Month: June 2026

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of June 7 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), during her visit to the Republic of Palau, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao toured several natural and historical sites, including Peleliu Island and the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. She was personally accompanied by Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., who also piloted the boat.
Vice President Hsiao boarded the boat from the dock of the Palau Royal Resort. President Whipps personally piloted the watercraft, allowing her to experience the charm of Palau’s ocean tourism. The vice president also briefly took the helm to enjoy navigating the waters.
The delegation first headed to view Lover’s Bridge, a natural archway formed by years of seawater and wind erosion on the coral rocks. Next, they proceeded to a famous dive site, the Big Drop-off, for a snorkeling experience. There, they viewed coral reefs and diverse marine life up close, experiencing firsthand why Palau is known as “God’s aquarium.” President Whipps and Vice President Hsiao also paddled a kayak together, enjoying the fun of being out on the water.
Following this, the vice president traveled to Peleliu State, where she responded to questions from the media regarding her tourism experience on this visit. Vice President Hsiao stated that seeing Palau’s beauty with her own eyes allowed her to more deeply understand the Palauan people’s desire to share this magnificent scenery with more of Taiwan’s people. She noted that people from island nations are commonly open-minded and very friendly, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Palau share many similarities. She expressed her gratitude to President Whipps for the special arrangements, adding that sailing on the vast open sea was an incredibly relaxing experience.
Commenting on the snorkeling experience, Vice President Hsiao said that Palau’s underwater scenery is spectacular. She noted that the richly colored coral reefs and the wide variety of fish left a deep impression on her, and expressed hope that more of Taiwan’s citizens will visit Palau to enjoy such an excursion. She also mentioned that President Whipps is highly familiar with the marine environment; whether it was sea turtles hiding in the rocks or sharks resting on the seabed, he was able to quickly spot them and introduce them to everyone. She stated that she felt extremely fortunate to receive such a professional guided tour.
The vice president stated that she had previously snorkeled in Kenting and had visited Palau with her family 18 years ago; engaging with the ocean again after many years, she recognized Palau’s long-term commitment to marine conservation. She noted that it is only by continuously seeking a balance between tourism development and ecological protection that Palau can ensure visiting tourists truly experience its beauty.
Discussing the afternoon itinerary, Vice President Hsiao pointed out that Peleliu was a crucial and fiercely contested battlefield between the United States and Japan during World War II, saying that the conflicts of war from over 80 years ago offer many historical lessons. Today, she said, the US and Japan have become important allies in the Indo-Pacific region, and their cooperative efforts are aimed at promoting regional stability, ensuring that people of all nations can live and work in a peaceful environment.
After a luncheon, guided by President Whipps and Peleliu State Governor Emais Roberts, Vice President Hsiao visited the gravesite of former Palauan President Kuniwo Nakamura to lay flowers and pay her respects. She then toured the Peleliu World War II Memorial Museum.
Also in attendance at the event were Palauan Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau, and Japanese Ambassador to Palau Kasahara Kenichi. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Vice President Hsiao attends welcome banquet hosted by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of Palau
On the evening of June 7 local time (afternoon of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao attended a welcome banquet hosted by President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao thanked the government and people of Palau for always standing with Taiwan. The vice president mentioned that President Lai tasked her with three assignments for this trip: deepening the friendship between the two peoples, encouraging more Taiwanese tourists to consider Palau as their next destination, and visiting the important projects demonstrating the solid cooperation between Taiwan and Palau. She noted that Taiwan and Palau have shared values in the commitment to preserving the natural environment and in the democracy and freedom that define our ways of life. She then expressed hope that the friendship will continue to develop and stand the test of time, and that Taiwan-Palau bonds will continue to build stronger together.
A transcript of Vice President Hsiao’s remarks follows:
I bring warm greetings from President Lai, the government, and the people of Taiwan. And it is a true honor to have been assigned the task of coming to Palau to deepen the ties between our peoples. Actually, President Lai gave me three assignments for this trip.
The first is deepening the friendship between our two peoples. And this is my second day here, and I truly appreciate that President Whipps showed me a spectacular visit here. And what can be more bonding than swimming together among sharks? And of course, the world-class scenery.
The second assignment is to encourage more Taiwanese tourists to consider Palau as their next destination. Among all of our important diplomatic friends and partners, Palau is the only one that is accessible directly by a comfortable and short commercial flight. We believe the spectacular beauty that Palau offers will continue to attract more Taiwanese visitors. We also believe that sustainable tourism, which Palau is working hard to promote, is a very important attraction that will continue to be that platform introducing the beauty, the culture, but also the people of Palau to the world, including to the many Taiwanese people.
The third assignment is to visit the important projects demonstrating the solid cooperation between Taiwan and Palau. I look forward to the next few days in visiting some of the infrastructure projects, the projects representing expert cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and of course, public health. But today, I was also honored to have been escorted by President Whipps to visit the island of Peleliu, which also has a very rich history – a history that reminds us how important peace is to the world.
And of course, in the coming days, the visit today to the islands and to the ocean reminds us why five days is still too short. But I have a very packed program in the next few days, visiting these projects demonstrating the very close ties between our people. But I think it is important to share with all of you that the oceans between us, the Pacific Ocean, does not separate us. Instead, it connects us. It connects our culture, it connects our people, it also connects our ideas. We have shared values in the commitment to preserving our natural environment; we have shared values in the democracy and freedom that define our ways of life. And I think all of these are elements that will continue to bind us together.
And finally, while I have the microphone, I want to highlight our thanks and gratitude to President Whipps and the government and people of Palau for always standing with Taiwan and supporting Taiwan with an international voice. Things have not been easy for us, but our history of hardship has made us even more resilient. And like the Palauan people, we are also island people. And as we look to the Pacific, we look at the Pacific with an open heart, an open mind, and with a warmth and hospitality that continue to bring us together and demonstrate that we are both countries that are forces for good in the world. So, may our friendship continue to develop and stand the test of time, and may our bonds continue to build stronger together.
President Whipps then delivered remarks, first welcoming Vice President Hsiao and saying that it is an honor to host the delegation on her first official visit to Palau. He stated that the presence at the banquet of the whole of government of Palau reaffirms the closeness and importance of the bilateral partnership and relationship. He pointed out that Taiwan and Palau share deep-rooted ties based on mutual respect, democratic values, and strong people-to-people connections. Noting that both countries share in Austronesian culture, he stated that both sides not only share many habits and cultural traditions but also continue to build on that relationship. Bringing up the example of a Palauan sailing canoe having just returned from visiting Taiwan, he emphasized that keeping traditional knowledge alive is important for celebrating our shared identity as ocean people.
President Whipps mentioned that during his visit to Japan last week, he was asked by many media outlets about Palau’s relationship with Taiwan. He reassured them that the relationship is strong and getting stronger because of our mutual interests, a rules-based world order, and our shared belief in a free and open Indo-Pacific. He stressed that both countries must stand up for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Highlighting that Taiwan is a prosperous and growing nation that has shown the world its leadership in healthcare, technology, aviation, and all fields, the president stated that Taiwan needs to be a part of international discussions and should be a part of the United Nations, World Health Organization, and International Civil Aviation Organization. He added that all voices need to be heard, which is the very purpose of the UN.
President Whipps expressed his gratitude to Taiwan for being a true and exceptional partner, always providing support in the most difficult of times. He recalled that during the COVID pandemic, Taiwan provided medical flights, supplied needed equipment to help Palau stay COVID-free, and allowed Palauan students to continue going to school in Taiwan. He noted that caring about people and putting people first is what Palau truly treasures in our relationship. Furthermore, he noted, important cooperation projects such as direct flights, aquaculture, infrastructure, and encouraging Taiwanese investment are all vital to building a platform for economic activity and economic resilience. In closing, the president expressed his hope that Taiwan and Palau will continue to work together, as they believe in winning together and being stronger together. He then encouraged Vice President Hsiao to make more frequent visits to Palau.
Also in attendance at the banquet were Vice President of the Senate of the Republic of Palau Stevenson Kuartei, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, the Environment Steven Victor, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, High Chief Ngirturong John Sugiyama, Queen Bilung Gloria Salii, Ambassador of Japan to Palau Kasahara Kenichi, Ambassador of Australia to Palau Toby Sharpe, and Chargé d’Affaires Shankar Rao of the US Embassy in the Republic of Palau. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Microbiology Division of the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB), which is under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Collaborating Centre on Quality and Capacity Building for the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). This is the second WHO Collaborating Centre in China to combat influenza. The WHO representative formally presented the designation letter to the DH in Hong Kong today (June 8), and proceeded with two working group meetings attended by international experts for surveillance, preparedness, prevention and control of influenza, to be held over five days from today (June 8) until this Friday (June 12). The DH is hosting both meetings, with the Head of the PHLSB chairing the first meeting on molecular technologies on detecting existing and emerging influenza and other respiratory viruses of public health significance, testifying to the international role of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in the area of global respiratory threat management.
 
WHO GISRS Collaborating Centre
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The GISRS is a global platform established by the WHO for the surveillance, prevention and control of influenza. It co-ordinates the public health responses against influenza and other infections caused by respiratory pathogens. As a WHO GISRS Collaborating Centre, the Microbiology Division of the PHLSB is tasked with supporting global influenza laboratories in enhancing their quality and capacity.

 The Microbiology Division of the PHLSB provides laboratory diagnostic services for disease surveillance and control, health promotion and disease prevention. It has maintained close collaboration with the WHO for many years and was designated by the WHO as a National Influenza Centre and an Influenza A H5 Reference Laboratory in 1963 and 2004 respectively. Since 2007, the Microbiology Division has also supported the WHO in organising an External Quality Assessment Programme for GISRS to ascertain the standards of laboratories worldwide and to ensure adequate testing capacity to support global effort in influenza prevention and control.
 
The Head of Global Respiratory Threats of the WHO, Dr Zhang Wenqing, was present at the Public Health Laboratory Centre today to officiate at the ceremony to present the letter of designation to the DH.

Dr Zhang said that the DH has been an important partner of the GISRS for decades, in particular on supporting influenza laboratories worldwide to enhance their quality and capacity for nearly 20 years, playing a crucial role in the WHO’s mission on influenza surveillance, preparedness, prevention and control efforts. The DH’s professional expertise, rigorous quality management system and broad experience contribute to the global influenza surveillance system, consolidating international efforts to combat influenza more effectively.

The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, expressed gratitude for the WHO’s confidence and trust. He emphasised that the DH will continue to uphold its professionalism, safeguarding public health in Hong Kong and globally by maintaining high-quality standards.

Dr Lam said, “Staff of the PHLSB under the CHP have consistently fulfilled their role with dedication, demonstrating professionalism, high efficiency, and a strong sense of responsibility. They have steadfastly safeguarded the health of all Hong Kong citizens, particularly during major public health events, when they provided testing services selflessly and against all odds. Their efforts have provided necessary scientific information, underpinning epidemiological investigations and outbreak control, thereby preventing the community spread of infections. In addition to safeguarding the health of Hong Kong citizens, the PHLSB has also been actively participating in the WHO’s laboratory networks for other communicable diseases. The designation by the WHO as Collaborating Centre on Quality and Capacity Building for the GISRS fully demonstrates that Hong Kong’s public health laboratory is on par with international standards. Going forward, the DH will continue to collaborate with the WHO and its member states to actively participate in national health governance, and to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super connector’ under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, in order to serve the broader interests of national health and medical development and to act as a vital link between the Chinese Mainland and international health partners.”
 
WHO influenza expert working group meetings
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Starting from today, the WHO is convening two successive international expert working group meetings on influenza in Hong Kong, China, bringing together influenza experts from around the world to discuss laboratory testing, and prevention and control of influenza. The meetings are conducted in hybrid format with in-person and virtual participation. The two working group meetings are the 16th Meeting of the WHO Working Group for the Molecular Detection and Subtyping of Influenza Viruses and the use of Next Generation Sequencing in the GISRS, which focuses on the application and optimisation of molecular techniques for detection and sequencing of influenza viruses; and the 15th Meeting of the WHO Working Group on Surveillance of Antiviral Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses for the GISRS, which will address core issues such as antiviral treatment for influenza and surveillance of antiviral susceptibility.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

To mark the National Fish Releasing Day, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (June 6) co-organised restocking activities with various local organisations and released juvenile fish in different waters of Hong Kong, with an aim to restore and enhance aquatic resources as well as to deepen public understanding about restocking.

     Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, said that The Government has been actively conducting restocking exercises to enhance marine resources as outlined in the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries. The theme of the restocking activity this year, “Restocking for an Everlasting Ocean”, stresses the value of restocking, which is to allow marine resources to thrive and to sustain, and to leave a living and harmonious marine environment for our future generations. The AFCD will organise a number of workshops about restocking for the public and the education sector, to embed the concept of science-based restocking deeply in the community and schools.

Following the launch ceremony, representatives from the AFCD, the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, Ocean Park Hong Kong and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong released some 62 000 juvenile fish of native species, including black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii), yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus), red seabream (Pagrus major), and two newly added species this year: short barbeled velvetchin (Hapalogenys nigripinnis) and giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus), in Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and South Lantau Marine Park. The diverse habitats in these two marine parks, such as artificial reefs, coral communities, natural rocky reefs and boulders, provide suitable habitats for the juvenile fish. Existing fisheries management measures also offer effective protection for their growth. The AFCD and its collaborating organisations will conduct regular underwater surveys to record the status of released fish and monitor the status of local fisheries resources as a whole.

The restocking exercise, supported by the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, the Marine Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, the Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium, the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, Ocean Park Hong Kong and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, brought together about 150 students, representatives from religious groups, fishermen’s associations and green groups, and volunteers from Shenzhen, etc. The AFCD also released a restocking leaflet today to introduce information about the science-based restocking to the public and provide guidelines for organisations interested in conducting restocking. Later this year, the AFCD will jointly organise more workshops with the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality and the Marine Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality to further enhance understanding about science-based restocking among the public and the education sector. 

The AFCD reminds the public to think carefully before participating in animal release activities to avoid affecting the ecological environment or causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in science-based restocking or other charitable activities as alternatives to improper animal releases.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region