The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government conducted a large-scale counter-terrorism drill on August 28, 2025 at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Photo: VCG

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government conducted a large-scale counter-terrorism drill on Thursday at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to test interdepartmental coordination in responding to attacks and emergencies, as well as raising public awareness.

Codenamed BRAVELIGHT, the exercise simulated multiple extremists launching a terror attack at the cruise terminal. Police tactical and counterterrorism units stormed the site and subdued the assailants after an intense gunfight. Explosive disposal officers then dismantled explosive devices planted by the attackers.

The Fire Services Department showcased advanced equipment, including robotic dogs and firefighting robots. Meanwhile, the Marine Police demonstrated the interception of a speedboat involved in terrorist activities, with support from Government Flying Service helicopters providing air cover, local media outlet RTHK reported.

The drill also tested the ability of various departments to handle a large number of casualties on site, according to reports. 

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan, and Secretary for Security Chris Tang supervised the drill at the center.

The global terrorism landscape is highly complex, Lee said, noting that while Hong Kong remains generally safe and stable as an international city, the threats of international terrorist attacks and local terrorism cannot be ignored. 

He emphasized that all policy bureaus and departments of the HKSAR government must strengthen coordination and response capabilities against different forms of terrorist attacks.

During this large-scale counterterrorism exercise, each department fulfilled its duties, fully demonstrating their professional capabilities in responding to terrorist incidents. The government will also review and summarize the experience to further enhance Hong Kong's overall counterterrorism efforts, Lee said. 

A total of about 500 personnel took part in the exercise, and nearly 200 members from various community and youth groups across different sectors and age groups were also invited to take part.

The exercise reflected the HKSAR government's preparedness and determination to prevent terrorism from taking root in Hong Kong, Lam Chi-wai, former chairman of Junior Police Officers' Association of the HKSAR, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

The cross-departmental drill made it possible to better integrate and summarize experiences, thereby strengthening the overall counter-terrorism capability, Lam said. 

The drill also simulated an attack in which extremist terrorists hijacked a passenger vessel outside the terminal.

The terrorists had hidden onboard in advance, taking several crew members and passengers hostage while brandishing weapons. One passenger attempted to escape by leaping overboard. Members of the Special Duties Unit (SDU) arrived at the scene by speedboat and rappelled from a helicopter, engaging in a gunfight with the terrorists. During the confrontation, some attackers tried to set fire to the ship but were quickly subdued by police.

Two firefighting vessels from the Fire Services Department were deployed to douse the passenger ship with water to extinguish the fire, while divers were sent underwater to search for and rescue those who had fallen overboard, hk01 reported.

Police stated that Hong Kong's terrorism threat level remains "moderate" and emphasized that counter-terrorism measures will be ensured during the 15th National Games and the Legislative Council election.

The 15th National Games will be held in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao from November 9 to 21, 2025, according to its official website. And the LegCo election is set to be held on December 7, 2025. 

With those major events approaching, a high-profile counter-terrorism drill showcased the government's resolve to ensure these events proceed smoothly and safely, Lam said, noting that this was also the first time such an exercise was broadcast live on television and online, a move expected to embed counter-terrorism awareness across different sectors of society, positively impact the public, and enhance vigilance.

Upon the drill's conclusion, Lee reviewed it and pointed out that the destructive power of terrorist attacks will increase alongside technological advancements. Counter-terrorism efforts must therefore strengthen the application of technology to ensure an overwhelming victory through the use of more advanced and sophisticated means, he said. 

Considering the current global trend of terrorist activities, both traditional and new forms of terrorist attacks continue to emerge, posing severe threats to social security and stability worldwide, and presenting new challenges in counter-terrorism efforts worldwide, Li Wei, a research fellow and security expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

As a free trade port, Hong Kong also faces serious terrorist threats, Li said, noting that from this cross-departmental joint counter-terrorism exercise, Hong Kong has tailored its counter-terrorism measures to its own circumstances, particularly the potential threat of terrorist attacks targeting ports, which aligns with the city's actual security needs. 

"Terrorist attacks are characterized by suddenness, concealment, and unpredictability, making it essential to remain highly vigilant. It's believed that through such joint counter-terrorism drills, Hong Kong will continue to improve its capacity to deal with various forms of terror threats, which will ultimately contribute to safeguarding the city's security, stability, and prosperity," Li said.