Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes ANZMIN 2+2 joint statement supporting cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2026-03-18
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

March 18, 2026  
No. 094  
 
Following the third Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2) on March 17, the two countries issued a joint statement reaffirming the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposing any unilateral action to change the status quo, and encouraging all parties to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to coercion or force. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and affirms this statement.
 
Australia and New Zealand are both like-minded partners of Taiwan, sharing such common values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait and stability in the Indo-Pacific has become an international consensus. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded countries to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) today (March 18) announced a new measure to accelerate the adoption of energy storage systems by industrial users while ensuring installation and operational safety. Under the initiative, the Energy Administration (EA) will provide subsidies for behind-the-meter energy storage systems, with eligible businesses able to receive NT$5 million per MWh. To complement the subsidy program, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) ensures safety and quality of these installed systems through standards, testing, and certification programs, supported by a localized national testing laboratory for energy storage systems.

The EA stated that the “Directions of Subsidies for the Installation of Battery Energy Storage System at Industrial Sites by Ministry of Economic Affairs” announced by the MOEA encourages electricity users in industrial parks, science parks, and other industrial facilities to install energy storage systems, with a view to strengthening grid resilience and supporting the development of Taiwan’s battery cell industry.

To further stabilize the power grid and enhance domestic supply chain development, the subsidy program primarily targets energy storage equipment using locally manufactured lithium-based battery cells. The MOEA stated that the measure is intended to help industrial users shift from relying solely on grid electricity to incorporating stored backup energy into their power management strategies.

Alongside the subsidy program, the BSMI has put in place a comprehensive safety regime for energy storage systems in line with international developments. The framework now extends beyond battery-level requirements to cover system-level integration. By 2025, Taiwan had published a total of 24 national standards (CNS) covering batteries, modules and complete energy storage systems, which are harmonized with relevant international standards. BSMI said it will continue tracking international regulatory and technological developments and update the standards as needed to further strengthen safety.

On the testing side, to address previous constraints in domestic testing capacity, the National Center for Energy Storage System Technology (NEST) will begin providing testing services in 2026. With a testing capacity of up to 360 kWh, the center will be the only laboratory in Taiwan capable of conducting combustion tests for energy storage systems. The localized testing facility is expected to reduce testing costs by more than 50 percent compared with overseas testing, while also cutting sample delivery time and related expenses. Through international cooperation, test reports issued by NEST will also be accepted via international recognition arrangements.

The MOEA emphasized that it will continue to integrate financial incentives with standards, testing and certification mechanisms to promote industrial upgrading and ensure that Taiwan’s energy transition proceeds in a safe and reliable manner.

Contact Person (Subsidy Policy): Yu-Chuan Hsia, Director, Energy Administration
Tel. (O): +886-2775-7753
Email: yhhsia@moeaea.gov.tw

Contact Person (Energy Storage Equipment Certification): Ching-Hong Cheng, Deputy Director, Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI)
Tel. (O): +886-2343-1700 ext.1211
Email: ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To mark the 11th National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department will host an open day at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O on April 12.

The event, which runs from 10am to 2pm, aims to enhance public understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong National Security Law. It will also showcase the department’s role in safeguarding national security, maintaining public order and safety and professional personnel training.

Highlights include a parade of fire appliances, a rescue demonstration and displays of specialised equipment and training facilities.

The event will also feature a fire-safety exhibition, interactive games and a demonstration of Fire Services working dogs.

In addition, the Fire & Ambulance Services Education Centre & Museum will be open to visitors throughout the day.

People can apply for up to four admission tickets via the Fire Services Department mobile app from today until Sunday.

Tickets will be allocated by computer ballot and successful applicants will be notified through the mobile app on April 1. Tickets are not required for children aged three or below.

Call 2411 8773 for enquiries.

Source: Government of Singapore

Three tenders will be called to commission studies on nuclear safety standards and environmental considerations as Singapore studies the potential deployment of nuclear energy

26 March 2026 – As part of Singapore’s efforts to strengthen capabilities in nuclear safety, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will commission three studies to examine international safety standards and potential environmental impacts of nuclear power facilities.

Building technical nuclear expertise is critical

2.       The three studies will examine different aspects of nuclear safety: (i) safety standards adopted by international organisations and national regulators, including how to design and operate the reactor safely, what safety systems are needed, and how to prevent accidents; (ii) international environmental standards and regulatory frameworks for nuclear facilities; and (iii) environmental considerations for the potential deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore and the region – both of which focus on how to protect public health and the environment. These studies will complement the ongoing study commissioned by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) to evaluate the safety performance and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies.

Singapore is closely studying global nuclear developments

3.       NEA has been developing Singapore’s nuclear safety capabilities through close partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and established regulatory bodies in Finland, France and the United States, as well as our regional neighbours with whom we engage in nuclear safety cooperation discussions. NEA’s Nuclear Safety Advisory Panel, comprising experts in nuclear and related scientific fields, provides independent advice on nuclear safety, security and safeguards.  

4.       The studies, together with our other capability building efforts, ensure that Singapore is well equipped with the knowledge and technical expertise to independently assess the potential for safe deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore. These capabilities will also allow us to contribute to strengthen regional discussion on nuclear, to better prepare for a region with nuclear power plants. The studies will also support our preparations in the event that countries in our region decide to deploy nuclear power.

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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan approved by the National People’s Congress this month expresses explicit support for expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM). The development of the NM, which accounts for approximately one-third of Hong Kong’s total land area and planned population, has entered a new stage, with the focus now on expediting construction works, as well as promoting the entry and operation of industries. The Legislative Council (LegCo) Secretariat today (March 25) released the latest issue of the Policy Pulse on “Northern Metropolis: Accelerating development through industry-driven momentum”. This issue provides a brief overview on the latest developments in the NM, including the enactment of dedicated legislation for the NM, the status of supporting industries in establishing a presence in the region, the layout of an innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, the planning for the University Town, transport infrastructure, and the concurrent pursuit of development and conservation. It also summarizes the relevant discussions in LegCo and suggestions by Members.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, leading a delegation comprising legal sector representatives, continued his visit to Hangzhou today.

Mr Lam visited the Zhejiang Merchants Foreign-Related Legal Service Center in the morning, to gain an in-depth understanding of the current state of foreign-related legal services in Zhejiang Province, and to explore co-operation opportunities between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in areas such as talent nurturing, international arbitration and commercial dispute resolution.

The delegation then attended an exchange session with representatives of the Zhejiang legal community.

Mr Lam discussed with Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Director-General of the Department of Justice of Zhejiang Province Lao Hong the collaboration between the legal sectors of Hong Kong and Zhejiang.

During the exchange session, Zhejiang legal professionals introduced the forms and latest trends of Mainland enterprises going global, as well as the relevant common legal and risk management issues, while representatives from Hong Kong’s legal sector elaborated on the unique role of Hong Kong’s legal profession in assisting Mainland enterprises expanding overseas.

Both sides also explored enhancing professional collaboration between the legal, arbitration and mediation sectors of the two places in supporting Mainland enterprises going global, and discussed co-operation on the exchanges and training of foreign-related legal talent.

Speaking at the exchange session, Mr Lam said that economic and trade co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang has continued to deepen in recent years, with both sides serving as important engines for the country’s high-quality development, and possessing tremendous potential for collaboration. As the only common law jurisdiction within China, Hong Kong has a marked advantage in legal services.

With more Zhejiang enterprises expanding overseas, Hong Kong’s legal sector can provide one-stop professional services to Mainland companies in areas including cross-boundary investment and financing, international arbitration and compliance inspections.

He expressed the hope of further deepening comprehensive co-operation between the legal communities of Hong Kong and Zhejiang, promoting complementary strengths, jointly raising the professional standards and international credibility of dispute resolution services, and working together to support enterprises as they go global.

In the afternoon, Mr Lam and his delegation visited the Hangzhou Future Sci-Tech City Urban Exhibition Center to gain insights into Hangzhou’s advancements in areas including smart city development and artificial intelligence.

They then met local business representatives to learn about the latest business developments and promote Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and the unique advantages of its common law system in assisting Mainland enterprises to expand overseas.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee met and exchanged views with leaders of Hainan Province and Haikou in Hainan today and visited a local high-tech enterprise and infrastructure facilities there.

In the morning, Mr Lee met CPC Hainan Provincial Committee Secretary Feng Fei, and Governor of Hainan Province Liu Xiaoming to exchange views on further strengthening Hong Kong’s co-operation with Hainan.

Mr Lee noted that more than 790 Hong Kong enterprises were newly established in Hainan last year, and investment from Hong Kong in the province surpassed RMB18 billion, representing an increase of over 20% year on year.

This year marks the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Noting that the full implementation of the island-wide special customs operations at the Hainan Free Trade Port contributes to the country’s efforts in fostering a new development landscape, Mr Lee said the scope for co-operation between Hainan and Hong Kong, both free trade ports, is set to be enhanced.

He later visited a high-tech enterprise in Haikou and was briefed by its representatives on the latest developments and opportunities in its innovative and advanced technologies.

Mr Lee pointed out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to the development of innovation and technology and emerging industries, and welcomes more enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong.

He also attended a luncheon hosted by Standing Committee Member of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee and CPC Haikou Municipal Committee Secretary Fan Shaojun.

Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong will continue to play its roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, and he looked forward to deepening co-operation with Haikou in advancing high-quality development.

The Chief Executive then visited the centralised inspection site of the Xinhaigang and Nangang “Second-Line Port” in Haikou to learn more about the infrastructure of the Hainan Free Trade Port and its customs operations.

The centralised inspection site is the core infrastructure facility supporting the Hainan Free Trade Port’s special customs operations. Built in accordance with national standards for water transport, it is the country’s first centralised inspection facility jointly used by two ports, showcasing Hainan’s innovative practices in advancing the development of the free trade port.

Mr Lee expressed confidence that Hong Kong, as a free port, and the Hainan Free Trade Port would complement each other’s strengths and achieve mutual benefits in port and maritime development.

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the organiser of the Boao Forum for Asia and the Hainan Provincial People’s Government.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region