Month: August 2025

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to August 11 collision between a Chinese PLA destroyer and a coast guard cutter while in pursuit of Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Suluan near Scarborough Shoal

August 14, 2025 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses grave concern over the recent incident in the South China Sea near the Scarborough Shoal, during which a People’s Liberation Army Navy destroyer and a China Coast Guard cutter conducted dangerous maneuvers while in pursuit of a Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel. This aggressive act seriously disrupted regional peace and stability and directly endangered the lives and safety of Philippine coast guard personnel.
 
MOFA is closely following ongoing disputes over islands in the South China Sea and urges all parties to exercise restraint. China, in particular, should not take any actions to escalate the current situation, jeopardize the lives and safety of seafarers, and undermine peace, stability, and the status quo in the South China Sea.
 
MOFA reiterates that South China Sea issues can only be peacefully resolved through appropriate multilateral dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms. Taiwan and other like-minded countries will continue to monitor developments in the South China Sea and work together to uphold regional security and stability.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and rejected the unfounded and biased content related to Hong Kong contained in the US Department of State’s so-called 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it strongly disapproves of and rejects the US’ repeated tactics through the so-called report in making slandering remarks against Hong Kong, where “one country, two systems” is successfully implemented.

It pointed out that the US is once again overriding the rule of law with politics and politicising human rights issues, adding that such attempts to interfere in Hong Kong’s law-based governance and undermine the city’s prosperity and stability are doomed to fail.

The statement noted that since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the human rights of Hong Kong residents have been firmly protected by the Constitution and the Basic Law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government resolutely, fully and faithfully implements the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst maintaining the common law system, adhering to the principle of the rule of law and upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly demands the US to immediately stop acting against international law and the basic norms of international relations and interfering in China’s internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs.

On legislation safeguarding national security, the statement pointed out that the content regarding legislation safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR contained in the so-called report by the US is completely absurd and untrue.

Since the implementation of the HKNSL in June 2020, the US has all along ignored the large-scale and incessant riots that occurred in 2019 which devastated society, the livelihood and economy of Hong Kong.

Instead, it built up false stories and fabricated narratives through various so-called reports to maliciously slander legislation safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, and blatantly attack the city in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law.

The statement added that the US has also deliberately neglected the fact that such laws have enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community as well as the business environment, to return to normalcy.

The Hong Kong SAR Government considered the US’ bullying conduct and hypocrisy laced with double standards as utterly despicable.

The statement also noted that the legal framework in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR is consistent with the relevant international human rights standards. The HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security.

The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to the Hong Kong SAR are to be protected in accordance with the law.

The statement emphasised that the offences endangering national security stipulated by the HKNSL and the SNSO target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity.

The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant has the actus reus and mens rea of an offence before the defendant may be convicted by the court.

Moreover, the relevant offences do not have retrospective effect, which is in line with Article 12 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that each and every sovereign state enacts laws safeguarding national security, adding that it is not only their inherent right, but also an international practice.

It also said the US has at least 21 pieces of law safeguarding national security and it is therefore in no position to point the finger at other countries and regions for legitimately legislating to safeguard national security.

The statement also outlined issues regarding the Hong Kong SAR’s enforcement actions, bail arrangement, safeguarding the due administration of justice and the rule of law and the conditions of correctional services facilities.

Regarding the false information regarding the deportation policy in the US’ so-called report, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it maintains a firm policy of not granting asylum and not determining or recognising the refugee status of any person.

A Unified Screening Mechanism (USM) has been put in place to screen non-refoulement claims on all applicable grounds in one go. The procedures of the USM meet the high standards of fairness as required by law and compare most favourably with those adopted in other common law jurisdictions. Each non-refoulement claimant is also provided with publicly-funded legal assistance.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that the city steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of “one country, two systems”.

With strong support from the motherland, and as the only city where the global advantage and the China advantage converge under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong will continue to protect and promote human rights through security, development and co-operation as well as tell good stories of the Hong Kong SAR’s human rights situation in a reasoned and robust manner.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong was affected by the outer rainbands of Tropical Cyclone Podul and the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was issued this morning, with flooding occurring in multiple districts due to heavy rain.

The Government said relevant departments were fully engaged in response and recovery efforts, striving to minimise the impact of the adverse weather on the public, and provided appropriate support to citizens in need.

Its Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre began operating upon the issuance of the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal this morning.

Directorate officers from relevant departments closely monitored the situation in real time across various districts, co-ordinating efforts to address flooding, landslides, fallen trees and road blockages.

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been maintaining close liaison with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) as it made preparations. The DSD activated the Emergency Control Centre at 6.35am and deployed 110 emergency response teams, involving about 410 personnel and several powerful pumping robots.

The teams handled requests for assistance from the public and flooding cases, conducted repeated inspections and carried out necessary clearance at about 240 locations prone to flooding due to blockages.

As of 5pm, six flooding cases were confirmed and all of them were resolved within one to two hours. The affected roads have resumed normal operation.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office’s (GEO) Emergency Control Centre was activated soon after the HKO issued a landslip warning. As of 6pm, a total of three reports of landslides were received in Ap Lei Chau, Tsuen Wan and Lantau. Inspections were arranged.

Flooding and fallen trees were found at roads near the West New Territories Landfill and Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun during the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has arranged workers to carry out clearance of the blocked storm water drains and remove fallen trees promptly.

The EPD’s North Lantau Transfer Station at Sham Shui Kok was also affected by the rainstorm and part of it experienced flooding. A temporary arrangement was made to allow single-lane and two-way traffic at its weighbridge. The department carried out inspections on the drainage channels and deployed additional pumps, which have facilitated the station to resume normal operation promptly.

The Fire Services Department, by 2pm today, handled a total of 13 reports of people trapped in lifts, 36 reports from automatic fire alarm systems, six reports of fallen trees, one report of landslides, and four reports of flooding incidents.

The Highways Department’s Urban & New Territories Emergency Control Centres were promptly activated after the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force this morning to co-ordinate the handling of road emergencies, including collaborating with the GEO to clear debris at a landslide location in Southern District.

The department also collaborated with the DSD to quickly clear roadside gullies blocked by muddy water and debris in various districts where flooding occurred, with affected road sections reopened immediately afterwards.

The Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Coordination Centre (ETCC) escalated its operational level when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force to closely monitor the traffic and transport conditions of important routes, including trunk roads, tunnels and bridges across the city.

The ETCC expedited assessment of the impact of the rainstorm on traffic and maintains close liaison with relevant departments and public transport operators to steer and co-ordinate public transport services.

During the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, frontline police officers remained steadfast in carrying out their duties, including cordoning off high-risk areas and evacuating stranded citizens. They also closely monitored traffic conditions, handled vehicles trapped by flooding and cleared blocked drains to ensure a smooth traffic flow.

The Home Affairs Department opened a total of 11 temporary shelters for people in need. Its Emergency Co-ordination Centre began operation promptly to co-ordinate work and information dissemination in 18 districts as well as promptly follow-up on various incident reports.

District offices immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to provide support. They have also mobilised District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas.

The Housing Department’s (HD) Communication Centre was activated during the rainstorm period. As of 4pm, it received 13 enquiries from residents, which were given assistance swiftly.

During the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, the HD received five reports of rainwater surging from slopes or channels near its construction sites. The project teams responded swiftly and, under safe conditions, arranged for workers to assist in draining the water into nearby manholes to prevent overflow onto the roads.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau held a sharing session on district governance today, focusing on the Government’s water supply policy and ways to serve residents more effectively during water supply incidents.

Reviewing recent district work, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak said at the session that the districts could learn from each other in dealing with water supply incidents to minimise the impact on district residents.

She hoped that through today’s session, District Councillors could better understand the water supply systems and government plans to replace water mains as well as better co-operate with departments, District Services & Community Care Teams and the “three district committees” to maximise synergy during emergency water supply incidents.

Miss Mak also expressed hope that District Council members could make preparations to understand residents’ needs, assist in distributing the latest information on the water supply, and provide assistance to residents in a timely manner.

Under Secretary for Development David Lam spoke on the challenges facing the water supplies system and relevant policies, while Director of Water Supplies Roger Wong introduced plans to replace water mains, and the response and reporting mechanism during emergency water incidents.

District Officers, District Councillors and Care Team representatives from Wong Tai Sin and Tuen Mun also shared their insights in coping with recent water supply incidents.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (August 14) strongly disapproves and rejects the unfounded and biased content related to Hong Kong contained in the United States (US) Department of State’s so-called 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. 

A HKSAR Government spokesperson said, “the HKSAR Government strongly disapproves and rejects the US’ repeated tactics through the so-called report in making slandering remarks against Hong Kong, where ‘one country, two systems’ is successfully implemented. The US is once again overriding the rule of law with politics and politicising human rights issues. Such attempt to interfere in Hong Kong’s law-based governance and undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong is doomed to fail.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection announced that two new imported cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded as of 5pm today.

The two cases involve a 50-year-old man and his eight-year-old daughter, living in Sai Kung District.

Both patients travelled to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh between July 20 and August 10, and could not confirm if they had a history of mosquito bites during the stay.

The man developed a fever on August 1 while in Bangladesh, and joint pain in the limbs the next day. He sought medical attention from an outpatient clinic there on August 3 and did not require hospitalisation.

He was informed that his blood sample tested positive for the CF virus. His fever had subsided before returning to Hong Kong on August 10, and he attended a private hospital on August 12 due to swollen joints.

As the patient was afebrile prior to the ninth day after the onset of symptoms, he was not infectious to mosquitoes upon returning to Hong Kong and did not require hospitalisation.

His daughter developed a fever, cough and fatigue on August 12 and attended a private hospital yesterday. She was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment and is in a stable condition.

Their blood samples tested positive for the CF virus. Since they stayed in Bangladesh during the whole incubation period, they were considered infected during travel and were classified as imported cases.

The pair’s three household contacts, including two travel collaterals who had been to Bangladesh, are asymptomatic and under medical surveillance. The centre has reported the cases to Bangladesh’s health authority.

So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of eight CF cases.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today met a trade official and the Australia China Business Council in Sydney to promote Hong Kong’s advantages as an international trade centre and a premier destination for business and investment.

Continuing his visit to Australia, Mr Yau first met Minister for Better Regulation & Fair Trading of New South Wales Anoulack Chanthivong, to exchange views on enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and Australia in various areas.

Mr Chanthivong also holds the office of the Minister for Industry & Trade, the Minister for Innovation, Science & Technology, the Minister for Building, and the Minister for Corrections.

Mr Yau updated Mr Chanthivong on Hong Kong’s latest developments and policy measures to give impetus to the city’s economy, such as the reduction in liquor duty and promotion of the silver economy.

This was followed by a meeting with Australia China Business Council (ACBC) National President David Olsson, where the commerce chief briefed him on the direction of Hong Kong’s economic development and new initiatives to promote trade.

They also discussed enhancing business and investment collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia.

In addition, Mr Yau attended a business roundtable luncheon with ACBC members to brief them on Hong Kong’s role as a springboard for Australian businesses looking to tap into the Greater Bay Area and the broader Asian markets.

Mr Yau’s other engagements for the day involved a tour to a leading startup incubator where he met some startup operators to learn more about their operation and developments.

He wrapped up the day’s programme by attending a cultural exchange concert presented by young Hong Kong musicians in the evening.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, leading a delegation, today toured the National Cancer Centre Singapore, a pharmaceutical company, and a polyclinic before concluding his Singapore trip.

During a visit to Amgen Biotechnology Singapore this morning, Prof Lo emphasised that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its international advantages to actively promote the research and development (R&D) and application of biomedical technologies.

“Through the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation and the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute, we will further improve the mechanisms for new drug R&D and approval, attracting global top-notch innovative enterprises and R&D organisations to set up operations in Hong Kong.

“These measures will not only accelerate patient access to advanced treatments but also solidify Hong Kong’s position as an international health and medical innovation hub.”

Prof Lo encouraged overseas pharmaceutical companies to make good use of the “1+” mechanism for the approval of new drugs, and “primary evaluation” for new drug registration, which will be rolled out in phases starting next year, to introduce newly developed drugs into Hong Kong.

He also welcomed overseas pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials in Hong Kong, fully leveraging the city’s multiple unique advantages to facilitate the translation and clinical application of advanced biomedical technologies.

The health chief also visited the National Cancer Centre Singapore this morning.

Prof Lo noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government earlier rolled out the Cervical Screening Programme, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme (BCSPP).

“The Government is formulating risk-based screening programmes for prevalent cancers on a gradual basis, including the BCSPP Phase II that has been rolled out and the hepatitis B screening programme to be launched by the Primary Healthcare Commission to reduce the risk of complications, such as liver cancer, of people infected with hepatitis B virus.

“The Government is also exploring the feasibility of using artificial intelligence to assist lung cancer screening to further enhance cancer prevention.”

In the afternoon, Prof Lo went to the National Healthcare Group Sembawang Polyclinic for an in-depth exchange with its senior personnel on primary healthcare services in Hong Kong and Singapore.

He pointed out that Hong Kong is actively taking forward a major reform of its primary healthcare system to address the challenges posed by an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases.

“We are promoting the ‘Family Doctor for All’ concept, strengthening the District Health Centre network across Hong Kong, and implementing the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme that subsidises eligible citizens to undergo screening for diabetes mellitus, hypertension and blood lipid and follow-up treatment, to achieve the objectives of ‘early prevention, early identification and early treatment’.

“I look forward to jointly exploring best practices in primary healthcare with the health authorities of Singapore, with a view to promoting sustainable healthcare development in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Prof Lo will return to Hong Kong this evening.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region