Month: May 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

An incident occurred at the Tseung Kwan O Government Offices Dental Clinic under the Department of Health (DH) today (May 29), in which a dental light became detached from a dental chair. The dental light briefly struck a person who had undergone dental service, but the person concerned sustained no serious injury. The DH has apologised to the person and has immediately contacted the local supplier of the medical device in question to follow up the incident. A comprehensive inspection of all dental lights from the same batch is currently underway to ensure patient safety.
 
The DH’s preliminary investigation revealed that, this morning, after a person received dental service in a consultation room, the dental light suddenly became detached while the dentist was preparing to move it aside so that the person concerned could get off the dental chair. The dental light struck the person’s right shoulder. After an examination, no serious injury was found and the person concerned declined for accompanying by staff to hospital for further assessment. The dental light in question was repaired by the supplier’s personnel in mid-April and had been operating normally since then.
 
The DH immediately suspended the use of the dental chair in question and arranged the supplier for conducting a comprehensive inspection of all dental lights from the same batch at the dental clinic on the same day to ensure that all have been functioning normally.
 
The concerned dental light in question is a Class I (low risk) General Medical Device under the Medical Device Administrative Control System. The DH has requested the supplier to immediately inspect all dental lights from the same batch to ensure safety and reliability, and to conduct an investigation and to submit an investigation report.
 
In addition, the DH issued a special alert on the Medical Device Division’s website and notified stakeholders, including the Hospital Authority, all private hospitals, licensed private healthcare facilities and relevant medical professional bodies, informing them to contact the local supplier, Henry Schein Hong Kong Limited, as soon as possible if they are using the concerned device.
 
The DH will continue to liaise closely with the supplier and take appropriate follow up actions to safeguard patient safety.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 29) held a briefing session with the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI) to introduce the policies and relevant arrangements for allowing dogs to enter permitted food premises to representatives of insurance companies.

A spokesman for the FEHD said, “To enable the insurance industry to gain a comprehensive understanding of the arrangements for allowing dogs to enter permitted food premises, the FEHD, together with the HKFI, held a briefing session today. The session covered relevant policies, legislative requirements, licensing conditions, the Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour and the regulatory framework, with a view to facilitating the insurance industry in formulating and providing appropriate insurance products and services for their clients.”

“The FEHD advises that permitted food premises should proactively notify their insurance companies in the future and consult them to confirm the coverage and specific terms of their insurance.”

Following the three briefing sessions held for the food trade from May 11 to 13, the FEHD held the fourth briefing session yesterday (May 28), to set out relevant application procedures, eligibility criteria, licensing conditions and matters that require restaurant operators’ attention, as well as to answer questions from attendees. Over 400 persons have attended the four briefing sessions in person, while more than 18 000 viewers watched the live broadcast or replay online.

The FEHD is accepting applications from restaurants for allowing dogs to enter their premises. As of 6pm yesterday, the department has received over 1 700 applications. The application period will end on June 8. Interested restaurants may submit their applications electronically through the FEHD’s dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/index.html). The first batch of permission is expected to be granted in mid-June, with dogs allowed to enter permitted food premises starting from a specified date in July. The exact date will be announced in due course. Information including the Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour has been uploaded to the FEHD’s dedicated webpage for reference by restaurant operators and members of the public. Enquiries about the applications can be made from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) through the dedicated hotlines (2867 5912 and 2867 2836).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     A delegation of 13 overseas government officials completed its visit to Hong Kong today (May 29), deepening its understanding of the city’s advantages and development opportunities under the “one country, two systems” arrangement.
 
     The visit was arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which invited government officials from 13 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, namely Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guyana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Peru, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Suriname.
 
     The visit aims at enhancing exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and these countries, as well as expanding the “circle of friends” of Hong Kong.
 
     During the delegation’s stay in Hong Kong, it met with the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; and the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, to exchange views and learn more about Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the country while maintaining unparalleled international connectivity under “one country, two systems”, as well as its dual gateway role between the Chinese Mainland market and the global market.
 
     It also met with the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai; the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan; the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; and the Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Philip Har, as well as representatives of a number of relevant institutions. The delegation also visited the International Organization for Mediation, the Hong Kong Science Park and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Through these meetings and visits, the delegation learned about the city’s latest developments and opportunities in education, finance, trade, legal services, innovation and technology, as well as arts and culture.

     The delegation also visited Shenzhen to learn more about the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Development Bureau announced today two new measures to accelerate industrial development: a three-year “Pay for What You Build” pilot scheme, and an arrangement to grant tenancies of up to 21 years.

 

The changes will reduce initial capital outlays and financing costs, thereby enhancing investment incentives.

 

Pay for What You Build

The “Pay for What You Build” pilot scheme, which will start accepting applications on June 1, is applicable to all lease modification and land exchange applications for non-residential developments across Hong Kong.

 

It allows lot owners to carry out phased development, provided that the gross floor area (GFA) under the initial phase of a development amounts to at least 60% of the total permissible maximum GFA for the whole development and that the initial phase is completed on time. The land premium will be assessed based on the market value of the GFA under the initial phase only.

 

The bureau highlighted that under the new arrangement land premium assessment will be based on how developers plan to use the land rather than on the maximum possible market value.

 

Developers can decide whether to take forward the remaining portion of the total permissible maximum GFA after completion of the first phase. If they choose to do so, they must make a lease modification application within 10 years, and will be required to pay land premiums based on the prevailing market value at the time.

 

Moreover, the entire site will be subject to alienation restrictions for 10 years after the completion of the initial phase, unless approval is obtained from the Lands Department, through a lease modification application, to develop the remaining portion of the permissible maximum GFA.

 

These restrictions are imposed because different owners, under fragmented ownership, might fail to reach a consensus on whether to proceed with the remaining development, the bureau explained.

 

If a developer does not apply for lease modification upon expiry of the 10-year period, the Government may, on application from other lot owners, allow unused development potential from the site to be transferred to other sites in the same area.

 

Tenancies of up to 21 years

The bureau is also introducing a more flexible arrangement for government tenancies. For sites provided through short-term tenancies, the Lands Department may, with policy support from relevant bureaus, provide tenancies with a total tenure not exceeding 21 years.

 

To break this down, upon expiration of the first fixed term, which may be up to seven years, tenants can exercise the option to renew. There will be a maximum of two renewals, each of up to seven years. In other words, the longest possible tenancy arrangement is “7+7+7” years.

 

The length of an individual tenure may be adjusted based on the needs of a specific industry.

 

Rent review will take place only when a tenancy is due for renewal, and the rent could increase or decrease.

 

The bureau said that compared to the current fixed tenancy term of a maximum of seven years only, the new arrangement provides greater certainty. Meanwhile, the lengthened payback period facilitated by the new arrangement is conducive to industry investment.

 

The bureau added that it will work with relevant policy bureaus to identify which government sites are suitable for adopting the new arrangement.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today received a briefing from Legislative Council members on research conducted and views gathered in relation to Hong Kong’s first five-year plan.

At the Chief Executive’s Office, LegCo members presented findings gathered under a mechanism involving collaboration between the Government and LegCo. 

They presented a report and a compendium of research, with a view to assisting the Government in formulating Hong Kong’s five-year plan. The Government will launch a public consultation on the plan within the current quarter.

Mr Lee thanked all LegCo members for their efforts and support. He said he was delighted and encouraged by the complementarity being demonstrated between executive and legislature, and the joint commitment of both to building a brighter future for Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive said that Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, as a forward-looking and strategic guiding document, will align with the vast opportunities brought by the National 15th five-year Plan, and will provide clear directions for Hong Kong’s economic and social development over the next five years.

He added that the plan will lay a solid foundation for growth; consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s traditional strengths, while actively exploring new avenues; and capitalise on Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, thereby expanding international development opportunities while allowing the city to integrate with and serve national development overall.

Mr Lee said he is leading the Government in drafting the plan. The Government has established a collaborative mechanism to foster synergistic partnership between the executive and the legislature.

Under this mechanism, LegCo conducted thematic research and analysis and gathered views. It consolidated its findings in a compendium with a view to assisting the Government in formulating the city’s five-year plan.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in statement by Laos

Date：2026-05-27
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

May 27, 2026  
No. 240  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims made in a statement by the Foreign Ministry of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The statement, issued on May 20, wrongly stated that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China. It also expressed opposition to any attempt at separatism or interference in China’s internal affairs. Not only are such sentiments baseless, they encourage the use of force against Taiwan, thus affecting regional peace and stability. 
 
Taiwan recently marked the second anniversary of the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te. MOFA strongly condemns China’s efforts at this particular point in time to press countries deferring to its stance to repeat claims that seriously undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and cloud international understanding. In view of the Laotian government’s false statements undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty, MOFA cautions Laos that appeasement of authoritarianism can only be a prelude to aggression and that Laos’s accommodation will not help it escape from the debt trap that has been the result of the Belt and Road Initiative.
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other, and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. No country has the right or ability to deny the objective fact of Taiwan’s existence.
 
MOFA also stresses that countries concerned should not act in line with China’s distortions of the truth to make statements that undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty or justify attempts at authoritarian expansionism. Taiwan is willing to collaborate with all nations that support freedom, democracy, and human rights and work to curb authoritarian expansionism, staunchly safeguard the peace and security of the Taiwan Strait, and uphold the freedom, prosperity, and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. (E) 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Pakistan

Date：2026-05-26
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 26, 2026  No.235  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) refutes and condemns in the strongest possible terms the false claims made in a joint statement between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The statement, issued on May 26, aims to downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA solemnly denounces China for once again exploiting interactions with other countries to disseminate baseless rhetoric regarding the so-called “one China principle” and United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 in an effort to distort the facts and mislead the international community.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign country, and neither it nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. These are undeniable objective facts and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No attempts to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereign status through erroneous narratives or joint statements can change this indisputable reality. 

MOFA once again calls on the world to seriously acknowledge China’s long-standing practice of utilizing various forms of coercion and incentives to undermine the sovereign decisions of other nations. These actions not only seek to suppress Taiwan, but they also pose major challenges to the global democratic system and the rules-based international order.

Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with all like-minded countries to staunchly defend democracy. Regardless of any economic coercion or diplomatic bullying that Taiwan might face, it will steadfastly maintain its established position, actively engage with the world, and bolster national resilience. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 21, 2026  No.223  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the representative offices of nine like-minded countries in Taiwan for issuing on May 21 a joint press release reiterating support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly (WHA). 

The press release—published by the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand, Lithuania, and Poland—marks the sixth consecutive year that representative offices of like-minded countries in Taiwan have issued such a joint statement to demonstrate strong support for Taiwan’s participation in WHO and the WHA.

The press release stated that, as the 79th session of the WHA was commencing in Geneva, Taiwan remained largely excluded from the world’s international health system. Pointing out that infectious diseases and health hazards did not respect borders and that global cooperation was required to keep the whole world safe, it explained that Taiwan was a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global health community and had been invited to participate as an observer in WHA meetings from 2009 to 2016.

The press release also highlighted that Taiwan’s distinct public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology could bring considerable value to WHA deliberations. Moreover, Taiwan’s isolation from the WHA, the preeminent global health forum, was entirely unjustified and undermined the spirit of inclusiveness that the world urgently demanded and that was enshrined in the founding documents of the WHO. The press release also stated that Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the fora and technical committees of WHO would bring benefits not just to people in Taiwan but also around the world, and would fully exemplify the WHA’s commitment to “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks friendly countries and allies for continuing to staunchly support Taiwan through concrete action. As of May 20, 26 countries and the European Union had spoken up in support of Taiwan’s participation during the 79th WHA session. 

MOFA also notes that WHO has warned that the recent hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks have become new global public health crises, underscoring the stark reality that disease knows no borders and that the global disease prevention network cannot have any gaps. 

As an indispensable and constructive partner of the global health system, Taiwan will continue to leverage its public health governance capabilities and rich experience in epidemic prevention and control and transnational cooperation so as to further contribute to international medical and health systems. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Twilight” and “Contribute” and joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Champion” from May 22 to yesterday (May 28). During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD officers raided multiple target locations including restaurants, flats under renovation and shopping malls. Twenty-two suspected illegal workers and five suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised 17 men and five women, aged 26 to 59. Four men and one woman, aged 35 to 52, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

     An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.” 

     The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.

     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

     For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region