Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (March 5) released the statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the fourth quarter of 2025.

     In the fourth quarter of 2025, total port cargo throughput increased by 1.1% to 44.8 million tonnes over a year earlier. Within this total, inward port cargo decreased by 6.0% to 25.6 million tonnes, while outward port cargo increased by 12.3% to 19.2 million tonnes.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (March 5) attended the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC).

     The fourth session of the 14th NPC commenced in Beijing this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report. Mr Lee attended the opening meeting in his capacity as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour & Welfare Bureau today clarified that information circulating online alleging that the Government would distribute half-price food vouchers to the elderly is completely false. 

Noting that such fake information is circulating online, the bureau said it has reported the matter to the relevant social media platform and reserves the right to pursue legal action.

The bureau also urged senior citizens not to trust any suspicious websites or believe unknown and misleading messages.

Those who suspect that they have fallen victim to any fraudulent acts should contact Police. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee attended the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing today, in his capacity as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The fourth session of the 14th NPC opened this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report for 2025. He elaborated on the economic and social achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan period and outlined the country’s main development goals and major tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The Premier also stated the overall requirements and policy directions for economic and social development this year, as well as the key tasks of the work of the government.

The government work report highlighted the successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan with major achievements. Noting that this year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the report unveiled a draft outline setting out 20 major indicators and key strategic missions.

The plan focuses on four key areas: pursuing high-quality development, strengthening domestic circulation, promoting common prosperity and co-ordinating development and security.

The report stressed the unwavering commitment to fully implement the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy. It underscored the importance of putting the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle into practice and ensuring effective governance in accordance with the law.

These efforts aim to promote Hong Kong’s economic and social development, support its integration into the nation’s overall development and leverage the city’s unique role as a bridge between the Mainland and the world to ensure long-term prosperity and stability.

The government work report also noted the importance of deepening the integration of innovation in technology and industry. It highlighted the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology hub and a world-class city cluster.

The Chief Executive said he was most encouraged and inspired by the report. Noting that this year marks the launch of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and a crucial phase for comprehensively deepening reform, Mr Lee remarked that the period is of great significance to the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will earnestly fulfil its primary responsibility for governance and steadfastly implement the “one country, two systems” principle, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy.

He pledged to unite all sectors to comprehensively deepen reform and leverage Hong Kong’s unique institutional and international advantages. He added that the Government remains dedicated to opening new horizons for development, boosting the economy and improving livelihoods while exploring new growth areas.

The Chief Executive also noted that he will lead the Hong Kong SAR Government in formulating a systematic policy framework to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will formulate more comprehensive and precise strategic initiatives for key development areas. For the first time, it will also draw up a macroscopic and forward-looking five-year plan for Hong Kong to provide a strategic blueprint for the city’s future.

Mr Lee highlighted that, following his earlier instructions, all Hong Kong SAR Government bureaus have established preparatory groups and commenced relevant work. These groups will be converted into formulation teams to align with the 15th Five-Year Plan and work at full speed to complete Hong Kong’s own five-year plan within this year.

The plan will outline the city’s development vision, core objectives and major initiatives, providing a clear roadmap and timetable for Hong Kong’s economic and social progress. This strategic blueprint aims to facilitate Hong Kong’s integration into national development and give full play to its unique role in serving the country.

The Chief Executive noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. He pledged to develop the city into an international innovation and technology hub and a premier centre for high-calibre talent.

Furthermore, the Government will promote the establishment of more high value-added enterprises in the Northern Metropolis. While consolidating ties with traditional economies, Hong Kong will proactively explore emerging markets.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has established the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global to connect the Mainland’s robust productivity with Hong Kong’s world-class professional services to meet the diverse demands of global buyers.

 

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will facilitate the efforts of quality enterprises in going global and bringing in international capital to advance the high-quality development of the economy. He added that it will also redouble its efforts to improve livelihoods while creating broader opportunities for the upward mobility of Hong Kong’s youth.

He said that Hong Kong will continue to enhance its international competitiveness, and deepen international exchanges and co-operation. By strengthening its role as a bridge between the Mainland and the world, the city aims to achieve better development and contribute more significantly to the country’s building and national rejuvenation.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of March 4, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by former Japanese House of Councillors President Santo Akiko. In remarks, President Lai thanked her for her long-term support for the development of Taiwan-Japan relations and parliamentary exchanges. He also noted that Taiwan is a hub for the global AI and semiconductor industries, while Japan has strengths in materials, equipment, and precision manufacturing. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will deepen their cooperative ties and create win-win outcomes.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to first welcome our guests and note that this marks a return visit to Taiwan for former House of Councillors President Santo, as she previously led a Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council delegation here to take part in our 2024 National Day celebrations. We are sincerely grateful for her long-term support for the development of Taiwan-Japan relations, including the passage of numerous Taiwan-friendly resolutions.
Taiwan and Japan are important partners that share the universal values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law, and also have a long and deep-rooted friendship. When either is struck by a natural disaster, one always extends a helping hand to support the other.
The current state of global affairs remains complex. Taiwan and Japan in recent years have both had to face serious challenges to regional security, such as the expansion of authoritarian powers, gray-zone aggression, and cognitive warfare. I am thankful to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, who since taking office last year has emphasized at various international venues her concern for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Prime Minister Takaichi has now formed her second cabinet, which I am confident will make an even greater contribution to peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
During last year’s APEC meetings, Prime Minister Takaichi held bilateral talks with our Leader’s Representative Lin Hsin-yi (林信義), during which our two sides discussed and reached a consensus on strengthening cooperation and exchanges in key technological fields. Taiwan will actively follow through on this matter. In particular, Taiwan is a hub for the global AI and semiconductor industries, while Japan has strengths in materials, equipment, and precision manufacturing. I am confident that by deepening our cooperative ties, Taiwan and Japan will create win-win outcomes.
Finally, I want to once more thank former House of Councillors President Santo for her long-term support for bilateral parliamentary exchanges. It is my heartfelt hope that Taiwan and Japan, by building on everything we have already achieved, can continuously deepen our friendship. This year marks the Year of the Horse in Taiwan’s lunar calendar, so I would like to wish former House of Councillors President Santo good fortune, success, and happiness this Year of the Horse.
Former House of Councillors President Santo then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with her delegation. Since President Lai took office, she said, he has worked tirelessly to shoulder arduous responsibilities and undertake difficult tasks, and his courage in taking a firm stance has been admirable.
Former House of Councillors President Santo noted that major political changes in recent years in both Japan and internationally have caused Japanese society to pay closer attention to the future direction of national development, with a hope to work hand in hand with friends and allies that also steadfastly uphold the values of freedom and democracy. She noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Takaichi, Japan’s first woman to serve in that position, the Japanese government is working hard to promote constitutional reform, amend information security legislation, and implement other important policies. She said that the Japanese government is also actively responding to the economic impacts and diplomatic challenges that have been brought on by changing international conditions, and hopes to establish an environment where the nation’s people can live with a greater sense of security and peace of mind. 
The former House of Councillors president stated that no matter how global conditions may change, the deep friendship between Taiwan and Japan will remain the same as ever. She indicated that both face challenges from natural disasters, and every time Japan is struck especially hard, the people of Taiwan always rush to offer heartfelt and generous aid. The people of Japan are deeply grateful, she said, and this bond of friendship is being passed on from generation to generation.
Former House of Councillors President Santo pointed out that the roughly 40 members of her delegation are women who have come to share traditional Japanese culture, and at the same time gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s history and culture. She emphasized that even though she is no longer a member of the Japanese Diet, as someone who loves Taiwan, she will keep promoting Taiwan-Japan exchanges in hopes that bilateral ties will continue to grow deeper.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA solemnly protests Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s inappropriate remarks denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty

Date：2026-02-28
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

February 28, 2026  
No. 058  
 
Addressing an event on February 16, dictatorial Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega made derogatory remarks that undermined Taiwan’s sovereignty, disparaged its reputation, and disregarded Taiwan’s substantial contributions to Nicaragua’s social and economic development prior to the severance of diplomatic ties. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a strong protest and expresses deep regret in response to President Ortega’s continual deference and subordination to China. President Ortega’s insulting comments betray his moral bankruptcy. 
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. The Chinese Communist Party regime has never governed Taiwan. This is an objective fact that constitutes the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and is commonly recognized by the international community. MOFA urges President Ortega to stop appeasing China. 
 
As a trustworthy global partner, Taiwan will continue to deepen alliances with other countries in the worldwide democratic camp through its approach of integrated diplomacy. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts farewell reception for Ambassador Bowman of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Date：2026-02-26
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

February 26, 2026  
No. 056  
 
On February 25, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon for Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Andrea Bowman to thank her for her outstanding contributions during her tenure and to offer her his best wishes prior to her upcoming departure from Taiwan and return to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
 
Speaking at the event, Minister Lin said that after presenting her credentials in 2019 as the first resident ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Taiwan, Ambassador Bowman had worked tirelessly to stimulate bilateral economic and trade cooperation, high-level exchanges, and cultural ties. He added that in serving as dean of the diplomatic corps since 2022, she had been a vital link between Taiwan and its allies. Minister Lin noted that President Lai Ching-te would honor her with the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon later the same day in recognition of her achievements. He expressed hope that Ambassador Bowman would see Taiwan as her second home and frequently return to reconnect with her friends.
 
In her remarks, Ambassador Bowman thanked the government and people of Taiwan for their support and assistance during her tenure, saying that she had been honored to serve as the first resident ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Taiwan and establish the country’s first permanent embassy in Asia. She noted that in her six years of service, she had witnessed the continued strengthening of bilateral ties. Ambassador Bowman added that she had been pleased to see many cooperation projects that had benefited the people of both countries and would have a profound and lasting impact on the next generation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
 
Members of the diplomatic corps from Latin America and the Caribbean stationed in Taiwan also attended the farewell. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi joined them in expressing sadness at Ambassador Bowman’s departure and extending best wishes to her. During the luncheon, participants engaged in a broad exchange of views on their experiences of working in Taiwan and promoting regional cooperation.
 
This year marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In line with its policy of integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to work with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to advance the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, further deepen cooperation based on the existing solid foundations, strengthen mutually beneficial ties, enhance public well-being, and promote sustainable development. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong met Chief Executive John Lee, who was in the capital for the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), in Beijing today.

Mr Xia said the Chief Executive has been leading the governance team of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in resolutely implementing the guiding principles of important speeches by President Xi Jinping on Hong Kong and Macau affairs and the central government’s strategic decisions.

He noted that under Mr Lee’s leadership, the team has shouldered its responsibilities courageously and striven for excellence with dedication in resolutely safeguarding national security and steadfastly promoting high-quality development, making remarkable achievements in various policy areas of the Hong Kong SAR.

When hearing the Chief Executive’s report on the work of the Hong Kong SAR last December, President Xi stressed that Hong Kong should proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

As the fourth session of the 14th NPC will soon examine the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Mr Xia said he believed that the Hong Kong SAR Government and different sectors of the Hong Kong community will certainly seize the opportunities, with a focus on the overall national development and taking full account of Hong Kong’s actual circumstances, in formulating the city’s first five-year plan, upholding and improving the executive-led system, continuously enhancing the efficacy of governance in accordance with the law, and giving full play to Hong Kong’s unique advantages and important role of maintaining close connections with both the Mainland and the world.

Mr Xia said he is confident that the Hong Kong SAR Government and the community will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, accelerate the city’s development into an international innovation and technology centre, and develop it into an international hub for high-calibre talent, achieving better development by integrating into and serving the overall national development.

The Chief Executive thanked Mr Xia for his guidance and care for the Hong Kong SAR, and his support and recognition to the work of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

He noted that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and is a crucial year for further deepening reforms comprehensively.

Mr Lee highlighted that since assuming office, the current-term Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively consolidating and implementing Hong Kong’s positioning in the development of the “eight centres” as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Upholding fundamental principles while being innovative, the Hong Kong SAR Government has striven to explore new areas of economic growth, consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, and develop the city into an international hub for high-calibre talent.

It is accelerating Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology centre, and promoting the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

Mr Lee added that the Hong Kong SAR will seize the opportunities in the National 15th Five-Year Plan to gallop on its course of development with full momentum and fully leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle.

The Chief Executive will lead the Hong Kong SAR Government to expedite the formulation of Hong Kong’s five-year plan to ensure comprehensive alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong will proactively integrate into and serve the overall national development, contribute to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt & Road Initiative, and tell the good stories of the country and Hong Kong, thereby achieving greater development for the city, making greater contributions to the building of a great country in all respects and advancing toward national rejuvenation.

The meeting was also attended by the the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Central Committee of the CPC and the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Xu Qifang; Deputy Directors Zhou Ji and Nong Rong; and the Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Dong Jingwei.