Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (September 23) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for August 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% in August 2026 over the same month a year earlier, the same as that in July 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in August 2026 was 1.9%, also the same as that in July 2026.

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending August 2026 was 0.2%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending July 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were both 0.2%.     
     The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for August 2026 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.     ​
     For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (September 23) said that the next online auction of vehicle registration marks (VRMs) will be held from noon on October 8 (Thursday) to noon on October 12 (Monday) through the auction platform E-Auction (e-auction.td.gov.hk). Interested bidders can participate in the online auction only after they have successfully registered as E-Auction users.
 
     A spokesman for the TD said, “A total of 220 Ordinary VRMs will be available at this online public auction. The list of VRMs (see Annex) has been uploaded to the E-Auction website. Applicants who have paid a $1,000 deposit to reserve an Ordinary VRM for auction should also register as an E-Auction user in advance in order to participate in the online bidding, including placing the first bid at the opening price of $1,000. Otherwise, the VRMs reserved by them may be bid on by other interested bidders at or above the opening price. Auctions for VRMs with ‘HK’ or ‘XX’ as a prefix, special VRMs and personalised VRMs will continue to be carried out through physical auctions by bidding paddles and their announcement arrangements remain unchanged.”
 
     Members of the public participating in the online bidding should take note of the following important points:
 
(1) Bidders should register in advance as an E-Auction user by “iAM Smart+” equipped with the digital signing function; or by using a valid digital certificate and an email address upon completion of identity verification. Registered “iAM Smart” users should provide their Hong Kong identity card number, while non-Hong Kong residents who are not “iAM Smart” users should provide the number of their passport or other identification documents when registering as E-Auction users.
 
(2) Bidders are required to provide a digital signature to confirm the submission and amount of the bid by using “iAM Smart+” or a valid digital certificate at the time of the first bid of each online bidding session (including setting automatic bids before the auction begins) to comply with the requirements of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance.
 
(3) If a bid is made in respect of a VRM within the last 10 minutes before the end of the auction, the auction end time for that particular VRM will be automatically extended by another 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 24 hours.

(4) Successful bidders must follow the instructions in the notification email issued by the TD to log in to the E-Auction within 48 hours from the issuance of the email and complete the follow-up procedures, including:
 

• completing the Purchaser Information for the issuance of the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark (Memorandum of Sale); and
• making the auction payment online by credit card, Faster Payment System (FPS) or Payment by Phone Service (PPS). Cheque or cash payment is not accepted in the E-Auction.

(5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
 
(6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.
 
     The TD has informed all applicants who have reserved Ordinary VRMs for this round of auction of the E-Auction arrangements in detail by post. Members of the public may refer to the E-Auction website or watch the tutorial videos for more information. Please call the E-Auction hotline (3583 3980) or email (e-auction-enquiry@td.gov.hk) for enquiries. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     An owner was convicted and fined $66,600 in total, of which $61,600 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (September 22) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).  

     The case involved several unauthorised structures and projecting structures with a total area of about 97 square metres, as well as the alteration of the approved roof slab at a house on Hiram’s Highway. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD.

     A spokesman for the BD said today (September 23), “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take stringent enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”

     Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (September 23) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of co-operation with the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency of the Federative Republic of Brazil (i.e. Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária or ANVISA) in Hong Kong to deepen exchanges and co-operation between the two places regarding the regulation of drugs and medical devices etc (collectively as medical products). The MOU aims to establish a high-level international exchange platform to promote the health and well-being of people.
 
Witnessed by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, and the Director-President of ANVISA, Mr Leandro Safatle, signed the MOU. Under the MOU, a mechanism will be established for information exchanges and co-operation between the two parties regarding the regulation of medicines (including biologics and traditional medicines) and medical devices etc. The aim is to jointly protect and promote the health of people in both places.
 
Professor Lo said, “In May this year, I held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Health of Brazil, Dr Alexandre Padilha, and the Director-President of ANVISA, Mr Leandro Safatle, during the 79th World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, which culminated in this co-operation. Transcending geographical distance, we share a common goal, and are committed to optimising the approval and regulatory regime of innovative medical products to enhance the quality of healthcare. ANVISA has achieved remarkable results in areas including the regulation of medical products. I look forward to fostering a closer collaboration between the HKSAR and Brazil to leverage synergies, and jointly advance medical innovation and the high-quality developments in the regulation of medical products.”
 
Dr Lam said, “ANVISA is a member of both the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) and the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). ANVISA is highly recognised internationally and will be an important partner for the HKSAR in the regulation of medical products. The First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) sets out that Hong Kong will comprehensively intensify the regulatory reform of medical products to align with international standards, develop the capacity for independent evaluation and approval of medical products, and participate actively in international regulation of medical products to pursue recognition from international authorities. As announced in the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address, the HKSAR will accelerate the development of an international health and medical innovation hub and progressively optimise the innovative medical products industry chain. The HKSAR will establish the Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR) this year. One of the key strategies of the CMPR will be to continuously deepen collaboration with the authoritative overseas medical products regulatory authorities, serving as a two-way bridge between the national and international markets. It will enable the innovative medical technologies to go global and attract foreign investment in order to promote the building of a global community of health for all. This collaboration with Brazil’s ANVISA marks the first step in implementing the aforementioned strategy.”
 
     Mr Leandro Safatle noted that both Brazil and the HKSAR had long been active participants in international public health organisations, including the World Health Organization, the PIC/S and the ICH, and had established a solid foundation for co-operation. With the continuous development of innovative medical technologies, Brazil shared the common goals of both sides to optimise the regulatory approval processes for medical products and to enhance public health in various areas. Closer collaboration between the regulatory authorities could also facilitate greater interaction between the productive sectors of both places, encouraging partnerships, investment and innovation. He looked forward to continuing to strengthen the collaboration between the two places in the future, sharing regulatory experiences and technical achievements, leveraging respective strengths and working together to advance medical innovation, thereby bringing greater well-being to the people of both places.
 
During their stay in Hong Kong, the ANVISA delegation also visited the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) as well as the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI)  to gain an in-depth understanding of the clinical services and advanced facilities at the CMHHK as well as how the GCMTI establishes internationally recognised reference standards and testing methods for Chinese medicines, thereby laying the foundation for co-operation between the two places in the development of traditional medicine.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Overall consumer prices rose 1.7% in August year on year, the same as in July, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.9% in August, unchanged from the previous month.

Compared to August 2025, price increases were recorded across several categories, including electricity, gas and water; miscellaneous services; transport; miscellaneous goods; meals out and takeaway food; durable goods; and housing.

Meanwhile, a year-on-year decrease was recorded for basic food.

Alcoholic drinks and tobacco, as well as clothing and footwear, remained unchanged over the same period a year earlier.

The Government said that while inflation in fuel-related items remained high, price pressures on other components were broadly in check, keeping overall inflation at a moderate level.

Looking ahead, consumer price inflation will remain under upward pressure, as elevated international oil prices continue to feed through to fuel-related components. The Government added that the renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East of late remains a key uncertainty and warrants close monitoring. However, as price pressures on other fronts are expected to remain largely contained, overall inflation should stay moderate.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets delegation from Japan Innovation Party association for public-private cooperation  
On the afternoon of September 22, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from a Japan Innovation Party (JIP) association for public-private cooperation. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and Japan share the values of freedom and democracy, and jointly face challenges such as natural disasters and authoritarian expansion. The president noted that in the face of China’s attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and undermine regional peace and stability, democratic countries including Taiwan and Japan should unite and cooperate to enhance their self-defense capabilities and strengthen societal defense resilience. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will continue to deepen cooperation in areas such as strategic industries, strengthen supply chain resilience, and work together to realize the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
To begin, I warmly welcome Taiwan’s good friend, House of Representatives Member Maehara Seiji, as he leads this delegation of old and new friends from the JIP visiting Taiwan. This visit is particularly significant, as it marks the first time the JIP has organized a delegation to visit Taiwan since Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae completed her second cabinet reshuffle. I am confident that through this visit, Taiwan-Japan relations will reach even greater heights.
Taiwan and Japan are both located in the first island chain. In addition to sharing the universal values of freedom and democracy, we also jointly face challenges from natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, as well as threats posed by authoritarian expansion. Our peoples have formed a deep bond, standing together through thick and thin with a shared sense of destiny.
In recent years, China has continuously conducted military activities and used gray-zone aggression, long-arm jurisdiction, and transnational repression against neighboring countries in the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the South China Sea in an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo and undermine regional peace and stability. Democratic nations, including Taiwan and Japan, must unite and cooperate, jointly enhance our self-defense capabilities, and strengthen societal defense resilience in order to safeguard the democracy, peace, and prosperity upon which our survival depends.
Taiwan is deeply grateful to the Japanese government for consistently speaking up for Taiwan at various international venues on issues concerning the Taiwan Strait and our international participation. I would also like to thank the JIP for listing Taiwan as a partner sharing common values in its Eight-point Innovation Plan. We deeply appreciate the JIP’s advocacy for practical Taiwan-Japan security cooperation, emphasis on the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and strong opposition to any attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.
Currently, beyond the traditional security domain, Taiwan and Japan are also facing the same tasks and challenges in economic security, such as supply chain resilience in our technological industries. I hope that, with the support of visionary friends in the JIP, Taiwan and Japan will continue to expand exchanges and cooperation across all fields and at all levels. Together, we can deepen our collaboration in strategic industries, including semiconductors and drones, ensure sustainable regional prosperity and development, and help realize the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. In closing, I would like to once again thank the JIP for its longstanding efforts in promoting the development of Taiwan-Japan relations. I wish you all a smooth and fruitful visit.
Representative Maehara then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them, as well as Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Chairman Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) for his assistance in making the visit possible. Touching on security matters, he stated that last week, he and members of the Japan-United States Parliamentary Friendship League traveled to Washington, D.C. to exchange views with several members of the US Congress. Together, he noted, they expressed concern that President Donald Trump might compromise with China on the issue of arms sales to Taiwan. Regarding the US-China summit scheduled for September 24, Representative Maehara expressed his belief that to maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific region, the US should continue to strengthen deterrence and provide weapons to Taiwan, adding that both the Japanese and US sides of the parliamentary league share a consensus on this matter.
Representative Maehara remarked that, as President Lai mentioned earlier, Taiwan and Japan share the values of the rule of law, democracy, and freedom, and both sides agree that the status quo should not be altered by force. Therefore, he emphasized, maintaining deterrence is extremely important, and this issue should continue to receive close attention moving forward.
Representative Maehara mentioned that AI has become an important factor in technology, security, and international competition, and that competition between the US and China is growing increasingly fierce. He stated that countries around the world, including the US and China, should take a unified approach, as independently slowing down AI research and development without a similar response from China could upset the balance and fairness of competition. Furthermore, he noted, given the massive global investment in AI, slowing down its development could also lead to a broader economic slowdown.
Representative Maehara pointed out that through the efforts of President Lai and all sectors of society, Taiwan has leveraged its world-leading semiconductor industry to also secure a leading position in the AI sector. He expressed hope that bilateral cooperation and exchanges will be further deepened in the future.
Representative Maehara stated that during this visit, the delegation also hopes to learn about Taiwan’s experiences and practices regarding public-private partnerships and private finance initiatives. He noted that Taiwan possesses advanced experience in leveraging private-sector resources. While Japan mainly applies these resources to facilities such as airports, stadiums, water supply, and sewage systems, he said, Taiwan has expanded their application to diverse fields including data centers and digital content. Representative Maehara expressed hope to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s experiences on this trip, further strengthening cooperation in related fields and deepening Taiwan-Japan relations.
The delegation also included Japanese House of Representatives Members Iwatani Ryohei, Uruma Joji, and Hagihara Kei. The group was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly rejected the unfounded and biased content concerning Hong Kong in a so-called annual report issued by the European Commission and the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

It noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will resolutely implement the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws to prevent, suppress and punish acts endangering national security. It emphasised that these measures safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents and others in the city, ensuring the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.

The implementation of these laws has effectively safeguarded national security and restored stability, providing a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s economic and social development. The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that the rights and freedoms enjoyed by residents are better protected and that citizens’ well-being is steadily improving.

Strongly urging the EU to respect facts, abide by international law, and adhere to the basic norms governing international relations, the Hong Kong SAR Government demanded an immediate halt to what it termed long-arm jurisdiction and interference in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.

It stated that the HKNSL and SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected. Freedoms of speech, the press, publication, association, assembly, procession and demonstration remain protected under the Basic Law and international covenants, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. However, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that, as is the case globally, such rights and freedoms are not absolute and may be subject to legal restrictions necessary for protecting national security, public safety, public order or the rights of others.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemned the so-called report for selectively quoting figures to twist facts and negate the city’s dedication to safeguarding the lawful exercise of rights and freedoms, including those of journalists.

It highlighted that the media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction, provided they do not violate the law, adding that the so-called report’s attempt to use press freedom as an excuse for lawbreaking exposes the EU’s biased stance and double standards.

On judicial matters, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that judges remain independent and impartial when adjudicating national cases, free from any interference. It added that any objective observer reading publicly accessible court judgments would reach the same conclusion, and strongly opposed the absurd and false allegations in the report regarding local laws and efforts that safeguard national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that the enactment of the HKNSL by the central authorities restored stability and safety with unquestionable necessity and legitimacy. As an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong must fulfil its constitutional responsibility to improve its legal system and enforcement mechanisms.

It noted that while the EU and its member states continuously enact laws for national security or anti-terrorism, they repeatedly distort facts when evaluating Hong Kong’s laws, displaying clear hypocrisy.

Regarding malicious smears against the verdict in the national security case involving Lai Chee-ying, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the court conducted 156 days of public hearings, reviewed up to 2,220 pieces of evidence, over 80,000 pages of documents, and more than 1,000 pages of written submissions. It called the EU’s continued attacks in the face of these ironclad facts a disgrace.

Turning to political development, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the Legislative Council, formed following the 2021 electoral improvements, has fully implemented the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. The council has broken free from past polarisation to return to rationality and pragmatism.

Given that EU member states have different electoral systems and political traditions, the Hong Kong SAR Government urged the EU to view the city’s democratic development with a positive and respectful attitude.

Reiterating that external attempts to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability are doomed to fail, the Hong Kong SAR Government affirmed that it will continue discharging its duty under the rule of law. It pledged to ensure the successful implementation of “one country, two systems”, better integrate a capable government with an efficient market, and proactively attract enterprises and talent to strengthen the city’s competitiveness.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee led a number of principal officials to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) today and called on the public to get vaccinated as early as possible to build an immunity barrier in the community.

Mr Lee noted that vaccination is one of the most effective means for preventing seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death arising from influenza.

“I appeal to members of the public to get vaccinated as early as possible to protect themselves and their family members,” he added.

Under the vigorous promotion by the Government, and with support from all sectors of the community, more than 2.03 million doses of vaccines were administered under various SIV programmes in the previous year, with overall coverage rates of the target population remaining similar to those of the preceding year.

The SIV rate for people aged 6 months to under 18 years reached 64.8%, which is 13.1 percentage points higher than the average for the same period over the past three seasons.

The vaccination rate for adolescents aged 12 to under 18 years reached 61.4%, representing a substantial increase of 22.6 percentage points compared with the average for the same period over the past three seasons.

The Government-subsidised SIV programmes provide free or subsidised influenza vaccinations to children and adolescents aged 6 months to under 18 years, adults aged 18 to 49 with chronic medical conditions, people aged 50 or above, pregnant women and healthcare workers, and others.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said that various SIV programmes have fully commenced last Thursday and urged the public to get inoculated early.

“Since it takes about two weeks after receiving an SIV for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection, I strongly urge members of the public to get vaccinated early,” he said.

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