Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum today (March 25):

Professor Gong Peng (Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of the University of Hong Kong), Dr Dai (Director of the California-China Climate Institute, Dr Dai Fan), Duncan (Legislative Council Member, Mr Duncan Chiu), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you all again at the Hong Kong Climate Forum. Let me begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to the University of Hong Kong and the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality for convening this second edition of a truly meaningful initiative. 

Building on the strong foundation of last year’s inaugural gathering, this year’s forum deepens our collective focus – from scientific understanding and green investment to youth leadership, health resilience, and the transformative power of technology. The breadth and depth of today’s agenda are both inspiring and necessary. It reminds us that climate change is not a siloed issue; it touches every corner of our economy, society and daily life.

Climate challenges and collective responsibility

Last year, we gathered here against the backdrop of a record-breaking year of heat. Sadly, 2024 has only reaffirmed the urgency, and became the new record. The impacts are increasingly clearer: more frequent extreme weather, rising sea levels, threats to biodiversity and stress on public health.

Climate change is no longer a future risk; it is a clear and present danger. The cost of inaction is unbearable – environmentally, economically and socially.

It is therefore disappointing to learn that elsewhere in the world, there was still a blatant denial of climate change, followed by withdrawal from climate commitments.

But we must not succumb to pessimism. Around the world, support for green transition remains the mainstream. Energy systems are shifting, technologies are advancing, and people – especially the younger generation – are demanding bold and collaborative responses.

Our country, China, has placed green development at the heart of her national development strategy, with concrete steps taken. They include not only launching green projects, but also establishing mechanisms for carbon auditing, footprint management and carbon certification. China is also actively participating in global climate governance. In the China Development Forum held last Sunday, Premier Li Qiang reiterated the importance of green transition as a driver of economic growth.

So are we here in Hong Kong. We are firmly committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 with four key areas of focus: net-zero electricity generation, green transport, green buildings and waste reduction.

We do not view combating climate change as a burden that will hurt business. Of course, it entails necessary changes to our lifestyles, production methods and business practices. However, climate goals are creating new opportunities for business as well. That cannot be better encapsulated than in President Xi’s famous words: “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, or “綠水é�’山就是金山銀山”.  Through the many changes to our ways of life, new business cases are emerging. The most obvious examples are the Mainland’s stellar industries of the New Three – electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels and lithium batteries.

Hong Kong’s green progress

For us, it is clear that Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area, will be able to ride this new wave of change with commitment and leadership.

A recurrent topic in combating climate change is the significant funding gap for green transition, measured in trillions of US dollars. In other words, there is a need to mobilise capital to support green projects on a massive scale. Hong Kong, as an international financial centre adhering to the best green finance standards, excels at matching quality green projects with funding. To enable broader participation in funding green projects, Hong Kong has recently rolled out innovative financing arrangements, such as tokenised green bonds and securitised infrastructure loans.

Moreover, Hong Kong is progressing into the new space of transition finance to help high-emitting sectors invest in clean technologies and decarbonise. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is working to include transition activities in the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance. 

Then there is green tech. We are home to many green tech start-ups, all sharing the mission to develop practical technological solutions. In our Science Park and Cyberport, there are approximately 300 green start-ups specialising in energy-efficient materials, carbon capture, EV infrastructure, and much more.

In this year’s Budget, we announced the establishment of a GreenTech Hub, which would house around 200 green enterprises and bring together innovators in the green industry, forming a nexus for fostering fresh ideas, transformative solutions and business partnerships. The hub was opened earlier this month. 

Going forward, our green tech sector will benefit from the technological prowess of the Greater Bay Area as well.

Speaking of green tech, it would be remiss of me not to address an important subject, which is also a theme for discussion at the forum this morning: how AI (artificial intelligence) will drive and benefit the green transition. Allow me to share a few thoughts on their intersection. 

AI and green: a strategic alliance

To begin with, AI is a game changer. It is fundamentally altering production, business and consumption models, redefining the competitiveness of economies. When considering AI’s relationship with green development, a broader perspective should be taken. It is not only empowering specific green technologies but also acting as a catalyst for driving behavioural change. 

Clearly, AI has vast potential in optimising energy production and consumption. The World Economic Forum, for example, has indicated that AI’s benefits in these areas are especially impactful in emerging markets with significant infrastructure gaps, as they have enormous potential to leapfrog to cleaner systems.

AI can also accelerate the invention of new materials. It can improve climate modelling and forecasting, enhancing our preparedness in the face of natural disasters. 

The many applications of AI can permeate into our daily life and transform various sectors and businesses across the community, culminating in significant climate change mitigation. From energy saving tech for home appliances and vehicles to smarter traffic management, these innovations are spreading across our country and the world at large. 

Even simply taking environmentally friendly driving routes recommended by AI could significantly reduce emissions. 

In green finance, AI helps identify green opportunities with strong climate impact potential and sustainable returns, thereby optimising the allocation of capital across clean energy projects.  

In ESG (environmental, social and governance) analysis and sustainability reporting, AI improves transparency. It can monitor and cross-check corporate disclosures, strengthening accountability and increasing market confidence in green-labelled financial products. In risk management, AI-powered climate analytics can help us assess exposure to physical risks, such as flooding or wildfires, as well as transition risks, including changes in regulation, market preferences and technology disruption.

Above all, the application of AI for the green movement presents opportunities everywhere. What we need is a whole-of-community approach.

Hong Kong’s vision

That’s why in Hong Kong, we have envisioned AI as a core industry. We are driving this development on five fronts: supercomputing capabilities, algorithms, data, capital and talent. We have positioned Hong Kong as an international exchange and co-operation hub for the AI sector. This year, we will host events of global significance, including the inaugural International Young Scientist Forum on Artificial Intelligence and the International Conference on Embodied AI Robots. We believe these platforms will be ideal occasions to discuss how AI could reinforce our efforts in combating climate change. 

Ladies and gentlemen, we need not just action but also thought leadership. That’s what makes fora like today’s highly meaningful and productive. 

Hong Kong will continue to host various climate platforms. For example, the second edition of Hong Kong Green Week will be held this September. Anchored by the Climate Business Forum co-hosted with the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, the event will offer a platform for dialogue, deal-making and partnership. 

All of these efforts reflect our belief and commitment that Hong Kong can – and must – play a meaningful role in the global climate response. 

Let us act together – with courage and a sense of urgency – for our planet, our community and future generations.

I wish you all a most successful forum. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Members of the public are invited to attend the Hospital Authority (HA) Board Meeting to be held on March 27 (Thursday) at 4pm. 
 
     The HA Board Meeting has been open to members of the public since 1998 to demonstrate the continuous effort of the Authority to enhance its transparency and public accountability. The HA Board holds meetings at regular intervals to discuss major health policy issues that have impacts on the public. Through these open meetings, the community is able to understand more about the role and functions of the HA Board as well as the operation and services of the HA and its hospitals.
 
     The HA Board will discuss the following agenda items in the coming meeting:
 

• Hospital Authority Annual Plan 2025-26;
• Progress Report on Strategic Priorities;
• Corporate Presentation Programme – Patient-centric Services in the Hospital Authority;
• Cluster Presentation Programme – Kowloon West Cluster – 10 Years’ Experience in Rationalising Clinical Facilities in Princess Margaret Hospital; and
• Cluster Presentation Programme – New Territories East Cluster – Neuromodulation: Way Forward for Advancing Treatment.

 
     The meeting agenda and papers will be made available to the public at the meeting. Members of the public are reminded that they can attend the Board Meeting only as observers and will not be participating in the meeting discussions.
 
     Members of the public who are interested in attending the coming Board Meeting have to make an advance booking by contacting the Secretariat of the HA Board at 2300 6797 before noon on March 27. To facilitate booking arrangements, members of the public are advised to provide their names and contact telephone numbers. In view of the limited seating available in the public gallery of the meeting venue, seating will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US and ROK foreign and defense ministers stressing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

November 2, 2024

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hosted Republic of Korea Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun for the US-ROK Foreign and Defense (2+2) Ministerial Meeting in Washington, DC, on October 31. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two countries emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community. They also expressed concern over provocative actions, particularly the recent military drills around Taiwan that escalate tension. Both sides concurred that no further actions should be taken that could undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In addition to reaffirming that cross-strait issues should be peacefully resolved, they expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific. At a press conference for the ministerial meeting, Secretary of State Blinken underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
 
This marked the first time that the United States and the Republic of Korea have conveyed their high regard for cross-strait peace and stability in a 2+2 ministerial joint statement. The two countries had expressed a similar stance at their 56th Security Consultative Meeting on October 30. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and appreciates high-level US and ROK officials publicly reaffirming their staunch position and showing concern over China’s launch of military drills around Taiwan. As authoritarian countries strengthen cooperation and disrupt peace, stability, and the international order, Taiwan will continue to work with the United States, the ROK, and other like-minded nations to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the region.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Canada and ROK foreign and defense ministers reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

November 2, 2024

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and Minister of National Defence Bill Blair hosted Republic of Korea Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting in Ottawa on November 1. Following the meeting, the two countries issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. They stressed their continued advocation of peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific and opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the region. The two sides also reaffirmed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait was indispensable to international security and prosperity.
 
This inaugural 2+2 ministerial was a concrete achievement of the action plan announced on July 25 for implementing the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and affirms Canada and the ROK underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressing their opposition to any unilateral change to the regional status quo at their first 2+2 ministerial. In the face of stronger collaboration between authoritarian countries and their attempts to undermine peace, stability, and the international order, Taiwan will work steadfastly with such like-minded nations as Canada and the ROK to jointly preserve peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the region.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US, ROK, and Japan national security advisors reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability and calling for peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues

October 26, 2024 

US White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Japanese National Security Secretariat Secretary-General Takeo Akiba, and Republic of Korea National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik held a trilateral meeting in Washington, DC, on October 25. In a joint readout issued after the meeting, the three national security advisors reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, and expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) thanks the United States, Japan, and the ROK for continuing to jointly reiterate the importance of cross-strait peace and stability through high-level meetings of national security officials and diplomats, underscoring the high degree of international consensus on maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region. Taiwan will continue to work with the United States, Japan, the ROK, and other like-minded nations to preserve peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and beyond.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to joint passage of US, Canadian warships through Taiwan Strait on October 20

October 21, 2024 

The US Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins and the Canadian Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver conducted a routine transit of the Taiwan Strait on October 20. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and affirms the United States and Canada once again taking concrete action to emphasize the Taiwan Strait’s status in law as an international waterway and their firm stance on safeguarding freedom of navigation and regional stability.
 
The US 7th Fleet and Canadian Joint Operations Command provided details of their joint mission in separate media statements and posts on the social media platform X. The US 7th Fleet statement noted that the transit had taken place through waters where high-seas freedom of navigation applied in accordance with international law. It said that the mission demonstrated the United States’ and Canada’s commitment to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations and that the international community’s navigational rights and freedoms in the Taiwan Strait should not be limited. It further stated that the United States rejected any assertion of sovereignty or jurisdiction that was inconsistent with freedoms of navigations, overflight, or other lawful uses of the sea and air. The Canadian Joint Operations Command post on X stated that its activities promoted peace, resilience, and security in the Indo-Pacific.
 
This was the fourth joint transit of the Taiwan Strait by the United States and Canada in under two years, demonstrating democratic allies’ determination to take firm and concrete actions to safeguard Taiwan Strait peace. The government of Taiwan will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities, staunchly oppose authoritarian expansion, and deepen cooperation with like-minded nations so as to jointly defend the rules-based international order as well as peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA congratulates Alix Didier Fils-Aimé on his appointment as prime minister of Haiti

Date：2024-11-13
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

November 13, 2024
No. 413

The transitional presidential council of the Republic of Haiti has appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as the country’s new prime minister. He was sworn into office on November 11. In his remarks, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé said he would seek to work with like-minded countries to assist the transitional government in advancing its priority goals, including reestablishing security and reviving of the economy, in order to lay the groundwork for long-term national development. Taiwan Ambassador to Haiti Hu Cheng-hao attended the ceremony and congratulated the new prime minister on behalf of the government of Taiwan.

The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) remains committed to standing with the Haitian government and people, implementing various bilateral cooperation projects, and further deepening the 68-year diplomatic alliance between the two countries. (E)