Month: December 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

For parents of Primary 6 (P6) students participating in the current SSPA cycle who wish to apply for Secondary 1 (S1) discretionary places (DPs) in government, aided, caput secondary schools as well as Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) secondary schools participating in the SSPA System for their children, they have to submit the electronic application forms to secondary schools via the SSPA e-platform (eSSPA) (esspa.edb.gov.hk) or use the paper Application Form for Secondary One Discretionary Place (Application Form) distributed by the Education Bureau (EDB) in early December via primary schools for application.

When submitting the applications, parents should note-

1. DP application is not subject to restriction on districts. However, each student may apply to not more than two participating secondary schools. Otherwise, the DP applications of their children will be rendered void. The list of schools and the number of DPs for application are listed in the Handbook for Application for Secondary One Discretionary Places (Handbook). Parents may visit eSSPA or the EDB’s website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/secondary-spa/general-info/index.html) to browse the Handbook. They can also ask for the Handbook from their children’s attending primary schools for reference or call the EDB’s 24-hour Automatic Telephone Enquiry System on 2891 0088 to obtain relevant information by fax.

2. The DP application period will be the same for all participating secondary schools, starting from January 2 to 16, 2026.

3. Parents should consider the schools in all respects, e.g. its educational philosophy, tradition, religion, class structure, development and operation, and their children’s characteristics, personalities, abilities and interests so as to make a suitable school choice. Parents may refer to the relevant information in the Secondary School Profiles (www.chsc.hk/secondary) (published every December, with the latest version made available at the electronic version) or school websites for reference. At the same time, parents should also note the admission criteria and weightings announced by the schools, as well as the documents as required by the schools, e.g. report cards, certificates and records of participation in extra-curricular activities and community service. Students do not need to provide the scores or positions in individual subjects to the secondary schools. Schools may arrange interviews and will inform applicants of the related arrangements.

4. Parents who have registered as eSSPA users and bound their account to “iAM Smart+” may browse choice-making information starting from December 5, 2025, as well as submit DP applications and check application results via eSSPA at a later stage. The EDB encourages parents to register with “iAM Smart+” (www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html) as early as possible and activate their eSSPA account using “iAM Smart+” for more convenient and faster electronic services.

5. For parents who submit DP applications via eSSPA should select the preferred secondary schools according to the order of school preference, fill in the contact information required by the schools, and upload a copy of the student’s identity document(s) and/or documents required by the secondary schools for completion of application. For details, please refer to the Parent’s Guides on the EDB website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/secondary-spa/general-info/SSPA_ePlatform_Parents_Guide.html). For parents who prefer to submit paper Application Form to schools should fill in the name of the secondary schools applied to on the Application Form, and tear off the part containing the order of school preference for retention before submitting the duly completed paper Application Form and other necessary documents directly to the secondary schools concerned in person. After submission, parents should receive from the secondary schools the Parent’s Copy bearing the school chop, name and code for retention and record. Parents should note that no matter whether the applications are submitted via the eSSPA or in paper Application Form, the applications, once submitted, cannot be retrieved or cancelled, and no change can be made to the order of school preference.

6. Parents should not submit applications to more than two secondary schools participating in the SSPA no matter whether the applications are submitted via the eSSPA or in paper Application Form. Otherwise, the DP applications of their children will be rendered void. In addition, parents should not submit duplicate applications via the eSSPA and in paper Application Form for the same child.

7. Apart from applying to not more than two participating secondary schools, parents can apply to Jockey Club Ti-I College at the same time. The deadline for application is January 20, 2026.

8. Participating secondary schools (including Jockey Club Ti-I College) will notify parents of all successful applicants of their children’s inclusion in the Successful Lists for Discretionary Places on March 31, 2026. Parents who have registered as eSSPA users may also view notifications for successful DP applicants via eSSPA starting from 10 a.m. on the same day. These notification arrangements are not applicable to reserve and unsuccessful applicants, nor are the notifications the allocation results. Parents do not need to reply to the secondary schools whether they would accept the DP offers.

9. Apart from making DP applications to participating secondary schools, students may also apply to Direct Subsidy Scheme secondary schools not participating in SSPA (NDSS secondary schools), and there is no limit to the number of NDSS secondary schools they can apply to. As there is no limit to the number of NDSS secondary schools that a student may apply to, a student may be accepted by several NDSS secondary schools. However, when a parent surrenders the signed Parent’s Undertaking and the original of the Primary 6 Student Record Form to one of the schools making the child an offer, then that will serve as confirmation of acceptance of the S1 place offered by the NDSS secondary school concerned and an agreement to give up any other subsidised S1 places.

10. If students notified by participating secondary schools as successful DP applicants have also been admitted by an NDSS secondary school, parents should decide whether to retain the school place of the NDSS secondary school on or before April 10, 2026. If parents decide to retain the school place offered by the NDSS secondary school, they should disregard the notifications from participating secondary schools. If they decide to decline the offer from the NDSS secondary school, they should notify the NDSS secondary school concerned and retrieve the signed Parent’s Undertaking and the original of the Primary 6 Student Record Form on or before April 10, 2026 in order to retain the DP which they have successfully obtained.

11. For applications to Jockey Club Ti-I College and NDSS secondary schools, parents should fill in the application form provided by the schools. The eSSPA and paper Application Form for DP are not applicable to applications for S1 places of Jockey Club Ti-I College and NDSS secondary schools.

12. Parents should return the duly completed Secondary One Choice of Schools Form (Choice Form) to the EDB in early May 2026 through their children’s primary schools. This is to ensure that students will still be allocated S1 places through Central Allocation (CA) if their DP applications have not been successful. For students who are notified as successful applicants by participating secondary schools, their parents only have to skip the parts on school choices when filling in Choice Form via eSSPA and sign digitally, or tick the respective item and cross out the parts on school choices, and sign on the paper form after filling in contact information to indicate that they do not need to make school choices, and return the electronic or paper form to the primary schools their children attend.

13. The results of DP and CA will be released at the same time on July 7, 2026.

For further enquiries concerning the SSPA System, please contact the School Places Allocation Section of the EDB on 2832 7740 or 2832 7700.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong 2025 Asia’s World City – 4th Business Forum themed “PLAY: Culture and Entertainment in Hong Kong” today (December 5):
 
Jeremy (Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong’s (BritCham) General Committee, Mr Jeremy Sheldon), Nick (Head of HK CEO Office, HSBC, Mr Nick Holmes), Paul (Executive Director of the BritCham, Mr Paul McComb), Anthony (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Anthony Lau), friends,
 
Good morning. 
 
The theme of today’s Business Forum is “PLAY: Culture and Entertainment in Hong Kong”. In the last few days, of course I have been reviewing my speech, and I couldn’t help but wonder: should I ask to speak on a different theme during this difficult juncture, a juncture when the city of Hong Kong is collectively working hard to get out of the haze of the Tai Po fire?  
 
In the end, I decided that I should continue to speak on the original theme. All of you who are with me here today are no strangers to Hong Kong. From the introduction of Nick and Jeremy, you could see they probably call the city their home, or at least their second home. A lot of us actually were born here, grew up here. And we love this city. As a community we need time to bring relief to the disaster, and to heal from the immense sorrow. But we also need to see hope, to see light at the end of the tunnel, in order to stay motivated and focused enough to help one another, and help ourselves in the process. 
 
So my sincere thanks once again must therefore go to Jeremy for the invitation, so that I may, through addressing the distinguished British business community here today, have an opportunity to introduce our cultural and mega events which can bring light and hope for a better tomorrow. 
 
One year ago, on December 5, 2024, I was appointed the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. I outlined a few priorities as I took up office, and two of the most important items among them were the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park and the successful organisation of the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China. These are no child’s play indeed. 
 
The successful opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park on March 1, 2025, now seems a long time ago, right?  I believe quite a number of you in the audience would have taken part in some of Kai Tak’s inaugural events – the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 in early March, the Hong Kong Sevens, which Jeremy just now spoke about, in end-March which was rated by many veterans as the best Sevens ever, although this is the very first time it took place in Kai Tak. The Coldplay “Music of the Spheres” concerts in early April, the Hong Kong Football Festival in late July which we saw Liverpool facing AC Milan and also Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspurs staging their first ever North London Derby outside of London. That is a big thing for football fans. The list goes on, but I won’t try to describe the excitement one feels when one steps into Kai Tak Stadium for the very first time; be it a sports or entertainment mega event, no words can fit that bill of describing how amazing, how really wonderful Kai Tak Stadium is.
 
The completion of the Kai Tak Sports Park, the biggest ever sports and entertainment infrastructure in Hong Kong worthy of over $30 billion, puts Hong Kong right back on the global and regional events map. We were kind of losing out a little bit before the operation of Kai Tak because we simply didn’t have a big enough stadium for international major events or major tournaments or pop concerts. But Kai Tak not only puts us back on the map; it makes us shine. With the 50 000 capacity Kai Tak Stadium and the 10 000 capacity Kai Tak Arena, the Kai Tak Sports Park is now a prime destination for regional and international concert tours and sports tournaments, and fans of pop and sports stars from either Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland even Asia now find the Kai Tak Sports Park both novel and familiar, huge but accessible, and some even have their own secret havens for post-event supper in the Kowloon City area. Talk about the night economy!
 
The smooth opening and operation of the Kai Tak Sports Park significantly boosted our capacities and confidence to successfully cohost the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China together with Guangdong and Macao.
 
First of all, I need to tell you how incredibly proud I am of our 602 athletes of Team Hong Kong. Their final tally of nine gold, two silver and eight bronze medals surpassed the achievement of any previous Hong Kong delegation to the National Games.
 
But there is so much more beyond the medals. This edition of the National Games – our country’s highest-level multi-sport event – is historic; it is the first time that the Games are staged across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It promotes sports exchange and co-operation within the Greater Bay Area, and provides an invaluable experience for Hong Kong to host more mega and cross-boundary events with other cities in the Greater Bay Area. It is, more importantly, a shining example and testament to the “one country, two systems” principle. The unprecedented cohosting arrangement powerfully affirms that Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao, each with unique systems, can join hands and leverage our respective strengths to achieve something truly exceptional and inspirational.
 
Building on that success, we are now cohosting the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games with Guangdong and Macao. Events in Hong Kong begin just this week. I invite you all to join us in giving strong support to all the participating athletes.
 
Integration of the Greater Bay Area and sports development aside, the National Games also provides Hong Kong with valuable opportunities to promote ourselves and attract visitors from the Chinese Mainland and overseas. For example, some of you would have noticed or even taken part, we have staged the triathlon event along the world-famous Victoria Harbourfront, the beach volleyball event at Victoria Park in the heart of Causeway Bay, the golf event at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, and the rugby sevens event, of course, at Kai Tak Stadium.  
 
This integration of sports events with tourist attractions has created a new experience for our visitors. And I am pleased to note that our tourism sector has started to capitalise on this, and especially on the National Games to roll out tailor-made tourism products across the Greater Bay Area. Such efforts have borne fruit – more than 1.7 million visitors came to Hong Kong during the National Games period, a 19 per cent increase over the same period last year.
 
Building on this, the Hong Kong SAR Government is now working hand-in-hand with our partners in the commercial sector to bring more attractive events here. Just now, I think it’s Nick who alluded to a prime example, and that is our recent multi-year partnership with LIV Golf to host the LIV Golf League in Hong Kong in 2026 and 2027. I am actually very hopeful that English golfers such as Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton will compete in the event from March 5 to 8, 2026. 
 
Right after the LIV Golf 2026, Hong Kong Sevens, organised by Hong Kong China Rugby since 1976, will celebrate its Golden Jubilee from April 17 to 19, 2026. Now don’t worry. We close the roof and there will be air conditioning. Not scorching at all. But I look forward to seeing all of you in an event jersey at Kai Tak over the Rugby Sevens period.
 
I am confident that what I just said has already had you marking your diaries to ensure that you won’t miss out on any of the attractive events. Indeed, Hong Kong’s mega events are not isolated occurrences; many a time they are much more than mere entertainment. Collectively, they are a powerful magnet, a dynamic engine, and a key pillar solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a premier international city. That’s our soft power. And, unlike in many other places, mega events in Hong Kong are not held in distant, far-away venues. They happen right in the heart of our city – among our streets, contributing to our city’s architecture, and becoming an integral part of our daily life.
 
Remember attending the Wine and Dine Festival, such a successful comeback under the able leadership of Anthony Lau here, this past October with a glass of wine in your hand while enjoying the glittering Victoria Harbour nightscape? Or taking your little ones to the world’s first “WATER PARADE at Victoria Harbour” concluded in early November to greet globally renowned IP characters such as Doraemon; KAWS and Sesame Street’s Elmo; McDonald’s Grimace; and Labubu, a popular creation by a Hong Kong artist that has now become a global phenomenon? Or enjoying a cool picnic at Symphony Under the Stars, the iconic annual outdoor music extravaganza presented by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra with generous support from Swire Pacific Limited just last week?
 
Such good memories have people longing for more, and we have indeed planned to stage more heartwarming events over the festive season. Of course, as a society, Hong Kong’s priority at this juncture is doing all we can to bring comfort to the aggrieved, as well as to bravely confront the aftermath of the fire, including electing a new legislature that would work wholeheartedly with the Government on disaster relief and essential reforms on the coming Sunday. And of course, healing of physical wounds and the heartstrings takes a lot of time and much more care. But I hope that, for those in society who could use a drop of light, both literally and emotionally, the Christmas lightings that would be lit-up later this month under Hong Kong WinterFest could bring some warmth and comfort in a chilly season.  
    
With Hong Kong’s diverse offerings, we welcomed some 45 million visitors in the first 11 months of this year, already surpassing the entire of 2024. This is a 12 per cent increase year on year. Visitors from the UK (United Kingdom) grew even more significantly, by 15 per cent, meaning our long-haul visitors are actually coming back, thanks to mega events, but also thanks to an increase in air flight capacity. 
 
Beyond economic benefits, mega events allow people to experience the real and authentic Hong Kong firsthand. Visitors become our best ambassadors, telling Hong Kong’s good stories far and wide. As someone familiar with and care deeply about Hong Kong, which is all of you here, I sincerely encourage you to invite your friends to explore the real Hong Kong and the opportunities here. I have spoken enough about sports and entertainment, and I would like to mention that with the strong participation of British artists, Hong Kong’s cultural offerings in the coming months are equally attractive. A few examples are Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducting the Constellation Choir and Orchestra at the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival, and the “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” exhibition at the Hong Kong Science Museum in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, London, not to mention the highly anticipated annual mega art and creative events of Art Basel, Art Central and ComplexCon. 
 
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is globally acclaimed as an international financial centre. This is, of course, absolutely true and important. In good times or bad, Hong Kong is always a city full of dynamic energy, and a vibrant and unique blend of East and West. But in closing, I hope to drive home this equally important message: as it is stated in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “these three remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love”. Let us remember this and live out this spirit in full!

Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department released the third report under the Second Hong Kong Total Diet Study (2nd HKTDS) today (December 5). This report is the CFS’s first assessment of the overall dietary exposure to perchlorate in food among the Hong Kong population. The findings showed that the estimated dietary exposures to perchlorate for the overall adult and younger populations in Hong Kong remain well below the health-based guidance values established by the international organisation/authority and do not pose a health risk.

Perchlorate occurs naturally in the environment and is also an environmental contaminant arising from human activities. Perchlorate has been reported to occur in a wide range of foods including vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products. Perchlorate has low acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has not classified perchlorate as a carcinogen. Exposure to excessive perchlorate can interfere with thyroid function by reducing the uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. The CFS selected perchlorate as one of the testing parameters in the 2nd HKTDS to assess the local situation and evaluate the dietary exposure to perchlorate of the Hong Kong population in light of the attention that perchlorate has received abroad in earlier years. 

Out of a total of 187 food items tested in the Study, 144 (77 per cent) were found to contain perchlorate. Among these food items, pumpkin exhibited the highest mean concentration of perchlorate, followed by Chinese amaranth and Chinese parsley. By combining the aforesaid findings with the food consumption data of people in Hong Kong, the estimated dietary exposures to perchlorate for average and high consumers of the adult and younger population were all below 5 per cent of the Provisional Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake of 10 micrograms/kilogram body weight allocated by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations/World Health Organisation Expert Committee on Food Additives for perchlorate.

A spokesman for the CFS said, “The public is encouraged to maintain a balanced and varied diet to support overall health and reduce the risk of exposure to contaminants, including perchlorate, from a limited range of food.”

The 2nd HKTDS aims to estimate the latest dietary exposure of the Hong Kong population and various population subgroups to some chemical substances of potential food safety concern and assess the associated health risks. The public can download the relevant study reports released thus far from the CFS webpage at www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_firm/programme_tds_2nd_HKTDS_report.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 5) released the test results of a targeted food surveillance project on the nutrition labelling of prepackaged canned soup and instant soup pack. Among the 40 samples tested, including food items purchased online, three samples were found with sugars, protein or total fat content inconsistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels, while the remaining 37 samples passed the test.

     “The CFS collected samples from different retail outlets for the targeted food surveillance project. Tests were conducted to check if the energy content and specified nutrient content (total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugars, sodium, protein, carbohydrates, and more) are consistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels. The food labels were also checked to see if they comply with relevant requirements under the laws,” a spokesman for the CFS said.

The CFS had announced the irregularities in the actual nutrient content earlier. The vendors concerned have also stopped selling the relevant batches of the affected products. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.

The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) require all applicable prepackaged foods to list the ingredients and the content of energy plus seven core nutrients, namely carbohydrates, protein, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugars, and regulate any associated nutrition claims.

Nutrition labelling can assist consumers in making informed food choices, encourage food manufacturers to apply sound nutrition principles in the formulation of foods, and regulate misleading or deceptive labels and claims. According to Section 61 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), if any person falsely describes food or misleads as to the nature, substance or quality of the food on a label of the food sold by him or her, he or she shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.

The CFS will continue to conduct surveillance on other food samples to check if their energy content and specified nutrient content are consistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels, and the results will be released in due course. The spokesman reminded the food trade to comply with the law, and urged members of the public to pay attention to the information on nutrition labels when purchasing food to make informed food choices to achieve a balanced diet and stay healthy.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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2025-12-04
President Lai attends opening of Taiwan Medical Association’s International Symposium on Transforming Healthcare  
On the morning of December 4, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the Taiwan Medical Association (TMA)’s International Symposium on Transforming Healthcare – Universal Health Coverage, AI, Green Healthcare and Collaborative Healthcare System. In remarks, President Lai stated that creating a Healthy Taiwan is one of the nation’s major policy goals, and that the government will continue to actively participate in global health governance, expand medical technology exchanges, promote the development of smart healthcare, build consensus on medical ethics, and develop resilient healthcare in the context of climate change. The president said that these efforts aim to keep Taiwanese healthcare current and our people healthy, and that Taiwan is ready and willing to make even greater contributions to the world. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: The World Medical Association (WMA) is one of the world’s leading professional organizations for healthcare. With 118 constituent members, it is profoundly influential in international healthcare ethics, empowerment for the healthcare community, and global health policy. Taiwan is honored to co-host this 2025 Open Expert Meeting with the WMA. We welcome our distinguished guests from around the world, and wish you all fruitful discussions. I would also like to acknowledge the WMA’s long-time support for Taiwan. In 2021, it formally passed a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) and World Health Organization. And every year before the WHA, it issues a public statement in support of Taiwan. For this, I want to express deepest thanks on behalf of the people of Taiwan. I also want to thank the TMA for continuing to increase Taiwan’s visibility in healthcare and expand our global links through international cooperation. These efforts help the world recognize Taiwan’s professional excellence, future-oriented approach, and humanitarian values in the field. As a physician myself, I understand how important a strong healthcare system is for our people, national security, and social resilience. With challenges such as an aging population, the growing burden of chronic diseases, and epidemic threat, creating a Healthy Taiwan is one of our major policy goals. We must take steps to advance and transform healthcare. Our policies aim to keep Taiwanese healthcare current and our people healthy. First, we initiated a healthcare policy transformation, using digital technology and AI to build a smart health system for all ages and settings, offering early warnings and timely intervention. This will help Taiwan shift from a healthcare model focused on disease treatment to one focused on prevention and health promotion. The era of AI is here, so we are also leading ten new AI infrastructure initiatives. With enhanced AI, cybersecurity, and data governance, we are establishing a national cybersecurity system for healthcare, promoting medical information exchange standards, and setting up a verification and accountability system for AI applications. This will help us build a secure, interconnected, and trustworthy smart healthcare environment. Our applications of AI have already shown promising initial results in areas from international epidemic monitoring, the My Health Bank personal health records service, and home-based care, to telemedicine, assistive technology, and our primary care platform. In view of the global trend toward net-zero emissions, our government has already begun to discuss incorporating sustainable development into hospital accreditation, and is proactively assisting medical institutions with saving energy, net zero, and green transformation. Many of us here are invested in the use of health databases and biobanks, which are crucial to advancing the biotech industry. In recent years, Taiwan has been working on legal amendments to support this sector. Our National Infectious Diseases Bank, which will be completed next year, will help further promote cooperation and exchanges in biotech between Taiwan and other countries. We will continue to actively participate in global health governance and work with the WMA to expand medical technology exchanges, promote the development of smart healthcare, build consensus on medical ethics, and develop resilient healthcare in the context of climate change. I would like to once again thank you all for supporting Taiwan and promoting deeper cooperation between Taiwan and the international community. Taiwan is happy to share our experience with the world, conduct joint research, and invest in and train talent. We are ready and willing to stand with the international community in the face of global health challenges, and make even greater contributions to the world. Let’s keep working together for a brighter future. I wish everyone good health and success in all your endeavors. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were WMA President Jacqueline Kitulu, Council Chair Jack Resneck, Jr., and Secretary General Otmar Kloiber.  

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2025-12-03
Presidential Office thanks US President Trump for signing Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act  
The Presidential Office extends its sincere appreciation to United States President Donald Trump, who on December 2 (US EST) formally signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, which stipulates that the US Secretary of State shall conduct a review of the Department of State’s guidance that governs relations with Taiwan, including related documents, and reissue such guidance not less than every five years, as well as submit an updated report to Congress not later than 90 days after completing the review. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that the entry into force of the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act carries great significance in that it affirms the value of US interaction with Taiwan, supports closer Taiwan-US relations, and stands as a firm symbol of our shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. Spokesperson Kuo also indicated that in addition to Taiwan and the US sharing the fundamental values of freedom and democracy, a robust Taiwan-US relationship is a cornerstone for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to maintain close contact with the US, deepen our partnerships across many sectors, and serve as a steady force for global prosperity and development. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will work hand in hand with the US and other like-minded countries in the region to ensure peace, prosperity, and stable development in the Indo-Pacific.  

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2025-11-26
President Lai pens Washington Post article on boosting defense spending to protect Taiwan’s democracy  
On November 25, an op-ed penned by President Lai Ching-te entitled “I will boost defense spending to protect our democracy” was published by The Washington Post, explaining to a global audience Taiwan’s firm resolve to strengthen its self-defense capabilities. The article also notes that Taiwan’s government will continue to boost military investment and recently introduced a historic US$40 billion supplementary defense budget, underscoring its commitment to defending Taiwan’s democracy. In addition to investing in the national defense industry and cutting-edge technologies, Taiwan is accelerating the development of the T-Dome, a multilayered, integrated defense system designed to protect Taiwan from PLA missiles, rockets, drones, and combat aircraft. Taiwan will also expand cooperation with like-minded countries to support a shared deterrence architecture across the Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, Taiwan will broaden coordination both domestically and with international partners, and improve collaboration between government, military, and civic groups so that society can better respond to disasters, both manmade and natural. The president emphasized that Taiwan and the United States share the conviction of peace through strength, and that Taiwan will ensure its sovereignty, democracy, and freedom are defended through robust, decisive action. The following is the full text of President Lai’s article: For more than four decades, the enduring foundations laid by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act and reinforced by President Ronald Reagan’s Six Assurances have guided Taiwan and the United States in jointly upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Together, we have recognized that safeguarding freedom and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific requires clarity and strength. Today, these principles remain as vital as ever. The People’s Republic of China’s unprecedented military buildup, combined with intensifying provocations in the Taiwan Strait, East and South China Seas and across the Indo-Pacific, have highlighted the fragility of peace in the region. Beijing’s willingness to alter the status quo by force has become increasingly evident. We are grateful that President Donald Trump has made clear the importance of American leadership around the world. The international community is safer today because of the Trump administration’s pursuit of peace through strength. A strong and engaged America remains a cornerstone for global stability, keeping potential conflict at bay. Taiwan is equally committed to keeping the Indo-Pacific region safe. Despite record People’s Liberation Army incursions into Taiwan’s vicinity — and military drills probing past what is known as the First Island Chain, extending from Japan to the Philippine archipelago — Taiwan has remained steadfast, acting with firm resolve against the threats and challenges faced. To further make good on our commitments, I am significantly increasing Taiwan’s defense budget. In response to growing pressure from Beijing, our defense spending, which has already doubled in recent years, is expected to rise to 3.3 percent of gross domestic product by next year. I am committed to lifting this baseline to 5 percent by 2030, representing the largest sustained military investment in Taiwan’s modern history. As part of this effort, my government will introduce a historic $40 billion supplementary defense budget, an investment that underscores our commitment to defending Taiwan’s democracy. This landmark package will not only fund significant new arms acquisitions from the United States, but also vastly enhance Taiwan’s asymmetrical capabilities. In doing so, we aim to bolster deterrence by inserting greater costs and uncertainties into Beijing’s decision-making on the use of force. My message here is clear: Taiwan’s dedication to peace and stability is unwavering. No country will be more determined in safeguarding Taiwan’s future than our own. Looking forward, we will also invest in cutting-edge technologies and expand Taiwan’s defense industrial base. Partnering with like-minded countries, we will leverage Taiwan’s manufacturing strengths to reinforce defense supply chains, accelerate the deployment of advanced systems and rapidly respond to emerging threats — all while creating new jobs at home and abroad. As part of this, I am accelerating the development of ‘T-Dome,’ a multilayered, integrated defense system designed to protect Taiwan from PLA missiles, rockets, drones, and combat aircraft. Together with other AI-driven and unmanned platforms, these capabilities bring us closer to the vision of an unassailable Taiwan, safeguarded by innovation and technology. Furthermore, we will broaden coordination both domestically and with international partners. Last year, we established a top-level Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, improving collaboration between government, military, and civic groups so that our society can better respond to disasters, both manmade and natural. These preparations will continue to intensify. We will continue to pursue closer security ties with trusted partners and allies. We are grateful that the international community has continued to speak out forcefully for peace across the Taiwan Strait. Recent statements from Japan, the U.S., Europe, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the Group of Seven have all contributed to deterrence in the region. We will further cooperate across maritime, cybersecurity, resilience and other domains that support a shared deterrence architecture across the Indo-Pacific. Cross-strait stability is best served when we heighten the costs of military escalation, while minimizing the threshold of de-escalation. The risks of conflict must always outweigh the price for peace. This is underscored by the pace of our defense reforms and my firm determination to uphold the cross-strait status quo. While we will continue to pursue opportunities for cross-strait dialogue, with the understanding that our democracy and freedom remain nonnegotiable, we remain grounded by more than wishful thinking, as some have suggested. We will ensure that Taiwan’s security and sovereignty are defended not just by rhetoric but through robust, decisive action. Both presidents Trump and Reagan have understood the significance of peace through strength. Standing on the front lines of democracy, this is a lesson we live by each and every day. While there is much at stake, Taiwan’s resolve has never been stronger. Working together with America and like-minded democracies, we are confident that peace will prevail.

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2025-11-25
President Lai meets Eswatini House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza
On the morning of November 25, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Speaker of the House of Assembly Jabulani Mabuza of the Kingdom of Eswatini. In remarks, President Lai thanked Eswatini for speaking out in support of Taiwan at international forums over the years. The president noted that cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini has been fruitful in areas such as agriculture, public health, education, women’s empowerment, and renewable energy. He expressed hope that we will continue working together to make Eswatini an important base for linking Taiwan with African markets, creating even more opportunities for cooperation and spurring progress and prosperity in our nations and around the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I extend a warm welcome to Speaker Mabuza, who is leading a delegation to Taiwan after his last visit in 2018, and also to the members of the House of Assembly, who are here for the first time. Your presence is a demonstration of Eswatini’s strong support for Taiwan and a sign that diplomatic ties between our countries continue to deepen. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to express my gratitude to you all. I also want to thank Speaker Mabuza for signing an economic cooperation agreement with Taiwan on behalf of the government of Eswatini when he visited in 2018 in his capacity as minister of commerce, industry and trade. The agreement laid a solid foundation for bilateral economic and trade interactions. I am confident that this visit will give Speaker Mabuza and the delegation a more comprehensive understanding of Taiwan and create greater opportunities for bilateral exchanges and collaboration. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini has been fruitful in areas such as agriculture, public health, education, women’s empowerment, and renewable energy. In particular, our two countries are working together to build a strategic oil reserve facility, which will not only enhance Eswatini’s energy security but also advance its sustainable development. Eswatini is Taiwan’s key ally in Africa. Home to a stable investment environment and an outstanding talent pool, Eswatini is also an important member of the Southern African Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Taiwan sees enormous potential for further developing the partnership with Eswatini. Moving forward, we will continue to encourage more companies in Taiwan to expand their global presence and market worldwide, and make Eswatini an important base for linking Taiwan with African markets. This will create even more opportunities for cooperation. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would also like to express heartfelt thanks to Eswatini for speaking out in support of Taiwan at international forums over the years. At this year’s United Nations General Assembly, His Majesty King Mswati III called to end the misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and include Taiwan so that the UN can fulfill its mandate that no country is left behind. This staunch backing gives Taiwan additional strength to collaborate and deepen partnerships with Eswatini and other like-minded countries. I look forward, with the efforts of our esteemed guests, to continued development, spurring progress and prosperity in our nations and around the world. In closing, I once again thank Speaker Mabuza for leading this delegation to Taiwan. Please convey greetings from Taiwan to the king and queen mother. I wish you all a smooth and successful visit. Speaker Mabuza then delivered remarks, saying that it is his singular honor for him to stand here today as the speaker of the Kingdom of Eswatini. He then conveyed warm greetings from His Majesty King Mswati III and the Indlovukazi and the people of Eswatini, extending their sincerest appreciation for the unwavering support and friendship that Taiwan has consistently demonstrated towards their nation. He remarked that their visit to Taiwan has been a remarkable journey filled with insightful meetings, enriching cultural exchanges, and a deepened understanding of Taiwan’s remarkable achievements in various fields. He noted that they are particularly impressed by Taiwan’s technological advancement, vibrant democracy, commitment to social welfare, and environmental sustainability, adding that these are qualities they admire and aspire to emulate in their own development endeavors in Eswatini. Speaker Mabuza said that President Lai’s leadership and vision for Taiwan’s future are truly inspiring, and that the emphasis on innovation, education, and people-centered policies resonates deeply with their own national aspirations. He stated that as we navigate the challenges of our time, from climate change to economic inequality, they believe our nations can learn from each other and work together to find solutions that benefit not just our peoples, but the global community at large. Speaker Mabuza pointed out that diplomatic relations between our two countries are a testament to our shared values of sovereignty, mutual respect, and cooperation. He stated that Eswatini cherishes the strong bonds we have forged over the years and is committed to further strengthening those ties. Whether through economic partnership, cultural exchanges, or collaborative efforts in areas such as healthcare and technology, he said, they see vast potential for growth and mutual benefit.  Speaker Mabuza expressed hope of continuing our fruitful relationship and exploring new avenues of cooperation so that together, we can build a brighter future for our citizens and contribute positively to regional and global peace and prosperity. In closing, the speaker once again thanked Taiwan for the warm hospitality and for being a steadfast friend to the Kingdom of Eswatini. The delegation also included House of Assembly Members Lindiwe Mamba, Joseph Souza, Jabulane M. Simelane, and Allen Vilane.

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2025-11-18
President Lai hosts state banquet for Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu
At noon on November 18, President Lai Ching-te hosted a state banquet in honor of Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo and his wife. In remarks, President Lai thanked Tuvalu for supporting Taiwan at numerous international venues. The president indicated that Taiwan and Tuvalu have made excellent progress in cooperation in recent years, signing many significant agreements which have helped lay a formidable foundation for their diplomatic ties. He expressed hope for continued cooperation to promote democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome Prime Minister Teo, Madame Tausaga Teo, and their delegation to Taiwan. When I visited Tuvalu last year, I was deeply impressed by its natural beauty and the hospitality of its people. I hope that our distinguished guests will also gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan on this trip. Frequent exchanges help strengthen the bonds of friendship as we pave the way to a better future. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to especially thank Tuvalu for taking concrete action at various international venues in staunch defense of Taiwan’s right to international participation. At the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September this year, thanks to Prime Minister Teo’s full support, Taiwan’s right to take part and its contributions were acknowledged in the forum communiqué. At this year’s United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Teo also advocated for Taiwan, stressing that UNGA Resolution 2758 does not preclude Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system and calling for its inclusion in the UN. Since Prime Minister Teo took office over a year ago, Taiwan and Tuvalu have continued to expand exchanges and make excellent progress in cooperation across many domains. We have signed numerous agreements, including today’s Taiwan-Tuvalu Kaitasi Treaty, the Agreement on Diversifying Fisheries Cooperation, and the Letter of Intent on Sports Exchange and Cooperation, which have helped lay a formidable foundation for our diplomatic ties. I once again thank Tuvalu for its staunch support. Let us work closely together to defend democracy, maintain peace, and contribute to the prosperity and development of both countries. In closing, I wish Prime Minister Teo the best of health and success in his endeavors. May diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Tuvalu go from strength to strength, and may our friendship continue to flourish. Prime Minister Teo then delivered remarks, stating that it has been a day of profound significance, starting with a magnificent military parade and followed by a substantive, fruitful, and highly productive bilateral meeting with President Lai. The meeting was followed, he said, by the signing of the historical Kaitasi Treaty that delivers on the pledge that he and President Lai made during the latter’s state visit to Tuvalu in December last year to further strengthen and enhance the relationship between Tuvalu and Taiwan. The prime minister noted that two other agreements were also signed, signifying further cooperation between Tuvalu and Taiwan in the areas of diversification of fisheries cooperation and sports and cultural exchanges. The moment that both sides shared, the prime minister said, reminded them once again of the enduring friendship, mutual respect, and shared values that unite Tuvalu and the Republic of China (Taiwan). Prime Minister Teo went on to state that the banquet symbolizes more than just an occasion for sharing a meal and drink, but the bond of family, cooperation, and shared purpose that underpin the new kaitasi relationship between Tuvalu and Taiwan. It also reflects a bond of friendship grounded in mutual respect, loyalty, and trust, he said. The prime minister then reaffirmed Tuvalu’s unwavering friendship and commitment to strengthening its partnership with Taiwan in the years ahead. He stated that Tuvalu continues to stand steadfastly in support of Taiwan’s effort to reengage fully in international relations. Prime Minister Teo expressed hope that cooperation will continue to grow, guided by the principles of the kaitasi, which are shared destiny, shared responsibility, and a shared future, including respect for the principle of democracy and the rule of law. He concluded his remarks by stating that they look forward to continuing this journey together as trusted partners. Also in attendance at the banquet was Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae.

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2025-12-04
President Lai interviewed by The New York Times DealBook Summit
In a recent interview via videoconference with The New York Times for its DealBook Summit, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Andrew Ross Sorkin on topics including Taiwan’s national defense, cross-strait relations, Taiwan-US relations, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the semiconductor industry. The interview was broadcast in the early morning of December 4. The DealBook Summit is a major annual event held by The New York Times aimed at facilitating dialogue among leaders from various sectors and sharing their insights and analyses on international affairs. This year’s summit was held on December 3 (US EST) in New York, and included such speakers as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Palantir CEO Alex Karp, and Turning Point USA CEO and Chair of the Board Erika Kirk. The following is the full text of the interview: Q: Here’s where I want to start the conversation. You’ve just announced this past week that you’re introducing a US$40 billion special budget for military spending to buy more weapons from the US to try to deter China from invading Taiwan. What indicators, and perhaps new indicators, are you looking at that shows an increased threat to Taiwan? President Lai: We can see that China’s military drills targeted at Taiwan are becoming increasingly frequent and intense. They have even moved beyond the first island chain into the second, affecting the wider Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, China’s united front influence campaigns against Taiwan are also becoming more serious. In order to safeguard national security and fulfill our responsibility to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, we have announced this special defense budget. We believe that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. While we aspire to peace, we cannot harbor illusions about it. Peace must be secured through strength. This is why we are increasing our defense budget and strengthening our national defense capabilities, while also cutting back our economic dependence on China. This includes improving our economic resilience. In 2010, 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment went to China; last year, that figure had dropped to around 7 percent. We are also working side-by-side with other democracies to reinforce deterrence. Robust preparations are the best way to avoid war and achieve peace. Q: Let me ask you this: President Xi has said that his goal for China’s military is to be capable of taking Taiwan by force by 2027. You said that Beijing is accelerating these preparations for an attempted invasion. So what do you think China’s timeline is now? President Lai: We must ensure the best possible preparations for the worst-case scenarios. Whatever timeline the PLA may have, Taiwan’s fundamental principle is that we must be ready first – this is our basic principle. I also want to use this opportunity to reiterate to the international community that Taiwan will do everything necessary to protect itself and to safeguard regional peace and stability. We are grateful to the international community, including the G7, the president of the United States, Japan’s political leaders, and many others for their interest in cross-strait peace and emphasizing that stability in the Taiwan Strait is essential to global security and prosperity. Their shared position greatly contributes to stability in Taiwan and peace in the region. We hope Taiwan can continue working with the international community to uphold the rules-based international order. Q: Well, let me ask you about that because, Mr. President, last week you said the relationship between Taiwan and the US is rock-solid. How confident are you that the United States, and in particular President Trump, would come to the aid of Taiwan if China were to invade? President Lai: Although Taiwan and the United States do not have official diplomatic relations, Taiwan is deeply grateful to the US Congress for passing the Taiwan Relations Act and to President Ronald Reagan for the Six Assurances. For decades, successive US administrations and both parties in Congress have strongly supported Taiwan based on this foundation. Our relationship truly is rock-solid. Since President Trump took office, cooperation with Taiwan has not only continued but even expanded. We look forward to working with the United States through tariff negotiations – not only to help address their trade deficit, but also to deepen bilateral economic relations and strengthen our friendship. Q: We’ve all been watching what’s been happening play out in Ukraine between Ukraine and Russia. And there have been questions inside Ukraine about the support that the United States has provided or not in terms of how this ultimately gets settled. How do you view what’s happening in Ukraine right now and the role that the US is playing there? President Lai: Taiwan stands with the people of Ukraine. We hope this irrational and illegitimate war will be over as soon as possible so that the Ukrainian people will no longer have to suffer. However, in ending this war, we also hope that Ukraine’s national dignity and the well-being of its people will be respected, and future conflict will be prevented. Q: You talked about trade earlier. When you talk about the relationship between the US and Taiwan, one of the reasons that Taiwan is so valuable, such a strategic asset – and President Trump talks about it this way about Taiwan – is because of semiconductors. And one of the things that he says is that he hopes that the US is going to be manufacturing 40 to 50 percent of all semiconductors in the next couple of years with your help. Does that make Taiwan more valuable ultimately to the US or do you worry at all that it makes it less valuable to the US? President Lai: Taiwan’s semiconductor industry plays a crucial role, especially as we enter the future AI era. But I want to emphasize, with humility, that Taiwan’s semiconductor sector is a global asset. The industry functions as an ecosystem: the US excels in R&D, design, and has the world’s largest market; Japan provides materials and equipment; the Netherlands makes advanced lithography systems; Taiwan specializes in logic chip manufacturing; and Korea leads in flash memory chips. In other words, semiconductors are a global ecosystem – it requires worldwide cooperation to be effective. This is why our government supports TSMC and other Taiwanese semiconductor firms as they invest in the US, Japan, Europe, or wherever they believe is needed. This contributes to global progress and prosperity. As a result, we remain supportive as President Trump seeks investments from Taiwanese semiconductor companies and suppliers in the US. We hope Taiwan can support the reindustrialization of the US. President Trump wants the US to become the world center for AI, and we are willing to assist in this. As I said earlier, we hope Taiwan-US tariff negotiations will not only help reduce the US trade deficit, but also deepen bilateral economic cooperation, further integrate Taiwan’s industries with the American economic structure, and strengthen the Taiwan-US relationship. This will contribute to global prosperity and development. Q: Do you think that President Trump’s timeline, this idea that 40 to 50 percent of all semiconductors could be manufactured in the United States in the next two or three years, is realistic? President Lai: We understand President Trump’s sense of urgency; he wants the United States to maintain an edge in global competition. Whether this target of 40 to 50 percent can be achieved within this timeframe depends not only on Taiwan’s support but also on the US government’s ability to facilitate land acquisition, water and electricity supply, workforce and talent development, and investment incentives. If the US government manages to do this well and effectively, then this goal becomes much more achievable. Q: There’s a big debate in the United States right now about whether companies like Nvidia should be allowed to sell their most advanced chips to China. And there has not been a real answer yet here in the US. I’m curious what you think about that. Do you think that the most advanced chips should be allowed to be exported to China? President Lai: As Taiwan’s president, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on US domestic policy. But I can share an experience: Around the year 2000, Taiwan faced a similar debate about whether our advanced chip manufacturing capabilities should move to mainland China. There was an extensive and thorough discussion across society and among different political parties. The consensus was that it would be unwise and should not happen. Looking back, that decision was correct. Had Taiwan allowed its most advanced manufacturing to relocate to China, Taiwan would not be what it is today. Q: Final question for you. Your economy is red hot right now, in large part because of the AI boom. It’s a two-part question. I wonder whether you’re worried about an AI boom being an AI bubble. And I’m also curious how you think about the Chinese economy today and how that relates to how President Xi even views Taiwan, and when and if it would consider either invading or, through using the gray zone, trying to effectively cut off or control Taiwan. President Lai: There are many different views in the tech and economic communities. Some say AI could become a bubble; others say it may not. As a political leader, I believe the AI era will bring greater convenience to people’s lives, stimulate economic development, and contribute to global prosperity. That is why we must take steps to prevent AI from becoming a bubble. In other words, leaders around the world – especially those from countries with AI-related industries – should work together and take necessary measures to ensure AI develops sustainably and has a soft landing, so that it can drive long-term global growth. China’s economy is indeed struggling. Taiwan’s growth rate this year is projected to reach 7.37 percent, while international financial institutions estimate China’s growth to be only a little above 4 percent. We sincerely hope that as China faces economic pressures, President Xi Jinping will focus not on territorial expansion but on improving the well-being of the Chinese people. Taiwan is willing to help and to cooperate in addressing these economic challenges.