law, and resolutely hit back at the maliciously provocative political maneuvering and alarmist talk by some politicians.
The LegCo spokesperson emphasised that the HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. Safeguarding national security is the cornerstone for the country's stability and prosperity. It is also a universally recognised international practice and obligation. The US itself possesses a sophisticated national security legal framework, yet it is despicable to see these anti-China politicians display blatant hypocrisy and double standards by pointing fingers at the legitimate and lawful actions of the HKSAR in safeguarding national security. LegCo urges these politicians to earnestly respect China's sovereignty and immediately stop any form of interference in the affairs of Hong Kong, China.
Regarding these politicians using the "LAI Chee-ying case" to smear and vilify Hong Kong's rule of law and human rights, the LegCo spokesperson profoundly refuted them for disregarding facts and reversing right and wrong. As pointed out by the Government's spokesperson, the "LAI Chee-ying case" has nothing to do with freedom of the press. The defendants have used journalism as a guise over the years to create social conflicts, incite social antagonism, incite hatred and glorify violence, bringing harm to the our country and Hong Kong.
The LegCo spokesperson supports the courts of the HKSAR in conducting independent trials in accordance with the law and evidence, and setting out in full detail the court's analysis of relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons for convicting LAI Chee-ying and other defendants. The LegCo spokesperson strongly condemns anti-China politicians for attempting to intimidate HKSAR officials and judicial officers with so-called "sanctions". This is interfering in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, seriously violating international law and basic norms governing international relations.
The LegCo spokesperson pointed out that since the full implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", Hong Kong's social order has not only returned to the right track, but its business environment has also attained remarkable performance. Hong Kong continues to rank among the top globally in economic freedom and rule of law indices, attracting investors from around the world. Leveraging its distinctive advantage of "enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world", Hong Kong is advancing toward higher-quality prosperity and development.
The LegCo spokesperson reiterated that as an integral member of the governance team of the HKSAR, LegCo will, as always, firmly support the administration of the HKSAR Government in accordance with the law, and to prevent, suppress and punish any acts endangering national security, while safeguarding the rights of citizens in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".
Source: AI-found images
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD),is running from today (September 17) until September 27 at Victoria Park, featuring multiple spectacular lantern displays, as well as a wide range of performances and festive activities, to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Themed "A Delightful Journey through the Lantern Garden", the carnival draws inspiration from Hong Kong's distinct flavours, brought to life through radiant displays of light. For the highlight lantern display, "A Feast of Light and Cherished Memories", playful smiling faces are added to beloved local delicacies such as egg waffles, Hong Kong-style milk tea, curry fishballs and more, spreading the festive joy. "Love in Every Moment" is a lantern installation portraying a blooming flower complemented by heart-shaped light plaques and a corridor of heart-shaped arches, featuring scenes of daily life in Hong Kong.
The traditional lantern display "Lantern-lit ICH: Shining with Craft Under Moonlight" is crafted by veteran paper-crafting master Hui Ka-hung. Featuring rabbits embracing a giant moon, singing nanyin and waving a lion-head lantern, the display allows visitors to experience the warmth of ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage)handicrafts amid the festive atmosphere. Also on display are "Pandas and Steeds Beneath the Palms" featuring adorable giant pandas and galloping steeds, as well as a large-scale lantern installation "Heartfelt Wishes to the Moon under the Glow of Lanterns" created by students and persons with disabilities.
This year's Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, for the first time presented by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, features the large-scale Nanjing Qinhuai lantern installation "Shadowlight". The approximately 8-metre-tall banyan tree lantern set blends exquisite ICH craftsmanship and with brilliant colours and lighting that can be admired from multiple angles.
In addition, a Mid-Autumn creative market, a Chinese knots DIY zone, and self-service lantern riddles are available during the carnival. From September 24 to 26, craft demonstrations of Portuguese azulejo tile painting and Hakka-patterned band weaving, as well as workshops on local traditional lantern crafting will be available at the Carnival. On Mid-Autumn night, there will be a Tai Hang fire dragon dance to enter Victoria Park and a gala night withCantonese opera excerpts, as well as folk dancing and Chinese music performances. A youth night will be held on the evening of September 26, featuring performances by young artists.
The LCSD will also present a Mid-Autumn lighting installation, "Moonlit Bunny Crew", at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza from today (September 17) to October 11. Created by local creative team STICKYLINE, the installation uses simple yet vivid geometric shapes to present the districts’ distinctive landmarks. "Moonlit Bunny" rabbits, appearing throughout the design, capture Hong Kong's finest moments with cameras.
The installations will be lit daily from 6.30pm to 11pm, with extended lighting hours until midnight on Mid-Autumn Day (September 25).
For more details, please call 2591 1340 or visit:www.cpo.gov.hk/event/en-mid-autumn-lantern-carnival-2026/.
The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 is one of the programmes of the Chinese Culture Festival 2026.
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Grand lantern carnival to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
