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Sino-HK co-operation in law enforcement
Following is a question by the Hon Ambrose Lau and written reply by the Secretary for Secretary, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
With regard to the increasing co-operation between law enforcement officers in Hong Kong and their counterparts in China in combating cross-border crimes, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
(c)
of the number of visits by local law enforcement officers to China to testify in court and their respective ranks in the past three years;
of the number of visits by Chinese law enforcement officers to the territory to testify in court and their respective ranks in the past three years; and
whether, given the different legal systems in force in China and Hong Kong, the two governments have jointly organised exchange visits or short-term training courses so as to enable the law enforcement officers of the two places to understand the structure and operation of each other's legal system; if so, what are the details (including such information as the rank of the participants and the number of activities held etc.); if not, whether consideration will be given to organising these activities with the Chinese Government on a joint basis?
Reply:
Mr President,
In general, we maintain close co-operation with the Chinese authorities in the fight against cross-border crimes. Under the Border Liaison Channel, our police, immigration and customs officers have almost daily contacts with their counterparts to exchange information on cross-border issues like illegal immigration and smuggling. In addition, the Royal Hong Kong Police maintains close liaison with the PRC Ministry of Public Security through the Interpol channel on cross border criminal matters. Two Chinese Liaison Officers have stationed in Hong Kong since February 1993. They act as a supplement to the Interpol liaison system and have been particularly helpful in police liaison with Chinese provinces other than Guangdong. The ICAC also maintains close co-operation with the Guangdong Provincial People's Procuratorate on anti-corruption matters.