Month: August 2025

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA donates US$350,000 to assist US with reconstruction efforts following flooding in central Texas

Date：2025-08-22
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

August 22, 2025  No. 297  Catastrophic flooding affected the central region of the US state of Texas in July, resulting in over 100 casualties. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung promptly instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston to convey condolences and sympathies to the government of Texas on behalf of the government of Taiwan and to express the Taiwan government’s willingness to donate US$350,000 to assist with relief efforts.
 
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), TECO Houston donated the funds to OneStar Foundation—at the suggestion of the government of Texas—on August 21. This concrete action will support related disaster relief efforts. First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott made a special appearance at the donation ceremony. She expressed her appreciation and said that the people of Texas cherished their friendship with Taiwan.
 
The peoples of Taiwan and the United States share a deep bond. Taiwan and Texas established a sister-state relationship in 1988, and Texas is a major destination for Taiwanese investment in the United States. MOFA hopes that recovery efforts will proceed smoothly in the wake of the devastating floods in Texas, allowing those affected to return to normal life as soon as possible. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin solemnly refutes Chinese Foreign Minister Wang’s false claims regarding World War II

Date：2025-08-16
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

August 16, 2025  
No. 288  

Following the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on August 15, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi claimed that the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and other similar international documents had “clearly defined Japan’s responsibility for the war and required that Japan return all the territories it had stolen from China, including Taiwan.” He also remarked that this was “an indisputable outcome of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and constitutes an important part of the post-war international order.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) categorically refutes this malicious distortion of historical facts that attempts to mislead the international community. 
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung states that after World War II, the San Francisco Peace Treaty—binding under international law—superseded the political statements made in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. He points out that the treaty did not cede Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. 
 
In contrast, he says, Taiwan began promoting political liberalization and democratization from the grassroots level on up in the mid-1980s and completed its first direct presidential election in 1996. He also notes that by that time, the central executive and legislative representatives of the Republic of China (ROC) government were all elected by the people of Taiwan. He stresses that the ROC government has been the sole legitimate government ever since, administering Taiwan effectively and representing Taiwan internationally. He adds that this established the cross-strait status quo in which the ROC (Taiwan) and the PRC exist as equals, with neither subordinate to the other. He mentions that the ROC (Taiwan) has experienced three changes of governing party—in 2000, 2008, and 2016—that have consolidated the democratic system and helped create a stronger sense of national identity, reflecting the Taiwanese people’s steadfast pursuit of and desire for freedom and democracy.
 
Minister Lin emphasizes that it is an objective fact that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other and that the PRC has no right to represent Taiwan on the global stage. MOFA urges the Beijing authorities to act in a pragmatic and rational manner and recognize that cross-strait relations can only be improved on the basis of dignity and parity through dialogue with the democratically elected government representing the people of Taiwan. 
 
Taiwan sincerely hopes that democratic partners will unite in solidarity to jointly support the democratic umbrella, address the challenges posed by authoritarianism, and safeguard shared values and the rules-based international order. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In response to media enquiries about efforts to combat illegal smoking, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health today (August 28) gave the following response:
 
“Between August 25 and 30, TACO conducts an enforcement operation codenamed “Laserflame” to crack down on illegal smoking in statutory no smoking areas (NSAs) of public transport facilities throughout the territory. The operation aims to raise public awareness of relevant smoking ban regulations, including the 10 newly designated NSAs at public transport facilities (PTFs) effective from August 31, while intensifying efforts to combat illegal smoking. All enforcement actions strictly adhered to legal provisions and procedures.
 
TACO conducts enforcement actions according to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance and coordinates manpower deployment. Stringent operational guidelines have been established and professional training has been provided to TACO officers. The reference benchmarks set by TACO for planning of enforcement actions aims to provide the teams a reference for manpower deployment and enforcement work priorities. They are not rigid targets of enforcement figures set for frontline officers. TACO emphasises that frontline officers take enforcement action only when they actually observe violations, but not rigidly pursuing a specified target.
 
TACO calls on the public to observe the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance and work together to maintain a smoke-free environment in PTFs. NSAs are marked with designated signs and layout plans, with clearly delineated demarcation lines according to the actual environment to remind citizens to comply with smoking bans. Any person who does a smoking act in NSAs or in public transport carriers will be liable for a fixed penalty of $1,500. Tobacco and Alcohol Control Inspectors will prosecute smoking offenders without prior warning.
 
As of 5pm today, officers from TACO conducted 203 inspections at PTFs and issued 39 FPNs for smoking offences during the “Laserflame” operation.
 
In addition to its law enforcement work, TACO actively promotes smoke-free environments through preventive smoking education and cessation services, including community outreach to raise public awareness of smoking’s hazards.
 
For the sake of the health of individuals, their families and others, the Government appeals to smokers to quit smoking as early as possible. Members of the public may call the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, which is operated by registered nurses to provide professional counselling services on smoking cessation.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Environmental Database (HKED) (hked.epd.gov.hk), developed by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has once again been honored with awards, winning the “Best Smart Environment Award” and the “Grand Award” at the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge (HSODC) 2025 yesterday (August 27), reaffirming the remarkable progress made by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in applying innovative technologies to optimise the environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes.
 
     HSOSC 2025, jointly steered by the HKSAR Government’s Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, adopted the theme “Co-creating a Data Industry Platform for the Two Cities”. It encouraged participants to leverage open data resources from both Hong Kong and Shanghai to develop innovative solutions in four key areas: Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, and Smart Economy, thereby fostering deeper integration and synergy in the digital economies of the two cities. Following the first round of judging, 13 teams from Hong Kong advanced to the final judging held in Shanghai on August 26. They competed with local teams for the top-four finalists and the Grand Award.
 
     Conducting his visit to Hangzhou and Shanghai from August 24 to 28, the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, led representatives from the EPD to attend the award ceremony held in Shanghai yesterday to receive the awards.
 
     The HKSAR Government has taken a number of measures to optimise the EIA process, including the establishment of the HKED in 2022. The EPD has consolidated around 300 EIA reports handled since 1998. Through meticulous verification, data organisation, and format conversion, more than 200 high-value environmental data layers have been created, providing a robust foundation for local EIA studies. The HKED has also been benefitted from the HKSAR Government’s Common Spatial Data Infrastructure portal, which allows the integration of over 20 environment-related core decision-making layers. Supported by smart assessment tools, the HKED enables more efficient data analysis and audit, thereby enhancing the accuracy and credibility of EIA reports.
 
     Since its launch, the HKED has won several awards. Following the Best Environmental Innovation Award received at the Southeast Asia Forum International Conference last December, the HKED was also honoured with the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) 2025 “Corporate Initiative Award” in March this year.
 
     On his visit to Hangzhou and Shanghai, Dr Chui inspected the Artificial Intelligence ecological monitoring program in the Xixi National Wetland Park and visited the talent training base at the Huawei Global Training Center during the first stop in Hangzhou. 
 
     On August 25, Dr Chui proceeded to visit Shanghai, where he held discussions with the Level I Bureau Rank Official of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, Mr Bai Guoqiang, on co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai in environmental protection. Dr Chui also exchanged views on technical solutions for sewage and waste treatment with the Director of Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute, Mr Zheng Zhimin, and visited the Laogang Ecological and Environmental Protection Base. In addition, Dr Chui met and exchanged views with the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai, Mrs Laura Aron.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

To commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence (MWRCD) is collaborating with the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History to launch the “Standing Together for Peacebuilding: Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the War of Resistance in Guangdong and Hong Kong” exhibition from tomorrow (August 29) to July 8, 2026. Admission is free. The exhibition shows the history of the people of Guangdong and Hong Kong, led by the Chinese Communist Party, and how they were closely united in resisting the enemy.

Addressing the opening ceremony today (August 28), the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that Guangdong and Hong Kong have shared the same roots and blood connections since ancient times. During the War of Resistance, the people of the two places fought side by side, crafting a moving chapter of patriotism. Hong Kong did not only function as a vital transit hub for wartime supplies from abroad, but also hosted the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, which conducted operations behind enemy lines, making significant contributions to the country. He also said that remembering history, honoring martyrs, cherishing peace, creating a great future, understanding the spirit of the War of Resistance, and better nurturing and inspiring the patriotic sentiment of the public are among the essential aims of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in promoting patriotic education.

Other officiating guests today included the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Songmiao; the Director of the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics cum Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau, Mr Liu Xiaoming; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Curator of the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History, Mr Yi Xibing; Legislative Council Member and the Chief Editor of the Hong Kong Chronicles Institute, Professor Lau Chi-pang; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; member of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, Ms Melissa Kaye Pang; the Chairman of the History Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Joshua Mok; the President of the Society of Veterans of the Original Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, Ms Lam Chun; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.

The exhibition comprises three parts, namely “The Fall of Guangdong and Hong Kong”, “The Fierce Resistance”, and “The Victory in the War of Resistance”, featuring some 40 items/sets of wartime relics. Important exhibits include a silver ring awarded to meritorious personnel of the Zhongshan People’s Anti-Japanese Volunteer Battalion in November 1944; the book “Understanding the Total War of Resistance” by writer Guo Moruo, one of Guangzhou’s representative anti-war cultural works; a cloth chest badge and binoculars used by the Dongjiang Column; a telegraph announcing Tsang Sang as Commander and Wang Zuoyao as Deputy Commander of the Dongjiang Column; and a commemorative badge for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column. The exhibition also displays around 150 historical photos on the huge suffering of the people in Guangdong and Hong Kong under the aggression of Japanese militarism, their united resistance and eventual great victory in the War of Resistance. The exhibition presents the historical mission of unity of the people of Guangdong and Hong Kong in resisting the enemy, and commemorates martyrs and compatriots who sacrificed their lives in defending the country.

The MWRCD has set up a dedicated War of Resistance book corner with a book selection for visitors to acquire an in-depth understanding of the War of Resistance. There are also creative interactive games integrating education with entertainment for members of the public, especially youngsters, to actively learn from history, thereby fostering patriotism, promoting and passing on the values of patriotic education.

The MWRCD will launch a series of free activities. On September 3, the Victory Day of Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the museum will invite the Deputy President of the Society of Veterans of the Original Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, Mr Lam Ming, to host a sharing session with local secondary students at 3pm to 4pm. There will also be a collaborative art creation activity, inviting members of the public to write greeting cards to express their feelings about the War of Resistance as well as respect for the martyrs and veterans. The anti-war movie “Life Goes On” will be screened.

     The exhibition is guided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau (Guangzhou Municipal Cultural Heritage Administration), jointly presented by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office and the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History, jointly organised by the MWRCD and the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History, and supported by the Hong Kong Chronicle Institute. It is also one of the activities of the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. 

     For details of the exhibition and related activities, please visit the MWRCD website at hk.waranddefence.museum/en/web/mcd/standingtogetherforpeacebuilding.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     In connection with a murder case happened in Tin Shui Wai on August 25, Police further arrested a 29-year-old man for murder and a 27-year-old man for assisting offenders in Tsuen Wan yesterday (August 27).

     Investigation revealed that the arrestees were in suspected connection with a murder case happened in Tin Shui Wai on August 25, in which a 51-year-old local man died.

     The 27-year-old man has been laid a holding charge with one count of assisting offenders. The case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (August 29) morning. The 29-year-old man is being detained for further enquiries.

     Concerning the aforementioned case, Police arrested another ten men and three women, aged 25 to 65. Police laid holding charges against a 62-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman jointly with one count of assisting offenders. The case was mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (August 28). In addition, three men, aged between 33 and 48, have been laid jointly a holding charge with one count of conspiracy to murder. A 25-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man have been laid a holding charge each with one count of assisting offenders. The case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (August 29) morning. The remaining six arrestees have been released on bail and are required to report back to Police in mid-September.

     Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3362.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (August 28) that, in response to the nuisance caused by dripping air conditioners in summer, it has adopted a new enforcement approach this year to proactively tackle multiple dripping air conditioner locations across Hong Kong.

The FEHD pointed out that tackling the issue of dripping air conditioners currently faces multiple challenges. These include public unawareness of dripping air conditioners on their premises, the vast number of air conditioners across Hong Kong, a surge in complaints due to frequent usage in summer, which mostly occurs in the early morning or evening, the lack of communal drainage pipes in some buildings and improper connection of air conditioner pipes, which increases the likelihood of dripping, and the technical difficulties in tracing the source of dripping, which often originates from upper floors or is obscured from view. 

To enhance efficiency, the FEHD adopted a new operational strategy this year. In addition to sustaining the effort in handling dripping air conditioner complaints as usual, FEHD officers proactively conducted “door-to-door” inspections and took enforcement action at about 300 key follow-up locations across districts. Furthermore, 30 dripping blackspots causing significant nuisance to the public, including bus stops and minibus stops, were targeted for intensified patrols.

By leveraging innovative technology, the FEHD and the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) under the Innovation and Technology Commission have jointly developed the Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System, which has achieved remarkable results while being used in all districts. Equipped with infrared night-vision recording, the system helps identify the source of dripping in low-light conditions. It resolved previous difficulties in investigations, significantly shortened the time required for investigation and evidence collection, and enabled preliminary assessments to be made without entering the premises. Furthermore, it enabled effective deployment of manpower for special operations in the early morning or evening, changing the previous allocation of 70 per cent of manpower for daytime investigations and 30 per cent for nighttime investigations to 30 per cent for daytime investigations and 70 per cent for nighttime investigations.

In collaboration with various sectors to carry out publicity and education, the FEHD distributed leaflets and souvenirs and held publicity events in various districts of Hong Kong with members of the local community, including District Councillors. The FEHD also promoted knowledge of proper air conditioner maintenance through radio and social media. In parallel, the FEHD’s Scheme of Participation by Property Management Agents in Tackling Dripping Air-conditioners, which invites property management agents of private housing estates to assist in investigating dripping air conditioner complaints, has also made progress, with over 280 private housing estates participating and handling an average of over 4 000 cases annually. The FEHD is collaborating with the Property Management Services Authority to encourage more property management companies to join the scheme.

As of August 24, the FEHD has handled approximately 5 200 dripping air conditioners, marking a 25 per cent increase over the same period last year and a threefold surge compared to the same period in 2023. Among the 30 dripping blackspots (involving 14 districts, over 160 buildings, and approximately 7 000 air conditioners) that seriously impacted public queuing for transport, the FEHD has handled cases involving approximately 1 000 air conditioners and significantly improved environmental hygiene.

The FEHD will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to address the dripping problem of air conditioners and calls on all sectors to work together. Among them, property management companies should repair and maintain building drainage systems regularly, remind residents to check and repair their air conditioners, and citizens should also check their air conditioners regularly and take immediate action if water drips to prevent causing nuisance. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney (TECO) partnered for the first time with the Local Community Services Association (LCSA) to host an opening ceremony for 20 delegates from Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF）
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu welcomed the TFCF delegation to their “home in Sydney” and commended the organization’s long-standing dedication to supporting disadvantaged children and families. He highlighted TECO’s role not only in official representation, trade, and consular services, but also in promoting cultural exchange and encouraging the Taiwanese community to give back locally. Over the past year, Taiwanese community has actively raised funds for various Australian charities, demonstrating compassion that transcends borders
LCSA CEO Can Yasmut thanked TECO for co-hosting the event and praised the Taiwanese community’s charitable contributions, expressing confidence that the TFCF team would gain valuable insights into NSW’s child protection and family support systems. TFCF Director of Social Work, Linda Tsai, expressed gratitude for the hospitality and looked forward to applying the lessons learned during the 10-day program to enhance social service models in Taiwan
Last year alone, Sydney’s Taiwanese community organized five major charity events benefiting local NGOs such as Mary’s House Services, The Smith Family, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Women’s Community Shelters—showcasing Taiwan’s warmth, generosity, and love beyond its technological strengths.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department says it has adopted a new enforcement approach to tackling the problem of dripping air conditioners at multiple locations across Hong Kong this year.

 

At a media briefing today, Assistant Director (Operations) of the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department Wan Chi-shun said the department has proactively conducted “door-to-door” inspections and taken enforcement action at about 300 locations.

 

Furthermore, 30 “dripping blackspots”, including bus stops, have been targeted for intensified patrols.

 

The department explained that it has adopted the “Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System”. Equipped with infrared night-vision recording, the system helps identify the source of dripping in low-light conditions.

 

As dripping mostly occurs in the evening or early morning, the system has resolved previous difficulties in investigations, significantly shortened the time required for investigations and evidence collection, and enabled preliminary assessments to be made without entering premises.

 

The system has also enabled effective deployment of manpower for special operations in the evening or early morning. The previous allocation of 70% of manpower for daytime investigations and 30% for night-time investigations has been changed to 30% for daytime investigations and 70% for night-time investigations.

 

As of August 24, the department had handled approximately 5,200 cases of dripping air conditioners, marking a 25% increase over the same period last year and a threefold surge compared to the same period in 2023.

 

Among the 30 dripping blackspots – involving 14 districts, over 160 buildings, and approximately 7,000 air conditioners – the department has handled cases involving approximately 1,000 air conditioners.

 

The department urged property management companies to repair and maintain building drainage systems regularly, and to remind residents to check and repair their air conditioners. It said members of the public should check their air conditioners regularly and take immediate action if water drips.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region