Financial Secretary Discusses Economic Cooperation and Financial Development During Beijing Meetings

FS calls on finance-related central ministries and institutions in Beijing

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, who is currently visiting Beijing, called on the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an, this morning (September 21). Mr Chan reported on the arrangements for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers' Meeting. They also exchanged views on economic and financial developments on the Mainland and in Hong Kong, as well as global economic and trade issues. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, also attended the meeting.

This afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Governor of the People's Bank of China, Mr Pan Gongsheng, and the Minister of the National Financial Regulatory Administration, Ms Ding Xiangqun, respectively. They had in-depth exchanges on issues including national and international economic and financial market developments, as well as further co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in financial regulation and development. Mr Chan also gave them a brief introduction to the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026–2030) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address, particularly the planning direction and objectives for consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. Mr Hui; the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung, also attended the meetings.

Mr Chan and Mr Hui will continue their visit programme in Beijing tomorrow (September 22) and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan (third left), called on the Governor of the People's Bank of China, Mr Pan Gongsheng (third right), in Beijing this afternoon (September 21). The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (second left); the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue (fourth left); and the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung (first left), also attended the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan (third left), called on the Governor of the People's Bank of China, Mr Pan Gongsheng (third right), in Beijing this afternoon (September 21). The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (second right); the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue (second left); and the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung (first right), also attended the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan (left), called on the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an (right), in Beijing this morning (September 21). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan (fourth right), met with the Minister of the National Financial Regulatory Administration, Ms Ding Xiangqun (fourth left), in Beijing yesterday afternoon (September 21). The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (third right); the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue (fifth right); and the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung (second right), also attended the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Police National Security Department conducts arrest operation

Police noticed that on the evening of August 31, some people were standing outside MTR Prince Edward Station holding bouquets and shouting seditious slogans. The persons concerned were suspected of spreading false information and attacking the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government with lies, as well as smearing the Police Force, with the intention of inciting hatred against the HKSAR Government and law enforcement agencies.

The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force (NSD) attaches great importance to the incident, and swiftly took enforcement actions in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon on September 3 and arrested two local men and one local woman, aged between 33 and 79, for the offence of "doing an act that has a seditious intention with a seditious intention" under Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The three arrestees have been released on bail pending further investigations.

After follow-up investigations, the NSD took further enforcement actions in Kowloon and the New Territories on September 27 and 28, and arrested a local man and two local women, aged between 46 and 65, for the same offence. The three arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigations.

The NSD yesterday (September 30) further arrested a 37-year-old local man and a 58-year-old local woman for the same offence in Kowloon and the New Territories. Prior to the operation, Police obtained court search warrants to search the residences of the arrested persons and seize relevant exhibits. The two arrestees are being detained for further enquiries, while the Police arrest operation is still ongoing.

Police stressed that the so-called "831 incident" has been proven without factual basis. It is a lie manipulated by persons with ulterior motives to spread lies, attack the HKSAR Government and smear the Police Force, attempting to achieve their political objectives by endangering public peace. The acts concerned are suspected of breaching "doing an act that has a seditious intention with a seditious intention", which is a serious crime. Offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for seven years on first conviction.

Police will continue to ensure that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account, so as to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security.

Source: AI-found images