Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui was due to depart today on a visit to the UK and Norway, and will meet government financial officials and representatives from the business sectors in both countries. He will also speak at a number of events.
Mr Hui will return to Hong Kong on June 13. During his absence, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan will be the Acting Secretary.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Over the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a transformative shift in women’s empowerment, redefining their role from passive beneficiaries to active nation-builders. With women and children comprising 67.7% of India’s population, the Modi government has made Nari Shakti(women’s power) a cornerstone of national progress, driving policies that empower women across health, education, housing, sanitation, financial inclusion, and leadership. As India strides into Amrit Kaal, women are leading the charge toward a stronger, more inclusive nation.
A Lifecycle Approach to Empowerment
“Women are not just homemakers; they are nation-builders,” Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly emphasized. Since 2014, the government has adopted a comprehensive, lifecycle-based approach to empower women at every stage of life. From landmark legislation like the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which reserves 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women, to schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Mission Shakti, the focus has shifted from women’s development to women-led development. These initiatives have boosted women’s participation in education (especially STEM), entrepreneurship, public service, and even defense, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
Health and Nutrition: Building a Strong Foundation
The government’s fight against malnutrition has gained momentum through Mission POSHAN 2.0, a ₹1.81 lakh crore initiative (2021–26) targeting children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. By integrating nutrition, health, and community efforts, POSHAN Abhiyaan (launched in 2018) uses digital tools like the Poshan Tracker—winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024—to drive real-time monitoring and behavioral change. As of March 2025, 99.02% of beneficiaries are Aadhaar-verified, and a face authentication module ensures transparency in distributing Take-Home Rations.
Under Mission Saksham Anganwadi, 24,533 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been upgraded into Saksham Anganwadis, with a target of transforming 2 lakh AWCs by 2026. The Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative has trained 36,463 State-Level Master Trainers and 4,65,719 Anganwadi workers to provide quality pre-school education alongside nutrition. The Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan, launched in December 2024, rewards 1,000 Gram Panchayats for exemplary work in improving nutrition outcomes.
Maternal and neonatal care has also seen significant advancements. The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) has supported over 16.60 crore beneficiaries since 2014, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for antenatal and postnatal care. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) has aided 11.07 crore women by promoting institutional deliveries, while Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) ensures zero-cost healthcare for pregnant women and newborns in 90,015 certified facilities. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides ₹5,000 cash benefits to support maternal health, and the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) ensures early detection of high-risk pregnancies.
Dignity Through Infrastructure
The Modi government has prioritized dignity in daily life through transformative schemes. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) has provided homes to 2.75 crore beneficiaries, with 73% being women, granting them security and decision-making power. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has distributed 10.33 crore LPG connections, freeing women from hazardous cooking fumes. The Swachh Bharat Mission has built over 12 crore toilets, ensuring safety and hygiene for women, with 93% reporting reduced fear of harm or infection. The Jal Jeevan Mission has delivered 15.6 crore tap water connections, empowering women by saving time and involving them in water management.
Education and Financial Security
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign has improved the sex ratio at birth from 918 (2014–15) to 930 (2023–24) and increased girls’ school enrollment to 78% by 2023–24. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), celebrating a decade in 2025, has opened over 4.2 crore accounts, securing the financial future of girls.
Women in Leadership
Women are breaking barriers across sectors. The first batch of female cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy in May 2025, and women have played pivotal roles in missions like Chandrayaan-3. India leads globally in female STEM graduates and pilots. Legal reforms such as the abolition of Triple Talaq, the proposal to raise the minimum marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years, and the extension of maternity leave to 26 weeks have significantly advanced women’s empowerment in India. These measures have supported greater access to education and employment for women, while also promoting their health and well-being. Additionally, the abrogation of Article 35A has granted women in Jammu & Kashmir equal property rights, further strengthening gender equality in the region.
Economic Empowerment
The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) has sanctioned ₹34.11 lakh crore across 52.5 crore loan accounts, with 68% benefiting women entrepreneurs. The Stand-Up India Scheme has provided over ₹47,704 crore to 2.04 lakh women borrowers. The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has mobilized 10.05 crore women into 90.90 lakh Self-Help Groups, with the Lakhpati Didi Initiative enabling 1.48 crore women to earn ₹1 lakh annually.
Safety and Security: Mission Shakti
Mission Shakti, with its Sambal and Samarthya pillars, ensures women’s safety and self-reliance. Sambal includes 819 operational One Stop Centres (OSCs), assisting 10.98 lakh women, and the Women Helpline, handling 214.78 lakh calls. The SHe-Box Portal addresses workplace harassment, and Nari Adalat promotes women-led justice at the grassroots. Samarthya supports 2.92 lakh women through Shakti Sadan and 5.07 lakh through Sakhi Niwas. The AbKoiBahanaNahi campaign, launched in November 2024, combats gender-based violence.
A New Era for Nari Shakti
Over the past decade, the Modi government has transformed women’s welfare into a movement of leadership and agency. From space missions to grassroots governance, Indian women are shaping the nation’s destiny.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — The Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with the Xinhua News Agency, on Sunday released a report outlining China’s commitment to building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.
The report, titled “Building the South China Sea into a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China’s Actions” and published in Chinese and English, notes that China has always been the initiator, promoter and practitioner of safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea.
According to the report, China has held the view for many years that peace and stability in the region depends on the joint efforts of China and the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Through strengthening trust and cooperation in political, economic and cultural spheres, this partnership has brought long-term mutual benefits. Consequently, China has become a reliable force for maintaining peace and stability in the SCS while promoting cooperation and development in the region.
The report said China has always adhered to the principles of building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, namely resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation, managing differences based on rules and mechanisms, achieving win-win results through mutually beneficial cooperation and opposing interference by external forces.
The report calls on China and ASEAN countries to keep the handling of the SCS-related issues in their own hands. The relevant countries should adhere to the correct principles and directions in handling these issues and continue to uphold the concept of a maritime community with a shared future.
The report also called for joint efforts by China and ASEAN countries to turn the SCS into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation that will benefit the people of all countries in the region. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — A think tank report released Sunday highlighted four key principles underlying China’s vision of building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation: consultation on an equal footing, rules-based joint governance, win-win cooperation and playing a constructive role.
The report, titled “Transforming the South China Sea into a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China’s Actions,” was published by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with the Xinhua News Agency.
These principles, developed and refined through practical experience, have stood the test of time. The joint achievements of China and ASEAN countries clearly demonstrate that dialogue can overcome any obstacle and cooperation can realize any aspiration, the report says.
As the largest littoral state in the South China Sea, China plays an important role in maintaining regional peace and stability. According to the report, this shared commitment to peace and stability serves as a critical foundation for bringing China and its neighbors closer together in the South China Sea.
It also stressed that throughout history, China has never sought “regional hegemony.” China remains committed to resolving differences with relevant parties, exercising restraint in disputes, and diligently cooperating with regional countries to establish a rules-based maritime order in the South China Sea. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In his message, Xi Jinping noted that over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the “paophaw” fraternal friendship between China and Myanmar has stood the test of time and become even stronger.
Adhering to the jointly upheld Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, the two countries are committed to good-neighborliness, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and firmly supporting each other on issues of common interest and major concerns, setting a fine example of friendly exchanges between the countries, he said.
Xi Jinping recalled his meeting with Min Aung Hlaing in Russia in May, when the two leaders reached an important consensus on building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future.
China attaches great importance to developing ties with Myanmar and is willing to work with Myanmar to seize the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to accelerate high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and push forward lasting progress in building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi stressed. –0–
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Marking 11 years of transformative governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched a series of nationwide contests through the MyGov platform. These initiatives aim to engage citizens in celebrating India’s development journey and encourage public participation in the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
At the heart of the campaign is the “Viksit Bharat 2025 Quiz,” designed to test participants’ knowledge about India’s progress over the past decade. The quiz not only serves to enhance public awareness but also offers significant incentives. The top winner will receive a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, while the second and third prize winners will take home ₹75,000 and ₹50,000 respectively. In addition, 100 consolation prizes of ₹2,000 and 200 prizes of ₹1,000 will be awarded. Every participant will also receive a digital certificate of participation.
To further amplify citizen engagement, several themed contests have been introduced. The “Har Ghar Swadeshi – 1 Nation 1 Spirit Photo Story Contest” encourages people to share a photograph and a brief story (150–200 words) about a ‘Made in India’ product they use daily, emphasizing its uniqueness and their reasons for choosing swadeshi. Eleven winners will be awarded ₹11,000 each.
Another initiative, the “Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav – Mini Vlog Contest,” invites citizens to create a 2-minute video capturing visible changes in their locality since 2014. Accompanied by a short description of 100–150 words, these entries will showcase improvements in infrastructure, digital services, or public amenities. Eleven winning entries will each earn ₹11,000.
The “Bharat ke Badhte Kadam – A Janbhagidari Photo Contest” focuses on public participation in national movements. Participants are required to submit a photo and a 50–100 word note detailing their involvement in initiatives such as Swachh Bharat or Mission LiFE. The top 11 submissions will receive ₹11,000.
Rounding out the campaign is the “Ek Bharat, Pragatisheel Bharat – Video Storytelling Contest.” This invites citizens to submit a 1-minute video featuring real-life beneficiaries of government schemes. These videos should highlight how the initiative has enhanced the subject’s quality of life, dignity, or empowerment. Winners will be selected based on the emotional impact and creativity of their storytelling.
MyGov, launched on July 26, 2014, continues to act as a vital bridge between citizens and the government, promoting participatory governance. Through these contests, the platform seeks to deepen public involvement in national development and celebrate the achievements of the past decade.
For more information and to participate, citizens are encouraged to visit the official MyGov website at https://www.mygov.in.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Photo taken on June 6, 2025 shows a delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong visiting Jinshan Software Park of Zhuhai in south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xinyi)
A delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong has just concluded a four-day tour of Chinese mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), describing the trip as a “compulsory course” for everyone based in Hong Kong.
“The GBA, as an emerging economic brand, has been underreported in terms of its potential and opportunities,” multiple consuls general, chamber of commerce leaders, and executives of multinational firms told Xinhua, underscoring the region’s untapped potential as a “blue ocean” for innovation and the need for enhanced global promotion to unlock its full economic and strategic potential.
“These cities blend ‘sci-fi glamour’ with everyday vibrancy — stunning and unforgettable,” members of the delegation echoed this remark when commenting on their visits to Chinese mainland cities of Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai in the GBA.
The GBA’s technological landscape is nothing short of revolutionary. Tencent’s “Digital Library Cave” in Shenzhen’s Nanshan Science Park is a prime example. By harnessing high-definition scanning, gaming-engine rendering, and dynamic lighting, Tencent has recreated an immersive and interactive experience to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of the Mogao Grottoes.
Photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows a delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong visiting Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xinyi)
This not only breathes new life into cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for using technology in education and tourism. As Nasar S A SH Alghanim, consul general of the State of Kuwait in Hong Kong, remarked, such innovations are “transforming how we engage with history and our daily life,” highlighting the far-reaching implications for various sectors.
George Leung, CEO of SCOR Reinsurance Company (Asia) Limited., called the tour “beyond expectation,” admitting his prior focus on GBA infrastructure projects had overshadowed its cutting-edge sectors like agricultural drones and biopharmaceuticals. “This trip reshaped my understanding. We are now considering recalibrating our business strategies to align with these emerging trends,” he said.
Discussing XPeng AeroHT’s futuristic flying cars, Johannes Hack, vice chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, praised the GBA’s “determination and execution in advancing low-altitude economy,” calling its “trial-and-error, rapid-iteration model” a template for innovation. “Flying cars turn childhood dreams into reality,” he told Xinhua.
The GBA’s mainland cities exceed expectations — rich cultural heritage, vibrant talent, scenic beauty, and policy-supported industries, complemented by Hong Kong’s role as an international financial and professional services hub, said Maurits ter Kuile, consul general of the Netherlands in Hong Kong, after testing a game at a studio in Zhuhai’s Kingsoft Software Park.
Photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows a delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong visiting Guangdong Medical Valley in Nansha district, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xinyi)
Over four days, the delegation visited cooperation zones in Hengqin, Qianhai, Nansha, and Hetao, focusing on such frontier areas as artificial intelligence (AI), smart driving, robotics, and biopharmaceuticals. Many delegates exchanged contacts, expressed investment interest, or planned follow-up visits, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a gateway for global deals with the GBA and broader collaboration in technologies.
Brian Davidson, British consul general to Hong Kong and Macao, described the tour as an “eyeopener,” noting the region’s “boundary-breaking” drive. “Innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity here support staggering growth — they solve current challenges while anticipating future ones,” he said.
Philippine Consul General in Hong Kong Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. emphasized the GBA’s ability to translate trends into impactful solutions, citing achievements in information and communications technology, biopharmaceuticals, and AI. “As a ‘future economic blue ocean,’ the GBA offers endless opportunities. I stand ready to facilitate two-way investment between the GBA and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” he said.
The GBA balances visionary planning with practical implementation, said Alfred Cheng Man On, head of corporate banking at Bank Negara Indonesia’s Hong Kong branch, adding, “On-the-ground visits clarify how the GBA and Hong Kong reinforce each other, with positive ripple effects across broader regions.”
Meanwhile, delegates agreed that the journey to the GBA mainland cities revealed a region that is not only at the forefront of technological innovation but also a paragon of livability, presenting a compelling case for global investment and collaboration.
Photo taken on June 6, 2025 shows a delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong visiting Zhuhai in south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xinyi)
In Zhuhai, delegates admired coastal landscapes and eco-parks, with Inaki Amate, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, comparing the city to Danang in Vietnam and Malaga in Spain.
“Similarly, GBA mainland cities offer a work-life balance that drives innovation and attracts talent,” Amate told Xinhua, noting “the GBA together as a global brand must be elevated collaboratively.”
He encouraged the Hong Kong business community to leverage its financial and legal expertise to help mainland’s GBA firms “go global,” while encouraging European investors to tap into GBA innovation sectors and support reciprocal ventures like GBA factories in Europe to boost employment and brand presence.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The India Pavilion, christened Bharat Mandap, has emerged as one of the top five most admired pavilions at the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, according to Yamamoto-san, Deputy Pavilion Director and representative of the Japan Travel Bureau (JTB). Competing alongside pavilions from the United States, Italy, France, and Japan, Bharat Mandap has captivated visitors with its seamless blend of India’s ancient cultural heritage and modern aspirations, earning praise from Expo officials, Japanese locals, and global social media audiences.
For the first time, the Ministry of Culture has taken the helm in curating the India Pavilion, a responsibility previously held by the Ministry of Commerce. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) was appointed as the nodal agency to design and execute this international showcase, which will remain open to the public until October 13. Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, described the Pavilion as a “comprehensive reflection of India’s ancient knowledge systems, modern technological aspirations, and growing global footprint.”
Located in the Expo’s ‘Connecting Lives Zone,’ Bharat Mandap is more than an architectural marvel—it is a vibrant symbol of India’s cultural diplomacy. Despite receiving its space allocation later than others, IGNCA collaborated efficiently with Japanese authorities to create a Pavilion that marries heritage with innovation. The result is an immersive experience featuring interactive cultural sessions, artistic installations, and exhibits that have drawn accolades from global dignitaries and visitors alike.
Unlike other pavilions with long queues and restricted access, *Bharat Mandap* offers a welcoming and inclusive environment. Highlights include sections showcasing India’s advancements in innovation, Ayurveda, ISRO, and sustainability, alongside live cultural performances like Garba dances and yoga sessions led by Indian Acharyas. Visitors can also savor authentic Indian cuisine, try on traditional Himachali caps, and explore family-friendly photo-op corners adorned with Indian handicrafts. These offerings have made the Pavilion a crowd favorite, sparking widespread engagement online.
The Pavilion’s design is steeped in symbolism, with a striking image of Padmapani Bodhisattva, inspired by the Ajanta cave murals, at its spiritual core, embodying India’s ethos of compassion. Architectural elements like the Blue Lotus Façade, Bodhi Tree Installation, and Flowing Waters reflect philosophical themes of interconnectedness, peace, and transformation. The Lotus Courtyard and Oneness Lounge echo the ancient Indian principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
Dr. Joshi emphasized the Pavilion’s broader mission: “To represent India on this global stage is not just about showcasing culture—it is about inviting the world into India’s living heritage. The Bharat Mandap is a space where tradition meets transformation, where the eternal Indian spirit engages with the global future.”
Running until October 13, under the theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, has attracted over 160 countries and 9 international organizations, with an estimated 28 million visitors expected.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SJ’s address at Ceremony for Admission of New Senior Counsel (English only)
Chief Justice, members of the Judiciary, Chairman of the Bar (Hong Kong Bar Association), President of the Law Society (Law Society of Hong Kong), fellow members of the legal profession, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of the Department of Justice, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the three new silks: Ms Catrina Lam, Ms Priscilia Lam and Mr Timothy Parker. Their appointments as Senior Counsel are undoubtedly well deserved.
I have to confess that I had a mixed feeling upon seeing their names in the press release of the Judiciary. On the one hand, I noted at once that the family name of two of the appointees is “Lam” (林). I am, naturally, very proud and pleased that the “Lams” seem to be doing quite well in the legal field. Other prominent examples would include eminent members of the Judiciary such as Johnson Lam PJ and Godfrey Lam JA. On the other hand, I was a bit concerned that this is second year in a row that there are more female appointees than male!
Catrina has a very successful practice mainly in the area of commercial and competition law. For those of you who know the Chinese names of Catrina and me, apart from having the same family name, the second character is also identical i.e. “定”. Very shortly after the Judiciary’s announcement, I received a WeChat message from a lawyer friend on the Mainland asking very seriously whether Catrina is my younger sister!
Priscilia, as we all know, specialises in criminal law. The Department of Justice has instructed her to prosecute in many important criminal cases. When I was preparing this speech, I asked one of my colleagues in the Prosecution Division whether there is anything funny or interesting that I can say about Priscilia. To my disappointment, the answer that I received is that “Sorry, I tried and tried, scratched my head, but I just can’t think of anything funny.” Perhaps I have not asked the right person. Anyhow, it is well known that Priscilia is very sporty; and is very good at kick boxing, snowboarding and wake surfing. At one point, I was very tempted to consult Zervos JA, who is, as we all know, the dear husband of Priscilia, on the level of her kick boxing skills as he might have some first-hand experience but, on reflection, that did not appear to be a good idea at all!
As to Timothy, he has a general civil practice and is particularly recognised for his expertise in public law and constitutional matters. I was told that his son, Graham, was born last month. So, coupled with his appointment as Senior Counsel, this is what we would say in Chinese: “雙喜臨門”, double happiness.
Apart from today’s ceremony, there were two other significant legal events in the past week or so. First, last Wednesday, the Legislative Council approved the appointment of Sir William Young, an eminent former judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, as a foreign non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. Second, about a week ago on May 30, 33 countries including China signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong. Representatives from around other 40 countries and 20 international organisations also attended the ceremony. These encouraging developments demonstrate that Hong Kong’s status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre is strongly supported and acknowledged by our country and the international community.
Hong Kong’s success in this respect so far is attributed to our common law system, which is indeed one of the most important and distinctive advantages enjoyed by Hong Kong under the principle of “one country, two systems”. While we must do our best to preserve and enhance the essential features and core values of our common law system, it is vital not to overlook many challenges ahead. Senior Counsel, as leaders of our strong and independent bar, are expected and required to play proactive and leading roles in overcoming these challenges. For the present purpose, I would like to mention three of them.
The first challenge is how to use technological innovations to promote efficiency, but without compromising the integrity, of judicial proceedings. I wish to quote from an English decision handed down yesterday in Ayinde, R (On the Application of) v Qatar National Bank QPSC & Anor [2025] EWHC 1383 (Admin) “Artificial intelligence is a tool that carries with it risks as well as opportunities. Its use must take place therefore with an appropriate degree of oversight, and within a regulatory framework that ensures compliance with well-established professional and ethical standards if public confidence in the administration of justice is to be maintained… In the context of legal research, the risks of using artificial intelligence are now well known. Freely available generative artificial intelligence tools, trained on a large language model such as ChatGPT are not capable of conducting reliable legal research. Such tools can produce apparently coherent and plausible responses to prompts, but those coherent and plausible responses may turn out to be entirely incorrect. The responses may make confident assertions that are simply untrue. They may cite sources that do not exist. They may purport to quote passages from a genuine source that do not appear in that source. Those who use artificial intelligence to conduct legal research notwithstanding these risks have a professional duty therefore to check the accuracy of such research…There are serious implications for the administration of justice and public confidence in the justice system if artificial intelligence is misused. In those circumstances, practical and effective measures must now be taken by those within the legal profession with individual leadership responsibilities (such as heads of chambers and managing partners) and by those with the responsibility for regulating the provision of legal services. Those measures must ensure that every individual currently providing legal services within this jurisdiction (whenever and wherever they were qualified to do so) understands and complies with their professional and ethical obligations and their duties to the court if using artificial intelligence.” It is clear that these important remarks apply equally to Hong Kong.
The second challenge is how to enhance the synergy between our common law system and the Mainland legal system under the principle of “one country, two systems”. To maintain Hong Kong’s unique attractiveness as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between China and the rest of the world in the provision of legal and dispute resolution services, it is essential to review, and improve on, the existing mutual legal assistance arrangements in civil and commercial matters continuously. All of them are concerned with either judicial or arbitration proceedings in which counsel are usually heavily involved. On the other hand, there is a huge and growing demand on the Mainland for capacity building on international legal practice. A good recent example is the Legal Services Forum, which included a mock arbitration, held in Xi’an about two weeks ago in late May, which was attended by a large number of Mainland lawyers not just from Shaanxi but many other neighbouring provinces and regions in Western China. One of the most sought-after topics in these capacity building programmes is the skill and etiquette of oral advocacy, which is something that Senior Counsel are renowned for.
The third challenge is to maintain Hong Kong’s international image regarding its rule of law. We have to face the music. For whatever reasons, many people outside Hong Kong do not have a proper and complete understanding of the present state of the rule of law, and the actual operation of our legal and judicial systems, in Hong Kong. Nowadays, perception is reality. A negative perception, no matter how misplaced, is liable to impair people’s trust and confidence in Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Senior Counsel, owing to their status as respectable and independent legal professionals as well as skillful advocates, are best positioned to tell the good and true story of Hong Kong in this regard.
These challenges must, of course, be overcome by different branches of the legal profession of Hong Kong together. But, as I said earlier and for reasons that I explained, it is reasonably expected that Senior Counsel, as an institution representing the cream of our profession, should take the lead to do so. I sincerely hope that the three new silks would join the efforts in this respect.
On this note, may I wish all three of you all the best and every success. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 12:22
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (June 7) that lifestyle community Xiaohongshu has opened an office in Hong Kong. This marks Xiaohongshu’s first office outside the Mainland, facilitating enhanced services for cross-border brands and users.
Xiaohongshu held an opening ceremony today for its Hong Kong office, with the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, officiating and delivering a speech. He said: “We warmly welcome Xiaohongshu to establish an office in Hong Kong. Xiaohongshu’s presence in Hong Kong carries significant values. First, it fosters closer connections with the Hong Kong community, offering new perspectives and channels for local businesses in product design, marketing and promotion. Second, as an international finance, trade and innovation and technology centre, Hong Kong can help Xiaohongshu grow its business and expand its global footprint. Third, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West cultural characteristics and our global networks, Xiaohongshu can promote Chinese culture and products to the world, sharing the good stories of China. We also look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Xiaohongshu to enhance the experience of Mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong, enhance the visibility of Hong Kong’s tourism, retail, dining and creative industries, and allow visitors to have an enjoyable experience that makes them want to return.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) and Boao Forum for Asia, the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum (ISTIF) of the Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for two consecutive days (June 6 and 7). Under the theme of
“Transitioning Towards the Future: Powered by Science, Technology and Innovation”, the conference attracted some 800 leading experts, academics and political and economic leaders from the Mainland and overseas to gather in Hong Kong for an in-depth exchange and sharing of experience, and to explore how to capitalise on Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being connected to the Mainland and the outside world and how to foster global co-operation in the field of innovation and technology (I&T).
Fully recognising Hong Kong’s advantage of being highly internationalised and as the gateway to both China and the world, the ISTIF was held in Hong Kong for the first time.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HEFEI, June 8 (Xinhua) — China and other member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) discussed low-carbon development issues, from new energy vehicles (NEVs) to common ideas for a green future, at a recent dialogue in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province.
The dialogue focused on NEVs and advanced photovoltaic production and supply chains, and demonstrated the growing commitment of RCEP member countries to promote sustainable development.
The dialogue was held as part of the RCEP 2025 Huangshan Regional Government and Sister City Cooperation Forum, which was held from June 4 to 6 and brought together about 300 participants from 15 countries that have joined the RCEP. A total of 27 agreements were signed, covering areas such as trade, technology and sister city relations.
During the event, a number of joint projects were presented and signed, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and deepening regional cooperation.
As protectionism and unilateralism continue to challenge global supply chains, the NIE automotive industry faces growing uncertainty.
Against this backdrop, as the world’s largest free trade agreement in terms of population and trade volume, RCEP is becoming a stabilizing force that brings greater certainty to the global economy. This view was echoed by many forum participants.
Automotive cooperation in the NIE among RCEP member states is gaining momentum. In May, PT SGMW Motor Indonesia (Wuling) celebrated the production of its three millionth electric vehicle worldwide. Geely has started trial production of its EX5 model at its plant in Indonesia, with mass production set to begin in the third quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has begun construction of a passenger car plant in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone. The plant, which has a planned capacity of 10,000 units per year, is expected to begin operations by the end of this year.
Forum participants noted a clear shift in NIE automobile cooperation among RCEP member countries from early-stage automobile exports to deeper localization. This shift was marked by the establishment of regional manufacturing hubs and the development of full supply chains, including battery materials and key components.
For example, the SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile plant in Indonesia has implemented an integrated system covering both vehicle production and parts supply to support the modernization of the country’s automobile industry.
Major Chinese battery makers such as China Aviation Lithium Battery (CALB), Gotion High-Tech, and SVOLT Energy Technology have also expanded their operations in RCEP countries, building factories in Thailand, Vietnam, and elsewhere. Some have already begun local production, accelerating the regional growth of the EV ecosystem.
“ASEAN is a dynamic region with growing demand for mobility solutions, increasing environmental awareness and a young population that embraces change,” said Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines President Edmund Araga.
In recent years, RCEP members have set targets to reduce carbon emissions. Cambodia aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and increase the share of renewable energy to 70 percent by 2030. Thailand plans to increase the share of electric vehicles in its car production to 30 percent by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
“RCEP has created a long-term cooperation mechanism for us,” said Malaysian Electric Vehicle Association President Dennis Chua, adding that battery development and waste recycling are expected to be key areas of long-term cooperation between Malaysia, China and other RCEP members.
In the first four months of 2025, China’s NIS auto output rose 48.3 percent year-on-year to nearly 4.43 million units, while sales jumped 46.2 percent to 4.3 million, data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed. NIS vehicles accounted for 42.7 percent of the country’s total auto sales during the period.
“China has become a global leader in NEVs, not just in terms of manufacturing but also in research and development, battery innovation, infrastructure and scale,” said Edmund Araga. “Together, we can shape the future of mobility in Asia and around the world.” -0-
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic and transport arrangements for football match at Kai Tak Sports Park on June 10 and enhanced taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal
| Location(from 4pm to 8pm)for special bus routes only(from 4pm to 8pm) Relevant bureaux/departments and the KTSP Limited have arranged site visit and meeting with and issued letters to the taxi trade to facilitate its familiarisation of the new arrangements and routes concerned. Additional signage will also be put up on site for identification. During dispersal, the expected waiting time will be longer amid an outflux of spectators and passengers’ patience is appreciated.
Spectators are advised to take heed of the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hkIssued at HKT 12:38 NNNN |
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xi, Myanmar leader exchange congratulations on 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties
BEIJING, June 8 — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In his message, Xi said that over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the “Paukphaw” (fraternal) friendship between China and Myanmar has stood the test of time and grown even stronger.
Upholding the jointly advocated Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, the two countries have been committed to good neighborliness, deepened mutually beneficial cooperation, and firmly supported each other on issues regarding their respective core interests and major concerns, setting a fine example of friendly exchange between countries, he said.
Xi recalled his meeting with Min Aung Hlaing in Russia in May, when the two leaders reached important consensus on building the China-Myanmar community with a shared future.
China attaches great importance to the development of its ties with Myanmar and stands ready to work with Myanmar to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to accelerate high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative and push for solid progress in building the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples, Xi stressed.
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Geneva, Switzerland, 6 June 2025 – Recent analysis by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reveals significant gaps remain in early warning coverage globally, with many government alerts lacking clear instructions or multilingual accessibility. Risk communication serves as the bridge between detecting threats and taking protective action-when messages fail to resonate with audiences in a way that leads to action, even the most advanced early warning systems may not be effective.
“Countries must look beyond technology alone. We must strengthen the weakest links in the early warning chain – between systems and people, between warning and response, and between authority and trust” said Kamal Kishore.
This call to strengthen communication systems was echoed throughout the Global Platform sessions.
Recognition of communication’s essential role was evident throughout this year’s Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which featured an increased focus on risk communication across multiple sessions and events. The conference included its first dedicated thematic session centered on risk communication, signaling the international community’s growing understanding that effective communication is fundamental to disaster risk reduction.
A key focus emerged around strengthening the Early Warnings for All initiative, which aims to ensure no one is left vulnerable during disasters. Sessions like, “Bridging the Gap: Critical Media’s Role in Strengthening Alerts and Enhancing Disaster Preparedness,” highlighted a stark reality: when disasters strike, people often rely on local radio, television, or community messaging groups like WhatsApp for information, rather than formal government alert systems alone. This recognition drove discussions about media’s role not merely as a projector of warnings, but as a trusted intermediary between experts and the public.
Sessions explored how to develop clear, accessible, and inclusive communication frameworks that address accessibility gaps and ensure technical systems reach last-mile communities. The focus on media partnerships reflects the urgent need to strengthen coordination between media, governments, and disaster risk reduction agencies for more effective messaging, while investing in inclusive communication approaches including sign language, Braille, and audio alerts.
“Media has an absolutely critical role in this whole process,” said Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. “This is not just a technical problem which scientists do. This is something which has to be conveyed to the general public in an easily understandable, usable, actionable way and that is something that media does much better than any scientist could do.”
Throughout the Global Platform, the Ignite Stage showcased cutting-edge approaches to risk communication that exemplified the shift toward more engaging, accessible, and community-centered messaging. These brief but impactful presentations demonstrated how creativity and technology can transform how disaster risk information reaches and resonates with diverse audiences.
Presentations included virtual reality classrooms for disaster and climate education, offering immersive learning experiences that help students understand hazards in ways traditional textbooks cannot. Creative risk communication initiatives honored the legacy of Pablo Suarez, a pioneer in using games and creativity for disaster preparedness, while sessions on “serious fun” explored how to communicate risks through engaging formats.
These presentations reinforced that effective risk communication must move beyond technical messaging to content and formats that capture attention, engage emotions, and inspire action.
The thematic session on Enhanced Risk Awareness and Communication revealed both challenges and pathways forward for effective risk communication.
“You can’t logic people into preparedness. You have to move them. We’re losing people’s attention and in a disaster, attention is everything. So let’s get creative let’s use formats people already love,” said Barrise Griffin, Youth Delegate and DRR expert from the Bahamas.
A fundamental finding emerged: while new technologies offer greater opportunities for communities to connect and self-organize, the most vulnerable groups-young persons, persons with disabilities, migrants, displaced persons, and indigenous communities-are often forgotten in risk communication efforts.
Session panelists emphasized the need to move beyond one-way messaging toward genuine dialogue where communities become partners rather than passive recipients. Speakers showcased innovative approaches that prioritize human connection alongside technological advancement, from survivor storytelling projects that build awareness through lived experience to platforms that translate technical forecasts into local languages and cultural contexts.
The various sessions revealed trust and localisation as fundamental infrastructure for effective risk communication-without them, even the most advanced warning systems can fail to motivate protective action. Trust must be built through consistent engagement with communities, using local messengers and voices that people can relate to and believe.
This insight connects directly to the challenge of misinformation and disinformation, which was identified as growing threats amplified by social media. Building resilience against misinformation and disinformation requires establishing trusted communication pathways before disasters strike, creating relationships that can withstand the information overload that often accompanies emergencies.
Rather than viewing populations as passive recipients of warnings, these sessions emphasized the need to position communities as active partners with valuable knowledge, experiences, and capabilities. When people feel heard and involved in risk conversations, they develop greater agency to assess their situations and take protective action.
Effective risk communication must go beyond translation to cultural adaptation, incorporating local culture, languages, music, and trusted community voices. This ensures that risk information not only reaches communities but resonates with their lived experiences and decision-making processes. Several examples demonstrated this principle in action: platforms that contextualize weather forecasts into local languages, child-centered preparedness programs that build lasting cultures of safety, and community-based approaches that integrate traditional knowledge with modern early warning systems.
The emphasis on localisation extends to involving communities in designing the systems themselves, particularly ensuring that persons with disabilities help create accessible early warning approaches that address their specific needs and experiences.
“Trust is the most powerful infrastructure in disaster preparedness because building the trust takes time, consistency and humility but without it even the best systems can fail,” said Dr. Nairwita Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Professor and Winner of WIN DRR Award 2024 from Haringhata Mahavidyalaya, India, during the thematic session on risk communication and education.
Building Resilient Communication Systems
As the Global Platform comes to an end, the focus on risk communication signals recognition of communication as critical infrastructure for disaster resilience. The discussions demonstrate that effective early warning requires not just detecting hazards and issuing alerts, but building the social foundation that enables communities to receive, understand, and act on risk information.
The path forward requires sustained investment in inclusive communication approaches that prioritize trust-building, community engagement, and accessible design. It demands moving beyond traditional top-down warning systems to embrace dialogue-based approaches that respect local knowledge while leveraging technological innovation responsibly.
When hazards threaten, everyone deserves clear, actionable information delivered through trusted channels in ways that resonate with them and empower their response. The Global Platform’s elevation of risk communication marks a crucial step toward making that vision reality.
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
GENEVA – As more than a thousand global leaders gathered for the 2025 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), a powerful force from a behind-the-scenes presence to taking a centre-stage role: the LAC Women’s Network (the Americas and the Caribbean Women’s Network for Disaster Risk Reduction) descended on Geneva not only to participate, but to transform. With over 1,500 members and four elected representatives, the network brings the voices and stories of women from an expansive region where disasters intersect with deep-rooted inequalities.
Their centerpiece? The Gender Observatory.
Formed in 2023 at the VIII Regional Platform in Uruguay, this citizen-monitoring tool has quickly evolved from a regional experiment into a global accountability mechanism. The Gender Observatory tracks gender and intersectional representation across official sessions, going far beyond surface-level parity.
Observers record who speaks, how women are portrayed, and whether marginalized groups are represented at all. With more than 60 volunteers gathering data in six languages during GP2025, the preliminary results suggest women are often present – but still struggle to be heard. Mentions of inclusion often lean towards the symbolic, and representation remains uneven.
“Observatories like this are crucial because what isn’t measured, doesn’t change,” said Cynthia Rodríguez, the Network’s Executive Secretary.
Rodríguez, who grew up near Ecuador’s Chimborazo volcano, knows firsthand how disaster risk multiplies along gender and class lines. At the Multi-Stakeholder Plenary, she shared a personal story of losing her mother to forced migration during Ecuador’s 1998 El Niño crisis – and of returning years later to co-found the country’s first private-sector DRR network.
By 6 June, the Gender Observatory had logged 92 observations from over 30 contributors at GP2025 – and counting. While data continues to come in, early figures offer a revealing snapshot of participation and representation:
But the Gender Observatory was not the Network’s only contribution. In a session titled Women’s Empowerment & Resilience: DRR Leadership Across Continents, the LAC Women’s Network joined forces with its Asia-Pacific counterpart (WIN DRR) and governments like Canada and Australia to advocate for the full implementation of the Sendai Framework’s Gender Action Plan.
Their message was simple: Women are not just vulnerable – they are leaders.
Elsewhere at GP2025, the Network hosted a Spanish-language showcase of good practices at the Inclusion Hub and participated in strategy dialogues with UNDRR leadership.
The Pledge Wall initiative – a colorful installation inviting attendees to commit publicly to inclusive DRR – served as a reminder that political will must be paired with visibility and accountability. The LAC Women’s Network was, of course, not only supporting it, but also making their own pledges.
The Network’s final declaration, signed by women across the region, demands more than applause. It calls for legal recognition of gender equality in disaster policy, direct funding for women-led initiatives, and the creation of a civil society-run regional Gender and DRR Observatory.
“Our network is working tirelessly to turn plans into action,” Rodríguez said. “But without resources and political support, we cannot scale the change our communities need.”
As the conference concludes, their data is being analyzed, their stories shared, and their message is unmistakable: Gender equality is not an add-on to disaster risk reduction. It is the foundation for resilience.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SFST to visit the UK and Norway
Mr Hui will return to Hong Kong on June 13. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.
Issued at HKT 12:00
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Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Donald Trump said on Saturday his relationship with his billionaire donor Elon Musk is over and warned there would be “serious consequences” if Musk funds U.S. Democrats running against Republicans who vote for the president’s sweeping tax and spending bill.
In a telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to say what those consequences would be, and went on to add that he had not had discussions about whether to investigate Musk.
Asked if he thought his relationship with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was over, Trump said, “I would assume so, yeah.”
“No,” Trump told NBC when asked if he had any desire to repair his relationship with Musk.
“I have no intention of speaking to him,” Trump said.
However, Trump said he had not thought about terminating U.S. government contracts with Musk’s StarLink satellite internet or SpaceX rocket launch companies.
Musk and Trump began exchanging insults this week, as Musk denounced Trump’s bill as a “disgusting abomination.” Musk’s opposition to the measure complicated efforts to pass the legislation in Congress, where Republicans hold only slim majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate.
The bill narrowly passed the House last month and is now before the Senate, where Trump’s fellow Republicans are considering making changes. Nonpartisan analysts estimate the measure would add $2.4 trillion to the $36.2 trillion U.S. debt over 10 years, which worries many lawmakers, including some Republicans who are fiscal hawks.
Musk also declared it was time for a new political party in the United States “to represent the 80% in the middle!”
Trump said on Saturday he is confident the bill would get passed by the U.S. July 4 Independence Day holiday.
“In fact, yeah, people that were, were going to vote for it are now enthusiastically going to vote for it, and we expect it to pass,” Trump told NBC.
Republicans have strongly backed Trump’s initiatives since he began his second term as president on January 20. While some Republican lawmakers have made comments to the news media expressing concern about some of Trump’s choices, they have yet to vote down any of his policies or nominations.
DELETED MUSK POSTS
Musk has deleted some social media posts critical of Trump, including one that signaled support for impeaching the president, appearing to seek a de-escalation of their public feud, which exploded on Thursday. During his first term as president, the House, then controlled by Democrats, twice voted to impeach Trump but the Senate both times acquitted him.
The White House and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday on the deleted posts.
People who have spoken to Musk said his anger has begun to recede and they thought he would want to repair his relationship with Trump.
One of the X posts that Musk appeared to have deleted was a response to another user posting: “President vs Elon. Who wins? My money’s on Elon. Trump should be impeached and (Vice President) JD Vance should replace him.” Musk had written “yes.”
On Theo Von’s “This Past Weekend” podcast – recorded on Thursday as the feud between Trump and Musk unfolded and released on Saturday – Vance called Musk’s criticism of Trump a “huge mistake.”
“I’m always going to be loyal to the president, and I hope that eventually Elon kind of comes back into the fold. Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear. But I hope it is,” said Vance, describing Musk as an “incredible entrepreneur.”
Trump is due to attend an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight card on Saturday in New Jersey. Since his second election win, he has attended two previous UFC mixed martial arts fight cards with Musk. Musk is not expected to attend on Saturday.
Musk, the world’s richest man, bankrolled a large part of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, spending nearly $300 million in last year’s U.S. elections and taking credit for Republicans retaining a majority of seats in the House and retaking a majority in the Senate.
Trump named Musk to head an effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending, lauding him at the White House only about a week ago for his work as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk cut only about half of 1% of total spending, far short of his brash plans to axe $2 trillion from the federal budget.
(Reuters)
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MINSK, June 8 (Xinhua) — China’s U-22 men’s youth team played a 1-1 draw with Belarus’ U-21 team in a friendly match on Saturday. The game was held at the new National Football Stadium of Belarus, built with China’s support. The football arena, which can accommodate 33,000 spectators, was almost full, with fans actively supporting both teams.
At the beginning of the match, the Belarusian team, using the home advantage, actively attacked. Already in the first 10 minutes, they earned several corners, but were unable to convert them into goals. In the 13th minute, the Chinese team carried out a counterattack: midfielder Mutellip Iminkari went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the ball hit the post.
The Belarusians relied on aerial play, using their height, and the Chinese responded with quick attacks, creating several dangerous moments. However, the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, already in the 1st minute, a Chinese defender committed a foul in his penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty. Player number 22 from the Belarusian team, Nikita Baranov, confidently converted the kick, opening the score – 1:0.
The Chinese did not give up and continued to attack. In the 65th minute, the coaching staff made substitutions, and in the 74th minute, M. Iminkari effectively finished off a corner kick, leveling the score – 1:1.
The Belarusians actively pressed until the end of the match, but the Chinese defense held out, and the game ended in a draw.
China U-22 goalkeeper Li Hao noted after the match that “even though it was a friendly match, the atmosphere at the new stadium felt like a serious tournament. The Belarusians created a lot of problems for us, but we showed a decent level.”
Arseny Skopets, goalkeeper for the Belarus U-21 team, said he was generally pleased with his performance. “China is a strong opponent. I hope we will have more matches like this,” he said.
According to the China Football Association, the U-22 team is holding a training camp in Dalian, Liaoning Province, from May 23 to June 10 to prepare for the 2026 U-23 AFC Asian Cup and the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games. As part of the preparation, the team traveled to Belarus to play friendly matches. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Both Cambodia and Thailand expressed hopes for a peaceful settlement of the border dispute after a brief exchange of gunfire in a disputed border area on May 28.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Saturday that he hopes to resolve the border issue with Thailand peacefully.
“Cambodia adheres to the principles of maintaining peace, friendship and good cooperation with Thailand,” Hun Manet posted on his Facebook page, saying Cambodia has decided to refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice.
“The decision is to seek a peaceful and permanent solution to the border problems in those areas, rather than leaving the problem to remain ambiguous for a long time, which could lead to a new armed conflict,” he added.
Hun Manet said Cambodia would continue to collaborate with Thai parties to promote the measurement of the border and establish the remaining border using the Cambodia-Thai Joint Boundary Commission mechanism.
Speaking at a press conference, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura called on the Cambodian side to “reduce the level of tension along the border to prevent the situation from escalating unnecessarily.”
Following the late-May military skirmish, Thailand has exercised “the utmost restraint” and focused on resolving the situation peacefully by pursuing all diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions, Nikorndej said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, posted on X on Friday that he has “engaged with the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia” regarding the ongoing border issues.
“I urge Thailand and Cambodia to continue exercising restraint, take measures to de-escalate tensions, and work towards a peaceful and comprehensive resolution,” Anwar said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Iran on Saturday strongly condemned a new U.S. travel ban targeting citizens from several countries, including Iran, calling the move a “clear sign of deep-seated hostility toward Iranians.”
Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a statement reported by state news agency IRNA, denounced the U.S. government’s decision, asserting that the restrictions target individuals solely based on their nationality and religion.
The ministry added that such policies reflect a discriminatory mindset and violate fundamental principles of international law, including the principles of non-discrimination and respect for human rights.
The statement called on the United Nations and international human rights bodies to publicly oppose Washington’s “unilateral and discriminatory measures.” It also affirmed that Iran would use all available means to protect the rights of its citizens and respond to the consequences of such actions by the U.S. administration.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday evening to ban travel from certain countries, citing national security risks. The White House said the proclamation, set to take effect on June 9, would fully ban the entry of nationals from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 8, 2025.
Bougainville wants independence. China’s support for a controversial mine could pave the way
ANALYSIS: By Anna-Karina Hermkens, Macquarie University Bougainville, an autonomous archipelago currently part of Papua New Guinea, is determined to become the world’s newest country. To support this process, it’s offering foreign investors access to a long-shuttered copper and gold mine. Formerly owned by the Australian company Rio Tinto, the Panguna mine caused displacement and severe
Ponsonby community up in arms over impending post office closure
Asia Pacific Report The community is up in arms over another local post office in Aotearoa New Zealand about to be closed down, this time in the iconic and historic Auckland inner city suburb of Ponsonby. A local author and founder of Greenstone Pictures, John Harris, has led a pushback against plans to close the
ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 7, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 7, 2025.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
From new energy vehicles (NEVs) to shared visions of a greener future, low-carbon development brought China and its fellow Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states closer together at a recent dialogue in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province.
The dialogue was focused on NEVs and advanced photovoltaic industrial and supply chains, and spotlighted the growing resolve of participating countries to transform mobility and advance sustainable development.
It was a key part of the 2025 RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum, which ran from June 4 to 6 and brought together approximately 300 delegates from all 15 RCEP member states. The forum yielded 27 cooperation deals spanning trade, technology and sister-city ties.
Under the RCEP framework, a number of joint projects were unveiled and signed during the event, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability and deeper regional collaboration.
As protectionism and unilateralism continue to challenge global supply chains, the electric vehicle industry is facing increasing uncertainty.
Against this backdrop and as the world’s largest free trade agreement by population and trade volume, the RCEP is emerging as a stabilizing force, bringing greater certainty to the global economy. This perspective was echoed by many forum participants.
Under the RCEP framework, NEV cooperation between member states is gaining strong momentum. In May, PT SGMW Motor Indonesia (Wuling) celebrated the production of its 3-millionth electric vehicle globally, and has manufactured 40,000 units at its plant in Cikarang, West Java. Geely reached a key milestone with the trial production of its EX5 model at its factory in Purwakarta, Indonesia, which is set to begin mass production in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has begun construction on a passenger vehicle plant in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone. With a planned annual capacity of 10,000 vehicles, the plant is expected to start operations by the end of this year.
Representatives at the forum noted a clear shift in NEV cooperation among RCEP members — from early-stage vehicle exports to deeper local integration. This transition has been marked by the establishment of regional manufacturing hubs and the development of full supply chains, including battery materials and key components.
SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile’s factory in Indonesia, for example, has adopted a comprehensive setup encompassing both car manufacturing and the supply of parts to support the upgrade of the country’s auto industry.
Major Chinese battery makers such as China Aviation Lithium Battery (CALB), Gotion High-Tech and SVOLT Energy Technology have also expanded into RCEP countries, building factories in Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. Some have already begun local production, accelerating the regional growth of an electric vehicle ecosystem.
“ASEAN represents a vibrant and dynamic region, with rising demand for mobility solutions, growing environmental awareness, and a youthful population that embraces change,” said Edmund Araga, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines.
In recent years, RCEP members have set goals to cut carbon emissions. Cambodia is aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and increase its renewable energy share to 70 percent by 2030. Thailand is planning for electric vehicles to account for 30 percent of its car production by 2030, and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Together, we represent more than 2.3 billion people and around 30 percent of global GDP. That is not just economic scale — it is social responsibility,” said Bhokin Bhalakula, former president of the National Assembly of Thailand and chairman of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association, speaking of the RCEP member states.
“RCEP has established a mechanism for long-term cooperation for us,” said Dennis Chuah, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Malaysia, adding that battery development and recycling are expected to become key areas of long-term cooperation between Malaysia, China and other RCEP members.
As the host city of the dialogue, Hefei is making big strides in the new energy sector. In 2024, the city’s NEV output exceeded 1.37 million units, with the total value of its industrial chain hitting 260 billion yuan (about 36.19 billion U.S. dollars). Its solar and energy storage sectors also saw rapid growth, exceeding 180 billion yuan.
According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China produced nearly 4.43 million NEVs in the first four months of 2025, up 48.3 percent year on year, with sales rising 46.2 percent to 4.3 million units. NEVs accounted for 42.7 percent of all new vehicle sales during the period.
“China has become a global leader in NEVs — not just in terms of production, but in R&D, battery innovation, infrastructure and scale,” Araga said. “Together, we have the power to shape the future of mobility in Asia and the world.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
InvestHK to deepen economic ties with Canadian investors and businesses (with photo)
“Hong Kong and Canada have long shared a strong and mutually beneficial investment relationship. In 2023, Canada ranked eighth among the major sources of inward direct investment into Hong Kong, contributing over US$34 billion. At the same time, Hong Kong made outward direct investment of around US$10 billion to Canada, reflecting the deep economic ties and two-way confidence between our markets,” Mr Ng said. “Hong Kong will continue to play its unique role as both a ‘super connector’ and a value creator, bridging traditional and emerging markets and unlocking new opportunities for Canadian businesses.”
During his visit to Waterloo, Toronto and Montreal, Mr Ng will meet with investors, family offices, multinationals, Canadian start-ups, academia and business leaders to explore new opportunities for collaboration and showcase Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a launchpad for Asian expansion. Key discussions will focus on leveraging the city’s strategic gateway position to Mainland China and its business-friendly environment for scaling operations.
Mr Ng will host exclusive roundtables for entrepreneurs and Canada-Hong Kong ecosystem partners to highlight Hong Kong’s strengths in wealth management and cross-border investment solutions. He will also participate in networking events to promote Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025, inviting Canadian investors and entrepreneurs to visit Hong Kong November 3 to 7, engage with Asia’s dynamic markets, and experience the opportunities Hong Kong offers firsthand.
Hong Kong and Canada have established longstanding and strong ties across trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges. This relationship was further strengthened by the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which came into effect in September 2016, providing Canadian and Hong Kong investors with a transparent and secure environment to foster cross-border investment. In 2023, Canada ranked as Hong Kong’s ninth largest services trading partner, with bilateral trade growing at an average annual rate of 2.2 per cent from 2019 to 2023.
Issued at HKT 9:00
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 jolted the western Indian-Antarctic Ridge at 23:20 GMT on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
According to preliminary data, the epicenter of the tremors was located at a point with coordinates of 47.83 degrees south latitude and 116.02 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 10.0 km. –0–
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Hong Kong’s universities are internationally renowned for their excellence in many different fields, attracting students from all around the world to study in the city.
Hannah Yu is among them. Hailing from Zhejiang, she is an undergraduate student in City University’s School of Law. She describes the university as having an international atmosphere, with various courses being taught by visiting foreign scholars.
“Hong Kong is the bridge between the east and west,” she said. “Here we can have more chance to interact with people with diverse backgrounds. And also, Hong Kong is one of the few common law jurisdictions in Asia.”
The university also provides a number of exchange programmes, with Hannah having been on short-term exchange visits to Oxford University in the UK and another university in Sweden.
“I think this experience is what Hong Kong gives me,” she said.
Universities in Hong Kong encourage exchange learning by developing exchange programmes and offering financial assistance to participating students. As of the end of November last year, universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) had signed more than 2,600 student exchange agreements with institutions around the world.
Cultural diversity
City University has been ranked as the world’s most international university by the British magazine Times Higher Education for two consecutive years, and its many non-local students help to create a richly multicultural environment.
Ivelina Karaatanasova from Bulgaria is an undergraduate student at the university’s School of Creative Media. She explained that she chose to study in Hong Kong because she wanted to explore creative environments outside of Europe.
Owing to the university’s highly internationalised environment, she has met people from all kinds of backgrounds, allowing her to think innovatively and understand diverse perspectives.
She added that she enjoys Hong Kong’s vibrant lifestyle and hopes to stay in the city after graduation if she can find an opportunity to develop her career here.
Abundant opportunities
Kevin Frans Periatna from Indonesia agrees that Hong Kong boasts unique advantages and offers a diverse range of opportunities for graduates.
An undergraduate in City University’s College of Business, he was inspired to step out of his comfort zone and come to Hong Kong by the example of his elder brother, a City University graduate.
He highlighted that Hong Kong provides diversified options for graduate career paths, adding that the Government offers extensive support for startups, backed by a flourishing ecosystem in the city. Kevin plans to stay in Hong Kong after graduating to develop his career or even start his own business.
He also emphasised the part cultural diversity plays in ensuring the university’s success.
“There will not be innovation if there are no different opinions,” he said. “By having different people from different cultures, it could make the university become one of the best universities.”
Talent acquisition
To further develop Hong Kong into an international education hub for post-secondary education, the Government doubled the enrolment ceiling for non-local students of government-funded post-secondary institutions to 40% from the current academic year.
UGC Secretariat Secretary-General Prof James Tang said that having more foreign students studying in Hong Kong is beneficial to the city.
“On the one hand, it will attract talent to Hong Kong,” he said. “On the other hand, it helps local students in appreciating and understanding diverse cultures.”
The number of non-local students has gradually increased over the past five years. In the current academic year, the number of such students enrolling in UGC-funded programmes reached about 26,600, adding to growing demand for student accommodation.
The Government set up the Hostel Development Fund in 2018 to support the construction of student hostels by UGC-funded universities. With the completion of various hostel projects coming to fruition, it is expected that the total capacity of the city’s student accommodation will increase to around 50,000.
Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies
Patricia Karvelas: Trade Minister Don Farrell is in Paris at the moment, meeting with his European counterparts on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. I spoke to him a short time ago. Minister, welcome to the program.
Minister for Trade: Thank you, Patricia.
Patricia Karvelas: You’ve said talks have been positive. What’s different this time round?
Minister for Trade: The world has changed since the last time we had had negotiations with the Europeans. The fact that we’ve had the largest group of trade ministers meeting here in Paris this week, I think is a pretty good clue that most countries think that things have changed and that those countries that are committed to free and fair trade, as we are, need to do more to ensure that we make progress and show the rest of the world that we can in fact prosper by free and open trade. I think that’s the key thing that’s changed in the last 18 months, Patricia.
Patricia Karvelas: And has there been an escalation in the interest, the enthusiasm, essentially because of the Trump agenda that’s upended global tariffs and the global tariff war?
Minister for Trade: Look, I think certainly this week I’ve probably had more discussions with more countries in the space of two days than I’ve ever had in the past. Those countries that are interested in free and fair trade want to do more. You’ll recall one of our first interviews, Patricia, I was in Japan. We were renewing our trade relationship with Japan. We wanted to commit to diversifying our trading relationship and that’s exactly what we’ve done. We’ve got new trade agreements. We want to do more trade agreements. Every time we do one of those trade agreements, we improve the prosperity of our country. What we know is if you’re an outward facing company, then your profits are likely to be higher than one just selling internally. And secondly, and I think importantly, the wages of your staff likely to be higher. So, there’s lots of good reasons why we should trade, and other countries feel the same way.
Patricia Karvelas: Can you name any countries that look like they might be interested in perhaps changing the arrangements between us and them where the actual dial has changed significantly?
Minister for Trade: Well, you know, the European Union, that’s 27 countries just in one hit there. I had a very, very good meeting with the new Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič. Fortunately, he’s Slovakian and one of my staff speaks Slovakian, so that’s very good. He’s made it very clear that those 27 countries are interested in another crack at a free trade agreement. It was a very positive meeting. There was a lot of warmth in the room. We’ve sent our officials off today to Brussels to see if we can nut out the bones of an agreement. And if we can, we’re going to move very quickly on that one.
Patricia Karvelas: What sort of time frame are you thinking?
Minister for Trade: Look, I’m reluctant to set a timeframe because, of course, that creates expectations and, you know, if you don’t meet them, well, it looks like you’re not making progress. But both of us have agreed that we’ll move as quickly as we can. I had a very good meeting with my good friend, Trade Minister Goyal from India. He’s keen for a fresh trade agreement. We can do more with India. India, the largest country in the world now. A country where by 2030, they say that they’ll have 900 million people in what they describe as their middle class. And what we know is when people move into that middle class, their expectations of food and wine go up. And, of course, no country produces better food and wine than Australia.
Patricia Karvelas: Well, I think we can agree on that. Let me take you to the EU sticking points. In the past, we’ve obviously had disputes over the naming rights of things like Prosecco or feta. Does it look like they might be moving on those issues?
Minister for Trade: Look, it’s early, early days, Patricia. I’m hoping that with some goodwill and some tough bargaining, there’s still going to be plenty of tough bargaining to go on that, we can resolve all of the outstanding issues that were the impediments to getting an agreement last time. We have to be prepared to compromise. I think we have to make compromises if we’re going to get an agreement, but so do they. I think if we can, if we can reach a point where both of us feel that the agreement is in the best interest of both of our regions, then I think we can get there.
Patricia Karvelas: Ok. And the opposition has already said that you need to be playing hardball. And clearly, they’re kind of putting out the markers of what they would consider, indeed, a fair deal for Australia. Are you playing hardball?
Minister for Trade: I’m doing what I always do, Patricia, which is coolly and calmly negotiate these things through. I mean, you have to remember this opposition. When we came to government three years ago, we had $20 billion worth of trade impediments from China. That opposition didn’t get a single tariff removed, a single extra kilo of beef into China. Come last Christmas, we got the final impediments moved when we freed up crayfish sales back into China. And, you know, not only did we get that $20 billion worth of trade back, but when it did come back, we’re actually selling more than we were before the impediments were introduced. That’s certainly the case with a whole range of the products.
Patricia Karvelas: There have been improvements. Let me put this to you. The EU wants greater access to our skilled migrant scheme. Is that something that you’re willing to look at?
Minister for Trade: Look, these are all things that they can raise, and we’re raising issues too. As much as I’d like to do the negotiations on the ABC.
Patricia Karvelas: Ok, but is that a hard no for you or are you open to that concept?
Minister for Trade: Look, look, look, they are entitled to put issues on the table just as we are. And we’ll work through all of those issues. And I think my job is to come up with the best possible agreement that improves the prosperity of Australian businesses and Australian workers. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do in this process.
Patricia Karvelas: Now, you’ve also met with Jamieson Greer, that’s the US Trade Representative, on the sidelines there of this OECD meeting. I’m guessing you pretty much pressed the case on tariffs. Did you ask, Minister, for the same deal as the UK has on metals’ tariffs? Because we’ve got that 50 per cent tariff now. Have you asked for the 25 per cent tariff?
Minister for Trade: No, I’ve asked for a better deal, Patricia. I’ve asked for the removal of all tariffs on Australian products. And the reason for that is that, and I think we might have discussed this on a previous occasion, our trade relationship with the Americans roughly works this way. It’s worth $100 billion, $70 billion is what the Americans sell us, $30 billion is what we sell them. The trade relationship between Australia and the United States is overwhelmingly in the United States interest benefit. And so, I think that the best position that we can adopt is simply that we don’t accept that we should be subject to reciprocal tariffs when the trade relationship is so overwhelmingly in favour of the United states.
Patricia Karvelas: Sure, but the UK currently, though Minister, with respect, does have a better. I mean, it’s still a tariff, but it has a better rate of tariff than we do. So, you might have asked for something better, but currently the UK has the better deal. Have you been trying to press for a deal? Are we likely to get a deal with the US?
Minister for Trade: What we would like, Patricia, is for the United States to honour the free trade agreement that’s been in place now for 20 years which says that all of these products should be going into the United States tariff free. That’s our position, Patricia, and that’s what we want the Americans to do. And that’s what I’ll continue to press Mr Greer and Mr Lutnick for.
Patricia Karvelas: What reception did you get when you asked?
Minister for Trade: Look, he understood, and he acknowledged. In fairness to him, he acknowledged that the trade relationship between Australia and the US is very much in their favour. I mean, look, he’s a busy man let me tell you. What the Americans have done is tear up 80 post war years of trade agreements and said that they want to rewrite those trade agreements in the space of 90 days. Now, we’re already 60 days into that 90 days, and only one agreement has been released – reached – and that’s the one that you referred to with the United Kingdom. So, obviously –
Patricia Karvelas: Just to be clear, are you hopeful that we will get a deal just like the UK has now?
Minister for Trade: I want a better deal than the UK. I want America to honour its obligations under our free trade agreement and remove all of those tariffs: the 10 per cent tariffs on goods other than steel and aluminium and the 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium.
Patricia Karvelas: But you have to accept that that’s unlikely given Trump’s agenda, right so that’s where the negotiation comes in. Right now we don’t have a deal at all.
Minister for Trade: Patricia, no, well that’s true, that’s true. We don’t have a deal. But Patricia, anybody who thinks that they know how this is all going to play out is kidding you. There’s still a long way to go out, to go in this process. Already we’ve seen pushback in the American legal system to the introduction of these tariffs decisions, overturning the tariffs. Sure, there’s a long way to go in the legal processes there. But look, we’re, we’re going to be staying calm. We haven’t retaliated. Some countries have retaliated. I met with the Chinese Trade Minister, Wang Wentao, that was my tenth meeting with him. He indicated to me what their response to the Americans was. I indicated to him that Australia was not going to retaliate. We didn’t retaliate when we were subject to tariff increases by China. We’re not going to retaliate against the United States. We have a very strong defence relationship with the United States. But, Patricia, we are going to press our arguments strongly for the removal of these tariffs.
Patricia Karvelas: You mentioned defence. I just need to check, are you linking the defence spending at all with this?
Minister for Trade: No. We are not two separate issues. We have an excellent Defence Minister in Richard Marles, and he’ll continue to progress the the AUKUS discussions. We’re not going to link the two. You might recall that Mr. Dutton was proposing to link the two I think –
Patricia Karvelas: I recall absolutely, which is why I’m checking. Minister, we’re out of time, but thank you so much for joining us all the way at a very different time from Paris. Appreciate your time.
Minister for Trade: Great to talk with you, Patricia.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HONG KONG, June 7 (Xinhua) — A spokesperson for the Office of the Special Representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute protest over the gross interference of some foreign politicians in the affairs of the HKSAR and China’s internal affairs.
As the department clarified, this was a response to recent unfounded statements by foreign politicians regarding the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and their blatant interference in matters affecting national security.
The official representative noted that under the protection of the national security law, public order is effectively maintained in the SAR, justice is upheld, the rule of law is protected, and the legal rights of residents and the investment and business environment of the metropolis are even better ensured.
According to him, Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, where no one enjoys extra-legal privileges and any offense committed is punished according to the law. The SAR judiciary exercises its authorized functions independently and in accordance with the law, guaranteeing fair and impartial procedures that are beyond criticism.
The spokesman stressed that some foreign politicians ignore the fact that their own countries have numerous national security laws, are oblivious to their own dismal record of human rights and rule of law atrocities, and violate the fundamental principle of international relations of non-interference in domestic affairs.
The brazen attempts by these politicians to undermine the rule of law in the Hong Kong SAR expose their hypocrisy and double standards, the diplomat said, calling on them to acknowledge the facts, change their behavior and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs in any form. –0–
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government steps up efforts in handling water incidents at Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court (with photos/video)
The Government has set up an expert group comprising three experts from the Drinking Water Safety Advisory Committee (DWSAC), namely the Chairman of the DWSAC, Dr Chan Hon-fai, Mr Chung Chi-ming, and Mr Chan Chi-ming. The expert group will continue to advise on the traceability work of the incident and ensure the investigation results are scientific and objective.
The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, together with the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, and the three members of the expert group, visited the upstream location of the water supply network for Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court today (June 7) to inspect the screen filter and learn about the upcoming work at the location of the pipe. The Government briefed the expert group on the assessment that the section of steel pipe with bitumen protective coating on the inner wall at the upstream water supply network at Ping Che Road, which is about 400-metre-long and 600 millimetres in diameter, is believed to be the source of sediments in the water at Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court. The expert group considered the assessment reasonable.
The WSD will continue to deepen the traceability work, using advanced technologies, such as robots, to detect the condition of the bitumen coating inside the pipe, so as to further ascertain the specific cause of the incident. An investigation report of the incident will be submitted to the DWSAC for review within two weeks.
Ms Linn said that the WSD will first replace a section of 400-metre-long steel water pipe with bitumen protective coating on the inner wall at the upstream and the works will commence within this year. The WSD will immediately start the preparation work. At present, non-bitumen protective coating is used on the inner wall of over 90 per cent of water pipes in Hong Kong. For the 700-kilometre-long water pipes with bitumen protective coating on the inner wall, the WSD has installed over 1 000 screen filters at suitable locations, and will review, in accordance with the risk-based approach, whether it is necessary to install extra screen filters at other locations. The WSD will formulate a longer-term plan for the replacement of water pipes and will submit a proposal to the Development Bureau for review.
While stepping up the traceability work, the WSD has increased the frequency of water testing. Water samples are collected daily from water tanks at Queen’s Hill Estate (comprising seven buildings, a community centre and a shopping mall) and Shan Lai Court (six buildings) for testing to closely monitor water quality. The testing results are released on the WSD’s website daily. To ensure residents can feel at ease when consuming water, the WSD will continue to arrange water tanks for the estates to provide temporary water supply. The WSD will also promptly address any inquiries received (the WSD’s 24-hour hotline: 2824 5000). The District Officer will strengthen communication with the WSD and the Housing Department (HD) and will immediately follow up on any complaints from residents.
Prompt arrangement has been made by the HD to thoroughly clean again the water tanks in every building of Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court within the next seven days. The HD installed a total of 22 high-efficiency filtration devices at the ground-level water inlets of all 13 buildings in Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court. These devices will be inspected twice daily to ensure proper operation. The expenses for these measures will be fully borne by the Government.
The HD will display the WSD’s daily water test results in the lobby of each building in Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court, with daily updating. If residents observe any issues with water quality, they can call the Queen’s Hill Estate management office (Tel: 2537 0001) or the Shan Lai Court management office (Tel: 2713 9530) and provide their contact information. The management office will follow up by contacting residents and conducting on-site inspections.
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Home Affairs Department (HAD), together with District Council (DC) members and volunteers from Care Teams (CT), have conducted over 100 visits and gathered cases for referral over the past week, demonstrating through concrete actions their care for the residents of Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court over the drinking water incident and its impact on their daily lives.
The HYAB and the HAD will gather over 50 persons comprising DC members, members of the “three district committees” of the North District, and the six sub-teams of the North District CTs, along with staff members of the HD, to conduct home visits today and tomorrow. The visits will include following up with households previously sought assistance in relation to the incident on their current water usage conditions, and making immediate referrals where necessary. The team reached over 850 households during today’s visit; the majority of these households acknowledged water quality has substantially improved. Additionally, three street booths will be set up at key locations in Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court to provide residents with the latest updates and practical information, as well as to register residents’ cases for assistance.
Issued at HKT 23:44
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