Month: June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Correctional officers stopped ten remand persons in custody from assaulting another two remand persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution today (May 31).

At 1.13pm today, ten male remand persons in custody, aged between 17 and 20, attacked two 19-year-old male remand persons in custody inside a dining hall. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailants and called for reinforcement.

During the incident, a victim sustained injuries to his head and hand. After examination and treatment by an institution Medical Officer, he was referred to a public hospital for further treatment. Another victim did not sustain any injuries. Two assailants sustained injuries to their knee and foot respectively. They did not need to be sent to a public hospital after receiving medical examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer. The other assailants did not sustain any injuries.

The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.

The twelve persons in custody were respectively remanded for the offences of manufacture of a dangerous drug, trafficking in a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug, burglary and wounding with intent.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said today (May 31) that the CFS collects powdered infant and young children formula under its Food Surveillance Programme. The test results revealed that a sample collected from a retail outlet possibly contained the heat-stable toxin Cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus.

For the sake of prudence, and as a precautionary measure, the CFS has instructed the retailer and importer concerned to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product concerned. The retailer and importer have also initiated a precautionary recall.

Product details of the batch of the growing up formula powder are as follows:

Product name: Aronurish Growing Up Formula Powder
Brand: Aronurish
Place of origin: Inner Mongolia
Pack size: 750 grams
Manufacture date: April 23, 2025
Best-before date: April 22, 2027
Importer: Hong Kong Golden Nutrition Trading Co., Limited

A preliminary investigation by the CFS has found that the above mentioned importer had imported 220 boxes of 1 320 cans of the affected product. The CFS has been jointly following up with the retailer and the importer concerned and had already marked and sealed about 488 cans of the suspected affected batch of product. Members of the public may call the retailer’s hotline at 2299 3398/ email：cs@mannings.com.hk/ WhatsApp：5423 2088 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

Bacillus cereus is commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions in food processing and storage may give rise to its growth. Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced in food by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Consuming food contaminated with excessive Bacillus cereus or its heat-stable toxins may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea. In most cases, these symptoms usually subside spontaneously within 24 hours.

As a precautionary measure, the CFS urged members of the public not to let infants and young children consume the affected batch of the product, and to seek medical treatment for infants or young children who felt unwell after taking the product concerned. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately. According to the record, at present, no relevant food complaint cases have been recorded.

The CFS has alerted the trade and relevant department over the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The CFS will continue to enhance the surveillance on powered formula.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government has, starting from 0.00am today (May 31), provided a fuel subsidy of HK$0.5 per litre of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for taxis, public light buses and school private light buses for two months. The temporary measure has been implemented largely smoothly.

     The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, visited different dedicated LPG filling stations this morning to observe how oil companies have directly offered discounts to eligible vehicles to ease the pressure on relevant trades in coping with rising fuel prices. In accordance with the agreements signed between the Government and oil companies, discounts are clearly identified on receipts issued to drivers who benefit from the measure. The Government will reimburse oil companies for the actual amount of subsidies provided.

     The Transport Department (TD) has displayed posters of the temporary measure at LPG filling stations and TD licensing offices, and will continue to steer oil companies to ensure smooth system operations and closely monitor the implementation of the subsidy. The temporary measure will last until 11.59pm on July 30 (Thursday). Eligible drivers are not required to submit any application and may refer to the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) or the HKeMobility mobile app for details.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Hong Kong’s economic and trade exchanges with the Central Asian region have been growing rapidly in recent years, with the total merchandise trade in 2025 rising by 27 per cent compared with 2020. In June, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a delegation to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to further promote economic and trade development.

     News.gov.hk interviewed the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, who shared insights on the economic and trade situation, as well as development opportunities, between Hong Kong and Central Asian countries. He also spoke about the new prospects to be brought by the Chief Executive’s upcoming visits to the two countries.

     The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature from today (May 31) in text and video format.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Highways Department (HyD) held its 40th Anniversary celebration ceremony today (June 1). The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Vic Yau; and the Director of Highways, Mr Tony Yau, officiated at the ceremony. Over 300 distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including representatives from the Liaison Office, Executive Council members, over 30 Legislative Council members, heads of bureaux and departments, as well as leaders of the construction industry.

     Officiating at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that over the past four decades, the HyD has been both a participant in and a contributor to Hong Kong’s development. With the concerted and unremitting efforts of the department as well as other government bureaux and departments, Hong Kong has developed an extensive road and railway network spanning the territory and connecting with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This network has facilitated public mobility, supported economic development, and promoted regional integration. He noted that colleagues have remained steadfast at their posts, monitoring the conditions of roads, bridges, tunnels and street lighting to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of the transport system. He added that the Government will increase investment in public works in the coming years, in particular by expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis so as to pursue infrastructure-led development and create capacity. This will not only lay a more solid foundation for Hong Kong’s long-term development but also open up broader opportunities for the relevant trades. He remarked that enhancing the quality and efficiency of infrastructure development requires technology empowerment to continuously elevate standards in design, construction and maintenance. He expressed the hope that the HyD, together with other works departments, would continue to actively explore the adoption of high-quality Mainland standards and technologies so as to enhance project quality while enabling Hong Kong to act as a “super connector” and “super value‑adder” in aligning national standards, or Guobiao, with international standards and rules, and that the department would continue to uphold its “pioneering” spirit, strive for excellence and work in concert with all sectors of the community to build a more liveable, efficient and convenient city for the public.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Chan remarked that roads and railways are the vital arteries that connect a city, and over the past forty years, the HyD team has quietly contributed to the everyday steps people take towards a better life. She pointed out that Hong Kong’s road network has expanded significantly from about 1,323 kilometres when the department was established in 1986 to more than 2,200 kilometres today, representing an increase of 70 per cent. Looking back at the many milestones the HyD has achieved, from the early Island Eastern Corridor, to the Tsing Ma Bridge, the Tung Chung Line, the Airport Express, and Stonecutters Bridge, and more recently completed East Rail Line Cross-Harbour Extension and Central Kowloon Route (Yau Ma Tei Section), as well as the formulation of the Hong Kong Railway Standards, all of these reflect the professional dedication of generations of HyD colleagues and industry partners in their pursuit of excellence. She expressed hope that colleagues of the HyD will continue to adopt a “policy innovation” and “technological innovation” dual-innovation mindset, and play a more active role in integrating into the national development strategy. Through the advancement of strategic projects including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, the Northern Link, Tsing Lung Bridge, and the Northern Metropolis Highway, the Government will build a broad network of roads and railways under the “Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal” layout, fully unlocking Hong Kong’s future development potential, deepening connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, and leveraging today’s planning to achieve Hong Kong’s long-term development.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (June 1) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. One suspected illegally imported live cat with an estimated market value of about $20,000 was seized.
 
Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 66-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, one live cat was seized from his rucksack, and he was subsequently arrested. The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
 
Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
 
Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 1) released the sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 19 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	May 2026
		First PhaseGravidtrap Index	First PhaseDensity Index
Central and Western	Central and Admiralty	13.2%	1.4
Southern	Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay	13.3%	1.5
Kowloon City	Kai Tak	14.9%	1.1
Wong Tai Sin	Diamond Hill and Tsz Wan Shan	18.3%	1.0
Sha Tin	Sha Tin East	20.3%	1.2
Kwai Tsing	Kwai Chung East	9.5%	2.0
	Kwai Chung West	17.8%	1.0
	Lai King	27.8%	1.5
	Tsing Yi North	33.3%	1.3
Tsuen Wan	Tsuen Wan West	37.7%	1.2
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun West	18.8%	1.3

 

District	Survey Area	May 2026
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Central and Western	Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun	20.5%	1.9
Kowloon City	Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan	17.2%	1.7
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	28.9%	1.8
Wong Tai Sin	Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong	14.7%	1.9
Sai Kung	Sai Kung Town	22.1%	1.4
Tai Po	Tai Po East	10.2%	1.1
Tuen Mun	So Kwun Wat	20.5%	1.3
Yuen Long	Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan	14.3%	1.3

With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The indexes are higher from April to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.

For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD has initiated four prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractor, estate management companies and a property management company following the discovery of mosquito breeding at a construction site, two public housing estates and a private housing estate in Central and Western District, Kwun Tong District, Sai Kung District and Tsuen Wan District. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in six parks, four construction sites, 15 public housing estates, eight private housing estates and four private premises in Central and Western District, Kowloon City District, Kwun Tong District, Wong Tai Sin District, Sai Kung District, Sha Tin District, Tai Po District, Kwai Tsing District, Tsuen Wan District and Yuen Long District, the FEHD has issued 37 statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
• scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to China’s claims concerning Japan-Philippines negotiations on maritime boundary

May 31, 2026
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes assertions made on May 29 by the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning negotiations between Japan and the Philippines on maritime boundaries between the two countries. The spokesperson said that these negotiations would cover maritime territory of Taiwan and claimed that China enjoyed sovereign rights over such territory in accordance with its domestic laws. MOFA reiterates that China has no right to comment on the territory and appertaining waters of the Republic of China (Taiwan). 
 
In a joint statement issued after their May 28 summit, Japan and the Philippines announced that they had decided to launch formal negotiations to delimit the maritime boundary of the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf between the two countries in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 
 
MOFA commends Japan and the Philippines for working to resolve maritime differences through peaceful dialogue and based on respect for international law. This is in line with Taiwan’s consistent approach on such matters. Taiwan looks forward to cooperating with Japan and the Philippines to jointly make concrete contributions to regional peace and stability and the preservation of marine ecology.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has consistently held to the principle of shelving disputes and seeking joint development with regard to settling maritime disputes. Taiwan is willing to work with Japan and the Philippines on the basis of respective bilateral fisheries agreements to advance discussions on sharing maritime resources, maintaining the maritime security of the Indo-Pacific region, and ensuring the sustainable development of marine ecosystems.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to transit of Canadian naval vessel through Taiwan Strait

May 30, 2026

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes the transit of HMCS Charlottetown, a Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy, through the Taiwan Strait from May 22 to 23 and commends Canada for taking concrete action to uphold freedom, peace, and openness in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrate its firm stance that the Taiwan Strait is indeed international waters.
 
The passage of HMCS Charlottetown marked the first time a Canadian warship had transited the Taiwan Strait this year and the eighth time since Canada published its Indo-Pacific Strategy in November 2022.
 
The government of Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and deepen exchanges and cooperation with democratic partners to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and maintain peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to joint statement by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Philippine President Marcos

May 29, 2026  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung commends and welcomes the joint statement issued following a summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. in Tokyo on the evening of May 28.

The statement emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through dialogue. It marked the first time that the leaders of Japan and the Philippines used a joint statement to express their keen attention to Taiwan Strait issues, showing that safeguarding Taiwan Strait peace and stability is a matter of common consensus among the international community.

In addition to expressing serious concern over the situation in the East and South China Seas and strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, the joint statement announced that Japan and the Philippines, as maritime democracies, would elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and further deepen cooperation in such areas as security, maritime affairs, economic development, critical minerals, and supply chain resilience.

Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are crucial to security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region. As it pursues integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with like-minded nations in all areas, working together to uphold the rules-based international order and jointly advance democracy, peace, and prosperous development throughout the Indo-Pacific.