Duty of Hong Kong civil servants to identify security breaches under new rules: Chris Tang
Civil servants, from cleaners to policymakers, will need to fulfil their duty to identify national security breaches under new guidelines that will soon be released, Hong Kong's security chief has said.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said that even though Hong Kong had returned to stability after the 2019 anti-government protests, national security risks remained as Western countries continued to use the city as an avenue to blockade China.
'External forces, like the West, in a bid to oppress us, will use Hong Kong for acts of blockade and suppression on our country. That won't change under the current geopolitical climate,' Tang said, citing a white paper on national security issued by the State Council, the country's cabinet, last month.
The paper accused 'external forces' and 'certain individual countries' of posing threats to the mainland's security, including stirring up trouble in Hong Kong.
Tang's comments come as the national security law approaches its fifth anniversary at the end of this month. The Beijing-imposed law came into effect on June 30, 2020, and criminalises secession, subversion, terrorist activities and collusion with foreign forces.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- South China Morning Post
More than an education hub, Hong Kong can be a global academic pioneer
Hong Kong's recent record-high achievement in the QS World University Rankings has ignited a conversation about the city's vision to become a global education hub. This milestone not only serves as a testament to the world-class quality of the city's higher education institutions but also represents an entrepreneurial opportunity for the government's 'Study in Hong Kong' campaign Advertisement The good news invites both celebration and introspection. It is a moment to reflect on our understanding of who we are in an age characterised by both possibilities and crises. Global university rankings may dominate headlines, but we must recognise that those rankings are only an indicator of university performance. Securing high rankings is not the primary mission of universities. Universities are knowledge institutions with a profound responsibility to address pressing global issues. Challenges such as climate change conflict and gaps in global public health demand active engagement from universities. More than a competitive metric, knowledge is inventive, problem-solving and carries exchange value. Knowledge endows universities with distinct missions and commitments that set them apart from other social institutions. Global universities possess the intellectual resources and creative power to transcend existing frameworks narrowed by the discourses of politics, conflict and competition, and to enrich the world's imagination. They are entrusted with the role of knowledge stewards to enlighten humanity's relationship with planetary ecosystems, fostering a healthy and sustainable future. Advertisement Among the many global cities, Hong Kong stands uniquely poised to explore the possibilities for alternative forms and cultural interpretations of globalisation that are still dominated by Western civilisation and capitalism. With its cosmopolitan culture and forward-thinking outlook, Hong Kong stands ready to lead the reimagining of global education.
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- South China Morning Post
Japan races against time to avoid US car tariffs as clock ticks down on trade talks
Japan 's top negotiator has made a last-ditch trip to Washington in hopes of heading off a steep US tariff on Japanese cars – but with just over a week to go, and President Donald Trump doubling down in recent comments, analysts say neither side appears willing to compromise. Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's chief trade envoy on the issue, flew into the US capital on Thursday and spoke twice to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick by phone over the weekend. But he failed to secure a meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent or make any clear progress. Trump announced earlier this year that he would increase the tariff on imported vehicles from 2.5 per cent to 27.5 per cent – a move that was temporarily paused for 90 days to allow negotiations. That window closes on July 9, and signs suggest Trump is prepared to let the tariff take effect. In an interview on Fox News broadcast on Sunday, Trump said he had no plans to scale back the tariffs and that letters detailing his administration's demands would be sent to Japan and other trade partners 'starting pretty soon'. 'I could send one to Japan. Dear Mr Japan, here's the story. You're going to pay an extra 25 per cent tariff on all your cars,' Trump said on Fox. 'They won't take our cars and yet we take millions and millions of their cars into the United States,' he complained.
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong marks July 1 anniversary with flag-raising ceremony, fly-past
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP's journalism by subscribing . New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong marks the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty on Tuesday. The day's events start with a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and a reception at the nearby Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will give a speech to mark the anniversary. Residents, meanwhile, will be able to enjoy discounts at more than 3,800 restaurants as part of the July 1 celebrations, as well as free museum visits and tram rides, and cheap tickets for some of the city's major attractions. On Monday, the city marked the fifth anniversary of the Beijing-imposed national security law. The legislation changed the city's political landscape, with the annual July 1 march organised by the opposition bloc last held in 2019. Follow the Post's updates on the day's events. Play More from our July 1 anniversary coverage: Reporting by Jeffie Lam, Jess Ma and Willa Wu.
