Tang promises ‘safe, smooth’ Apec meeting

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 25, 2026

Hong Kong authorities have announced detailed security measures for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting on October 20-21, aiming to protect around 500 high-profile attendees while minimizing disruption to residents. The plans include coordinated efforts to prevent terrorist and cyber threats, manage protests, and apply lessons from past international events to ensure a smooth operation ahead of the November Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen.

Hong Kong authorities have outlined comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Finance Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for October 20 and 21 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. The meeting marks the first time Hong Kong will host this event, which is expected to draw around 500 attendees, including finance ministers and senior officials from all 21 Apec member economies, alongside representatives from international organizations.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung detailed the government’s plans during a Legislative Council security panel session, emphasizing the dual objectives of ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the event while minimizing disruption to the daily lives of local residents. Authorities intend to implement robust security measures covering hotels, transportation, and meeting venues to protect the high-profile participants.

Tang highlighted that contingency plans have been developed to mitigate threats such as potential terrorist attacks and cyberattacks. Coordination will involve multiple government entities, including the Immigration Department and Customs and Excise Department, to facilitate the protection of visiting dignitaries without compromising their comfort. Cybersecurity efforts will be spearheaded by the police’s cybersecurity and technology crime bureau, the office of the Commissioner of Critical Infrastructure (Computer-system Security), and the Digital Policy Office, working in tandem to conduct intelligence patrols and guard against cyber threats.

Responding to concerns about attempts to exploit the meeting to challenge national security, Tang affirmed that authorities would remain vigilant against agitators. Lawmaker Erik Yim Kong had queried the government about preventive measures against such disruptions. Tang assured that while security would be tight, it would not come at the expense of the public’s normal routine, underscoring a balanced approach to enforcement and community impact.

Former police officer and lawmaker Joe Chan Cho-kwong noted the historical precedent of protests during major international events in Hong Kong, referencing the violent clashes during the 2005 World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference when Korean farmers and other groups staged demonstrations. Chan suggested that advance intelligence enables targeted deployments and that similar strategies will be used for the upcoming Apec meeting. He said police would manage crowd control outside the venue, conduct security screenings such as explosive checks inside the exhibition centre, and maintain officers at designated protest zones to prevent demonstrators from approaching VIPs.

The security plans reflect lessons learned from previous Apec summits, including the 2025 meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, where anti-Trump and anti-China protests were reported. Following the Hong Kong Finance Ministers’ Meeting, attention will turn to the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting slated for November in Shenzhen.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.