MOFA response to joint statement by foreign and defense ministers of Australia and UK reaffirming importance of Taiwan Strait peace and stability

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to joint statement by foreign and defense ministers of Australia and UK reaffirming importance of Taiwan Strait peace and stability

Date:2026-06-12
Data Source:Department of European Affairs

June 12, 2026  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung greatly affirms and welcomes the joint statement issued following the Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) on June 10. The statement reiterated the critical importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposed any unilateral action to change the status quo, and encouraged dialogue rather than coercion or the use of force. 

The statement also expressed concern at China’s destabilizing military exercises around Taiwan. It recognized that the international community benefits from the expertise of the people of Taiwan. And it conveyed the two countries’ commitment to supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and deepening relations with Taiwan in the economic, trade, scientific, technological, and cultural fields.

The consultations were held in London. They were attended by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Defence Secretary John Healey, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, and Minister for Defence Richard Marles. 

The statement marked the third consecutive year that Australia and the United Kingdom have jointly issued such a public declaration of support for Taiwan.

The United Kingdom, Australia, and Taiwan are like-minded partners that share such universal values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. They play a key role in ensuring stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific. 

As an indispensable member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded countries to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, expand Taiwan’s international participation, defend the rules-based international order, and jointly promote security and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Govt respects medical council ruling

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government said today it respects the judgment made by a panel set up under the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) in relation to a 2009 case of cerebral palsy in a newborn baby.

The MCHK’s Inquiry Panel restarted a disciplinary inquiry into the case of Li Yuanjian in November last year, following a review of the matter. 

In a statement, the Government said it fully supports the panel’s decision and stressed that the inquiry’s conclusion helps to clarify the facts of the incident, and cuts short any prolonged pressure on the doctor and on the child’s family.

The Health Bureau again extended its sympathies to Yuanjian and his parents. It said it hopes the judgment can bring them some solace, and allow them to focus fully on Yuanjian’s care while maintaining their confidence in Hong Kong’s healthcare system and institutional framework.

Relevant departments will continue to follow up on Yuanjian’s medical and welfare needs, the bureau added.

The Government said there is an urgent need to improve the MCHK’s complaint handling mechanism, as was clearly stated in two reports – one submitted by the MCHK to the bureau in December, and a report issued by the Ombudsman in February concerning a direct investigation into the council’s secretariat.

To this end, the bureau announced the start of legislative procedure for the Medical Registration (Amendment) Bill 2026 on on June 26.

The bill puts forth a series of recommendations to reform the MCHK’s complaint handling mechanism, and will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on Wednesday.

MOFA response to European Parliament’s adoption of a report calling for greater EU cooperation with Taiwan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to European Parliament’s adoption of a report calling for greater EU cooperation with Taiwan

March 28, 2026  On March 26, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the report Global Gateway-past impacts and future orientation. The report calls on the European Union to strengthen cooperation with like-minded partners including Taiwan to construct a resilient web of trusted connectivity. It further emphasizes that the Global Gateway strategy is an alternative to China’s Belt and Road initiative and if properly applied  could restore the EU’s industrial competitiveness and counterbalance China’s growing influence.As authoritarian countries continue to expand their influence through opaque financing and infrastructure initiatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to deepen collaboration with the European Union and other like-minded partners under the banner of integrated diplomacy. This will allow for the joint promotion of modes of cooperation that are in keeping with democratic values. This will promote regional development and prosperity and further strengthen the security and resilience of global democratic partnerships. 

New chamber spurs precision testing

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Precision timing, acoustic testing and medical technology may serve different sectors, but they all rely on the same imperative: exactness.

Hong Kong’s professional testing and certification (T&C) services offer just that.

The Innovation & Technology Commission’s Standards & Calibration Laboratory (SCL) provides services including calibration of power measurements for electrical networks, as well as medical laboratory instruments, where precision is vital. Through its rigorous metrological standards, the SCL safeguards many aspects of everyday life in the community.

A brand-new free-field acoustic anechoic chamber at the SCL was installed last year when the laboratory moved into the Tseung Kwan O Government Offices.

The chamber suppresses echoes to create an extremely quiet environment for research on architectural and environmental acoustics and for the calibration of high‑precision acoustic instruments.

Exceptional accuracy    

“The chamber’s inner walls are fitted with specially shaped sound‑absorbing materials to largely reduce echoes, providing an absolutely quiet testing environment,” said Andrew Au, an electronics engineer at the commission.

The facility helps local testing and certification bodies calibrate their equipment and deliver more reliable acoustic performance tests.

The SCL also houses an atomic clock system, which operates at the exact caesium frequency, working in tandem with the global positioning system to ensure a level of precision comparable to international standards.       

“The system can output highly precise frequency signals, providing a reliable and consistent reference for various measurement tasks such as network transmission, audio-visual synchronisation and industrial automation,” said Alvis Au Yeung, another electronics engineer at the commission.

Ensuring trust

To enforce testing standards for products and services requires the involvement of testing and certification bodies and a strict accreditation system.

That responsibility falls to the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS), which is also under the commission.

The HKAS provides accreditation service to local laboratories, certification bodies and inspection bodies, and grants accreditation to those that meet standards through three voluntary accreditation schemes: the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme, the Hong Kong Certification Body Accreditation Scheme and the Hong Kong Inspection Body Accreditation Scheme.

“Accreditation demonstrates that a testing, inspection or certification body possesses the professional competency to carry out the specific conformity assessment activities within its scope,” said Senior Accreditation Officer Fiona Chan.

The HKAS also sits on international bodies and signs multilateral recognition arrangements, meaning that reports and certificates from HKAS‑accredited organisations are recognised by more than 120 economies. This helps to reduce trade barriers under the “tested once, accepted everywhere” principle.

Industry support    

To develop Hong Kong as a regional testing and certification hub, the Hong Kong Council for Testing & Certification (HKCTC), which is supported by the commission, also plays a vital role in seizing global opportunities.

“We participate in local and overseas trade fairs and support the industry in seizing opportunities such as Greater Bay Area development, the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, emerging sectors and industrial upgrading,” said Innovation & Technology Commission Manager (Testing & Certification) Henry Chan.

He added that talent is critical. The council’s Testing & Certification Manpower Development Award Scheme encourages T&C bodies to invest in talent training, and commends outstanding practitioners.   

Tripartite drive

“With the SCL establishing precise metrological standards, the international recognition of T&C bodies accredited by the HKAS, and the HKCTC leading the strategic development of the industry, these three pillars not only provide safety and confidence for citizens, but also collectively reinforce the branding of ‘Tested in Hong Kong, Certified in Hong Kong’.”

Sports dispute resolution promoted

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice today held a workshop to promote an online platform for sports dispute resolution.

 

The event was co-staged with the administering body and technology provider of the Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution, as well as the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.

 

More than 120 representatives from Hong Kong’s sports and legal sectors, including individuals from 30 sports organisations, attended the “Efficient Resolution for All: Sports Dispute Resolution Workshop”.

 

Deputy Secretary for Justice and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution Cheung Kwok-kwan also attended the event and gave welcome remarks.

 

Mr Cheung outlined that with the rapid development of sports and related industries, differences of opinion and disputes are inevitable. However, to settle these by traditional methods, such as internal rulings or adjudication within national sports associations, or litigation in courts, often leads to more complex problems and imposes a burden on parties in terms of time, mental energy, and finance.

 

Therefore, Mr Cheung said, establishing an efficient, professional, and credible sports dispute resolution system that handles sports disputes through a “mediation first, arbitration next” approach can resolve disputes more flexibly and effectively.

 

He added that resolving disputes through arbitration can help the parties concerned avoid the lengthy legal procedures and substantial legal fees that result from litigation.

 

Mr Cheung revealed that following the launch of the pilot scheme’s online platform in February, it has received a number of inquiries and has begun processing cases, with the first of these being successfully resolved recently.

 

He emphasised that the scheme’s successful implementation confirms that Hong Kong is on the right track in promoting a sports dispute resolution system, and encouraged attendees of the workshop to engage with the pilot scheme and promote the long-term development of sports in the city.

 

Through various activities, the workshop explored how, under the pilot scheme’s framework, sports disputes can be efficiently resolved by way of mediation and arbitration. Attendees were introduced to simulated mediation procedures, as details of actual cases are typically confidential under regulations,.

 

Expert speakers outlined the fundamental principles of mediation and arbitration, the workflow under the pilot scheme, the operational procedures of the online dispute resolution platform, and various case studies of disputes that have been successfully resolved.

 

In a sharing session, a representative from a national sports association and an athlete discussed the possible challenges in resolving sports disputes, and elaborated on the specific benefits of adopting the pilot scheme’s model.

MOFA response to European Parliament resolution supporting enhanced cooperation with Taiwan in drone technology

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to European Parliament resolution supporting enhanced cooperation with Taiwan in drone technology

January 26, 2026  
 
The European Parliament on January 22 passed by a substantial majority a resolution titled “Drones and new systems of warfare—the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges.” The resolution called for enhancing security and defense cooperation and partnership with the European Union’s Indo-Pacific partners, including Taiwan, particularly in drone technology and relevant industries; and stressed the importance of building secure, non-red supply chains underpinned by democratic values.
 
This resolution demonstrates the European Parliament’s recognition of Taiwan’s standing in the drone sector and regard for jointly building democratic supply chains. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and appreciates the resolution and looks forward to the strengthening of relevant cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Europe going forward.
 
In facing the threat of authoritarian expansionism, and as a reliable partner of the democratic community, Taiwan has long invested heavily in drone and key technology industries and remains committed to working with like-minded countries to establish secure and resilient non-red supply chains aligned with democratic values. For example, in November 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung led a delegation to Lithuania to attend the Drone Industry Business Forum, where he witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance and the Lithuanian Defense and Security Industries Association. MOFA has also established a drone diplomacy task force.
 
Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with such like-minded partners as the European Union in relevant areas so as to jointly address current security challenges and advance regional peace and global stability.

FSD INC: Emergency Incidents received by FSD from 01:30:00 to 01:59:59 on JULY 4, 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FSD INC: Emergency Incidents received by FSD from 01:30:00 to 01:59:59 on JULY 4, 2026″2026/07/04″  “01:45:37”  “No. 1 Alarm”  “=NX HYW BOUNDARY CONTROL POINT-SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT,HEUNG YUEN WAI AREA.” 
“2026/07/04”  “01:49:46”  “Special Service (Gas Leakage)”  “20 ON SAU ROAD,WO TAI HOUSE ON TAI ESTATE,SHUN LEE AREA.” 
“2026/07/04”  “01:59:22”  “Traffic Accident (With Reported Injury)”  “=OP 23 MORRISON HILL ROAD,SOUTH PACIFIC HOTEL,WANCHAI AREA.” JN ROAD JUNCTION
LP  LAMPPOST
TL TRAIL
=HS HILLSIDE
=NR  NEAR
=NX NEXT TO
=OP OPPOSITE
=OS OUTSIDE
=SF SEAFRONT
Issued at HKT 2:05

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Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal (with photo)      
     Customs officers today intercepted a 59-year-old incoming mainland male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, the live dog was seized from his shoulder bag, and he was subsequently arrested. The case was 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.
Issued at HKT 22:25

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Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo)      
     Customs officers intercepted a 35-year-old incoming Chinese male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (July 2). About 28 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from his personal baggage. The estimated market value was about $142,000, and the duty potential was about $93,800. He was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 today.
      
     Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

     Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.Issued at HKT 20:00

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Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attends the Press Conference for the 9th Taiwan Film Festival in Australia

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The 9th Taiwan Film Festival in Australia will take place from 23 July to 6 September under the theme “Breaking Boundaries, Opening New Horizons.” The festival will tour six Australian cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth—presenting a diverse selection of Taiwanese films and further deepening cultural exchange between Taiwan and Australia.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney attended the press conference for the 9th Taiwan Film Festival in Australia and noted that, now in its ninth year, the festival has become an important cultural platform for Taiwan in Australia. With the support of government agencies, the Taiwanese community, and various partners, it has also expanded into major mainstream venues, including the Sydney Opera House and the Parliament of New South Wales.
DG Wu highlighted that a special screening of the documentary A Chip Odyssey will be held at the NSW Parliament on 3 September, showcasing the development of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and its critical role in the global technology supply chain.
He emphasised that film is a powerful medium that transcends language and national boundaries. He warmly invited Australian audiences to experience Taiwan through its cinema, and to gain a deeper understanding of its cultural creativity, industrial strengths, and democratic values, thereby further strengthening people-to-people ties and cultural exchange between Taiwan and Australia.
This year’s opening film is The Path to Happiness starring Chang Chen, while the closing film is the Taiwanese classic The Sandwich Man, which will be screened at the Sydney Opera House, highlighting the enduring appeal and cultural depth of Taiwanese cinema across generations.
The programme features a wide range of feature films, documentaries, and short films covering themes such as semiconductor technology, baseball, Indigenous culture, independent music, and youth creativity, reflecting Taiwan’s free, democratic, innovative, and diverse society.