Month: May 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The China Manned Space Agency announced today (May 23) the Shenzhou-23 crew, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed gratitude to the country for its support for and trust in the HKSAR. He also congratulated Dr Lai on passing the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country’s fourth batch of astronauts, thereby contributing Hong Kong’s strength to the country’s aerospace endeavours. Mr Lee wished the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission great success.

Mr Lee said, “As this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the HKSAR is embracing a historic moment in the pursuit of its aerospace dream. We are deeply inspired by this moment of extraordinary significance, where a Hong Kong specialist takes part in the spaceflight mission as an astronaut for the first time. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing the HKSAR’s technology talent with this valuable opportunity to take part in the aerospace endeavours of the country.

     “The HKSAR has been contributing to the country’s aerospace development. Various research institutions and universities have been participating in aerospace research projects, including providing systems, instruments, and technical support for the country’s lunar and Mars exploration missions, as well as conducting spaceborne experiments. The HKSAR Government has also established the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Center under the InnoHK Research Clusters to participate in related national aerospace missions. Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. With five universities ranking among the world’s top 100, Hong Kong provides a powerful impetus for nurturing and attracting innovation and technology (I&T) talent.

     “The participation of a scientific researcher from Hong Kong in the spaceflight mission for the first time is not only an affirmation of her own capability, but also a testimony to the country’s high recognition of Hong Kong’s I&T talent, development, and achievements. It also fully reflects the great importance attached, as well as the care and support given to the technological development in Hong Kong by our country. I warmly congratulate Dr Lai and sincerely wish her every success in the spaceflight mission.”

Dr Lai thanked the country and the HKSAR Government for their support. She felt deeply honoured to be able to represent the HKSAR to participate in the country’s spaceflight mission. She said that she will spare no effort and strive to live up to the expectations of the country and the HKSAR. Meanwhile, she expressed the hope that this mission would inspire more Hong Kong youths to devote themselves to the field of I&T, thereby contributing to the country’s scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, led a HKSAR delegation to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to participate in the upcoming send-off ceremony and witness this historic moment. Members of the delegation include the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and other government representatives, I&T experts, youths and students.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Dr Lai obtained a doctoral degree in computer forensics. She is a Superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force. In the recruitment exercise of the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts launched in 2022, she was successfully selected as a payload expert and was deployed to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center for training. Payload experts are responsible for conducting experiments such as scientific and applied research at the space station.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The annual Bun Scrambling Competition was held early this morning at the Pak Tai Temple Playground football pitch on Cheung Chau.

Twelve finalists competed, climbing the bun tower to gather as many buns as they could in three minutes.

Kwok Ka-ming was named as the men’s champion, with Kung Tsz-shan winning the women’s contest.

Around 1,650 spectators witnessed the dramatic event, which served as the grand finale to the Bun Carnival.

There was also an invitation relay event, in which three teams from Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Macau competed against seven local teams from Cheung Chau.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee extended warm congratulations on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spacecraft, and offered his best wishes to the crew members, including Hong Kong’s first astronaut, payload expert Lai Ka-ying.

 

The Long March 2F Y23 carrier rocket lifting the Shenzhou-23 was launched at 11.08pm today from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The spacecraft was separated from the rocket successfully and entered its predetermined orbit.

 

The Chief Executive remarked that the country has realised its grand blueprint of becoming an aerospace power through unwavering determination and perseverance, a forward-looking vision, and strategic planning.

 

“This mission is of great significance, as it is not only the first manned spaceflight mission during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, but also the first time for a payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to participate in it. All citizens of Hong Kong are thrilled and proud.”

 

Mr Lee highlighted that the National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly sets out key strategies to develop a modernised industrial system and expedite the nation’s development as an aerospace power.

 

“With the strong support of the country, the Hong Kong SAR can transform from a supporter of the country’s great aerospace endeavours into an executor.

 

“This not only demonstrates the Hong Kong SAR’s capability in contributing to the country’s development into an aerospace power, but also showcases how Hong Kong could better integrate into and serve the overall national development.”

 

The spacecraft will rendezvous with and dock and at the Tiangong space station. The crew of the Shenzhou-23 will conduct an on-orbit rotation with that of the Shenzhou-21.

 

The astronauts, including Ms Lai, will stay in the space station and conduct a variety of science and technology experiments.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will seize opportunities arising from the historic achievement of having a Hong Kong expert participating in a national spaceflight mission for the first time, in order to enhance popular science education and showcase the country’s aerospace technology development.

 

It added that it will highlight the distinctive contributions of the Hong Kong SAR to the nation’s space endeavours, thereby inspiring young people to engage in the field of innovation and technology.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee has conducted a video conversation with Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, and congratulated her on being included in the crew for the Shenzhou-23 mission.

Also joining the conversation were Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Sun Dong, and Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung.

When asked about her life at the China Astronaut Research & Training Center, Ms Lai revealed that every day is packed with activities. Despite the tough programme, she is glad to have finally made it and feels confident about completing the mission.

She mentioned that her children are happy studying in Beijing, and that never having been away from Hong Kong for this long, she hopes to return as soon as she completes her mission.

Prof Sun stressed that the Government is proud of Ms Lai meeting the standards to carry out a space mission in just over a year.

Ms Yeung conveyed the honour and pride of all 170,000 civil servants in Ms Lai’s accomplishments.

The Chief Executive said that Ms Lai’s participation in the mission shows national recognition and also the country’s trust in and support for Hong Kong.

He urged Ms Lai to rest well, stay in good condition and relax her mind, and wished her a successful mission.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a trade mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, courting openings beyond traditional markets, while Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Chairman Frederick Ma is optimistic the visit will deliver.

Kazakhstan stands as Central Asia’s most developed economy and regional powerhouse, boasting an impressive gross domestic product that soared past US$300 billion in 2025.

Leading the region in both economic output and purchasing power, Kazakhstan serves as a vital business and logistics hub bridging China and Europe.

In this diverse nation, Kazakh and Russian are the predominant languages, while Islam and Christianity represent the major religions.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan claims the title of the region’s most populous country, strategically positioned at the heart of Central Asia and sharing borders with all its neighbouring nations.

With a storied past as a crucial segment of the ancient Silk Road trade routes, Uzbekistan has cultivated an environment ideal for stable economic growth, consistently achieving over 5% growth each year.

The growth trajectory positions Uzbekistan as a prime entry point for businesses eager to tap into the expansive Central Asian market.

A delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee will visit both countries in June.

Booming economy

HKTDC Chairman Frederick Ma said the trip will be highly beneficial, with a broad cross‑sector delegation expected to drive deals.

Kazakhstan is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and a key export market in Central Asia. Hong Kong’s investment there is substantial; as of January 2026, Hong Kong ranked fourth among Asian net investors. Financial links are deepening, with the first dual listing last year spanning Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is also rolling out large-scale data centre projects, aiming to be the region’s leading digital hub. Mr Ma and his colleagues expect Mainland technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI) firms to see strong outbound opportunities via Hong Kong into this emerging market.

HKTDC Director of Research Bruce Pang explained Hong Kong can provide financial and professional services. As companies build AI platforms and lean on data centres, he noted, fundraising and financing become pivotal – and that is where Hong Kong can step in with solutions.

Embracing transformation
In Uzbekistan, a nation with a population exceeding 38 million, abundant resources such as gold and cotton bolster its growth prospects. The country has made significant strides in enhancing its investment climate, gradually liberalising its foreign exchange market.

Moreover, Uzbekistan has streamlined customs and trade procedures, embraced digital transformation, and improved its legal and institutional frameworks. The HKTDC identifies substantial potential in Uzbekistan’s infrastructure and logistics sectors, alongside opportunities for trade co-operation.

“Hong Kong firms can seize a first‑mover advantage by setting up or partnering with factories in Uzbekistan to develop products on the ground. Tashkent’s push to build a ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ brand can give Hong Kong companies a springboard into Central Asia and ultimately, European markets,” HKTDC Principal Economist Alice Tsang said.

With the Mainland as Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 20% of its total foreign trade turnover, and Kazakhstan as the Mainland’s economic anchor in Central Asia, closing 2025 with bilateral trade volume of US$48.8 billion, accounting for 46% of the Mainland’s trade turnover with the region, the HKTDC noted Central Asia’s appeal to Mainland capital is rising, signalling stronger demand for Hong Kong’s financial and professional services, from cross‑border financing and wealth management to legal and compliance, positioning the city as a key intermediary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice said today that allegations involving the newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and another officer are entirely fabricated, and called the spreading of false allegations a despicable act.

 

The remarks came in a statement issued in response to media enquiries relating to a social media post. It said it had taken note that serious allegations involving the DPP and another DoJ officer were circulating online.

 

The department said that a rigorous investigation was carried out, pursuant to an earlier anonymous complaint and in accordance with established procedures, and that it was confident that the allegations are completely without factual basis, entirely fabricated, and constitute malicious smearing.

 

It condemned attempts to spread rumours online about dedicated prosecutors performing their duties and safeguarding national security as ill-intentioned, malicious and despicable, adding that these rumours were intended to defame public officers, the Prosecutions Division, and even the reputation of the entire department. It stressed that the public should not be misled by unfounded allegations, or become a party to the spreading of rumours.

 

The department has referred the matter to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and corresponding actions to severely punish lawbreakers in accordance with the law.

 

It emphasised that it attaches great importance to the integrity and professional conduct of its officers, and that all departmental personnel, regardless of rank or duties, perform their responsibilities with the highest standards of professional excellence and ethics.

 

The department iterated that it will continue to provide professional legal services to the Government in accordance with the law.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The China Manned Space Agency today announced that the Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceflight mission will launch at 11:08pm on Sunday.

The three astronauts selected for the mission are Lai Ka-Ying, a payload specialist from Hong Kong, flight engineer Zhu Yangzhu, and pilot Zhang Zhiyuan.

As the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a space mission, Ms Lai thanked the motherland for providing the crew with a platform to fulfil their dreams. She also thanked the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and citizens for their full support.

Having gone through a rigorous training process full of challenges, she had a special message for the young people of Hong Kong, and urged them to contribute their wisdom and energy to Hong Kong and the nation.

Ms Lai, 43, was born and raised in Hong Kong. She is a Police Force superintendent and holds a doctoral degree in computer forensics.

She was selected as a payload specialist in a recruitment exercise for the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts and was later deployed to train at the China Astronaut Research & Training Center.

According to the China Manned Space Agency, Ms Lai has completed eight major categories of training, covering over 200 subjects and amassing a total of more than 1,700 training hours.

She passed the flight qualification assessment with excellent results and completed intensified training in flight tasks.

Chief Executive John Lee  congratulated Lai Ka-Ying on contributing Hong Kong’s strength to the nation’s aerospace endeavours.

In recent years, Hong Kong’s scientific research capabilities have integrated with the broader development of the nation’s aerospace initiatives.

The China Manned Space Agency’s Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft was launched earlier this month, carrying a lightweight greenhouse gas sensor developed by Hong Kong universities.

The agency believes that under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong can leverage its international advantages to attract and cultivate innovation talent, thereby contributing to the nation’s aerospace advancements.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The China Manned Space Agency today announced the crew for the Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission, with Lai Ka-ying, a payload expert from Hong Kong, being included in the team of three astronauts.

 

Chief Executive John Lee expressed gratitude to the central authorities for supporting and trusting in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

 

Mr Lee also congratulated Ms Lai on passing the rigorous selection and training process to qualify as one of the country’s fourth batch of astronauts and wished the Shenzhou-23 mission great success.

 

Mr Lee said: “As this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong SAR is embracing a historic moment in the pursuit of its aerospace dream. We are deeply inspired by this moment of extraordinary significance, where a Hong Kong specialist takes part in the spaceflight mission as an astronaut for the first time. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing the Hong Kong SAR’s technology talent with this valuable opportunity to take part in the aerospace endeavours of the country.”

 

Mr Lee highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR has made significant contributions to the country’s aerospace development. Various research institutions and universities participate in aerospace research projects. This includes providing systems, instruments, and technical support for the country’s lunar and Mars exploration missions, as well as conducting experiments in space.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government also established the Hong Kong Space Robotics & Energy Center, under the InnoHK Research Clusters, to participate in national aerospace missions.

 

Mr Lee stressed that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinct advantages of enjoying strong support nationally and being closely connected to the world. With five universities ranking among the world’s top 100, he highlighted that the city provides a powerful impetus for nurturing and attracting innovation and technology (I&T) talent.

 

“The participation of a scientific researcher from Hong Kong in the spaceflight mission for the first time is not only an affirmation of her own capability, but also a testimony to the country’s high recognition of Hong Kong’s I&T talent, development, and achievements.

 

“It also fully reflects the great importance attached, as well as the care and support given to the technological development in Hong Kong by our country. I warmly congratulate Dr Lai and sincerely wish her every success in the spaceflight mission.”

 

Ms Lai thanked both China and the Hong Kong SAR Government for their support, adding that she felt deeply honoured to be able to represent the Hong Kong SAR as a participant in the mission.

 

She said she will strive to live up to the expectations of the country and the HKSAR and expressed hope that the mission will inspire more Hong Kong youths to devote themselves to the field of I&T, thereby contributing to the country’s scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.

 

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong heads a Hong Kong SAR delegation that will witness the send-off ceremony and launch tomorrow at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The delegation includes Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk and other government representatives, as well as Hong Kong I&T experts, youths and students.

 

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ms Lai holds a doctoral degree in computer forensics. She is a Superintendent in the Hong Kong Police Force.

 

In recruitment for the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts, launched in 2022, she was selected as a payload expert and deployed to the China Astronaut Research & Training Center for training. Payload experts are responsible for scientific and applied research at the space station.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks prominent members of US Congress for publicly expressing support of Taiwan

Date：2026-05-16
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

May 16, 2026  
No. 212  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is sincerely grateful to members of the US Congress from both sides of the aisle who have continued to demonstrate strong support for Taiwan’s security and attach importance to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In recent days, numerous lawmakers have reaffirmed the Taiwan Relations Act, the Six Assurances, and other long-standing and consistent US policies toward Taiwan. They have also publicly supported further arms sales to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
 
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) publicly reiterated support for Taiwan on May 15, underlining that Congress had always been highly concerned about cross-strait issues and explicitly stating that the US position was that Taiwan needs to be independent and secure. Other leading members of the US Senate and House of Representatives from both parties have stressed that the United States should fulfill its long-term commitments, promote arms sales, and continue to provide assistance to Taiwan in acquiring the necessary defensive capacities to strengthen deterrence. Among them were Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator John Curtis (R-UT), who jointly led a delegation to Taiwan this year, as well as other prominent Democratic senators on the committee. Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-TX) of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, and Chairman Zach Nunn (R-IA) of the House of Representatives National Security Task Force of the Republican Study Committee also expressed support for Taiwan.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks Taiwan’s friends on both sides of the congressional aisle for continuing to focus attention on China’s intensifying military pressure and gray-zone coercion of Taiwan in recent years. Minister Lin appreciates their numerous reaffirmations of support for Taiwan’s efforts to bolster self-defense and deterrence capabilities. The active backing of both chambers of the US Congress at this critical juncture once again demonstrates the high degree of bipartisan consensus on Capitol Hill for supporting and prioritizing Taiwan. It also fully reflects that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait serves global interests.
 
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to contribute to regional peace and stability under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te. Taiwan remains committed to maintaining the cross-strait status quo, demonstrating its determination to defend itself, and further deepening security cooperation with the United States and other allies and friends in the global democratic community. Taiwan and its partners will jointly address threats to geopolitical security and challenges to international order and stability posed by authoritarian regimes, and uphold peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin thanks US Congress members for raising concern with WTO director-general over Taiwan’s effective exclusion from WTO MC14

Date：2026-05-16
Data Source：Public Diplomacy Coordination Council

May 16, 2026  
No. 211  

The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was held in March this year. The host country, Cameroon, downgraded Taiwan’s designation for the event, compelling Taiwan to be absent. In response, 26 members of the US House of Representatives from across the political aisle sent a joint letter on May 14 to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressing serious concern and urging the WTO Secretariat to ensure that similar incidents undermining the rights of members would not occur again. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses his sincere appreciation for the joint letter.
 
Led by House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez (D-CA), House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith (R-NE), and House and Ways Committee Vice Ranking Member Judy Chu (D-CA), the 26 members of Congress emphasized in their letter that since Taiwan’s accession to the WTO in 2002 as a separate customs territory, its status had been respected and it had enjoyed full and equal participation at Ministerial Conferences alongside other members. 
 
The joint letter also noted that Cameroon had issued visas for the Taiwan delegates using the nomenclature “Taiwan, Province of China,” implying that Taiwan was not a WTO member in its own right. It added that this designation was an improper infringement of Taiwan’s right as a full WTO member.
 
The lawmakers requested that the WTO director-general respond by June 3 to questions on how the WTO Secretariat would ensure that this incident did not set a precedent for future Ministerial Conferences and whether the WTO Secretariat was putting in place written guidelines to provide assurances that similar incidents undermining the rights of members would not occur at future Ministerial Conferences.
 
Minister Lin thanks the members of Congress once again for their firm support and asserts that Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded WTO members to staunchly safeguard its rights and dignity.(E)