Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

On behalf of the Korean people and myself, I sincerely welcome Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the Japanese delegation to the Republic of Korea.

Four months after my visit to Nara, the Prime Minister’s hometown, in January, Prime Minister Takaichi has paid a visit to Andong, my hometown.

This marks the first time for Korean and Japanese leaders to have visited each other’s hometowns, a rare occurrence anywhere in the world.

The fact that such meaningful and historic exchanges took place in the span of just four months speaks to the depth and strength of the friendship and bonds that Korea and Japan now share.

Also highly significant is the growing scope of our shuttle diplomacy. The location of such visits had previously been limited to Seoul and Tokyo, but now they have expanded to include various regional cities such as Busan, Gyeongju, Nara and Andong.

Annual people-to-people exchanges between Korea and Japan have reached 13 million, and young people in both countries are actively visiting the regional cities of their neighboring country in search of their hidden charms.

Korean-Japanese relations are now widening beyond the capitals to reach every corner of our respective countries, opening new horizons for our partnership.

At today’s summit, building on the trust developed through our shuttle diplomacy to date, Prime Minister Takaichi and I had candid discussions on a broad range of issues as strategic partners in jointly responding to the rapidly changing international environment.

In particular, we agreed that close bilateral cooperation is needed more than ever amid the instability in supply chains and energy markets arising from the recent situation in the Middle East.

We also concurred that peace and stability in the Middle East should be promptly restored.

Based on this shared understanding, our two countries assessed the achievements of the Korea-Japan Supply Chain Partnership Arrangement concluded last March and resolved to further expanding our bilateral supply chain cooperation.

Prime Minister Takaichi also proposed that our two countries work closely together to deepen cooperation on resource supply chains with other Asian nations facing supply disruptions.

I welcomed the initiative and conveyed my commitment to actively participating in it. In addition, our two countries agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the sectors of LNG and crude oil, which are key energy sources.

Building on a memorandum of understanding concerning the optimization of LNG operations signed by Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) and JERA in March, we agreed to expand bilateral LNG cooperation while further strengthening channels for information sharing and communication regarding crude oil supply and stockpiling.

Amid the rapidly changing international landscape we reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation between our two countries, as well as trilateral cooperation among Korea, the United States and Japan, in the interest of regional peace and stability.

In this context, we viewed the recent Republic of Korea-Japan Security Policy Consultative Meeting – convened for the first time at the vice-ministerial level – as a highly significant development.

I also emphasized that, as countries in Northeast Asia are closely interconnected across various fronts, including the economy and security, it is essential for Korea, China and Japan to respect one another, cooperate and pursue shared interests in order to achieve genuine peace and stability in the region.

We also held in-depth discussions on the Korean Peninsula situation.

I outlined our government’s vision of building a peaceful Korean Peninsula where the two Koreas can coexist peacefully and grow together – one where there is no need to fight.

Our two sides noted how active communication and exchanges at all levels has enabled steady progress on the various substantive initiatives for cooperation discussed during our January summit. We agreed to further expand our forward-looking cooperation.

I emphasized that by leveraging each other’s respective strengths to bolster the foundation for mutually beneficial and strategic cooperation in artificial intelligence, the companies and people of both nations will be at the forefront of efforts to establish a “Global AI Universal Basic Society.”

Moreover, we held in-depth discussions on bilateral cooperation in such advanced technology fields as space exploration and biohealth.

Our two countries resolved to bolster cooperation on protecting the lives and safety of our citizens.

Importantly, the Memorandum of Cooperation on Police Cooperation for Joint Response to Transnational Scam Centers, signed between the police agencies of both countries, will serve as a solid foundation for protecting the citizens of both nations from criminal threats by significantly improving the speed and efficiency of investigations.

Furthermore, we concurred on the need to discuss cooperation on personal data protection to ensure the safety and rights of citizens in the AI era.

DNA analysis of the remains excavated from the Chosei Coal Mine in Japan will also begin soon.

We have agreed on the specific procedures and methods for DNA analysis through close working-level consultations between diplomatic authorities of the two countries.

This will be a small but meaningful first step for both countries in cooperating on historical issues, starting with humanitarian matters.

Going forward, the possibilities for Korea-Japan partnership are limitless.

I look forward to continuously developing new avenues for cooperation that can drive shared prosperity in both countries and deliver tangible benefits to the people of both nations.

Including today’s meeting, Prime Minister Takaichi and I have met in person four times over the past seven months.

This signifies that shuttle diplomacy – where the leaders of both nations meet and communicate whenever necessary without the constraints of formalities – has fully taken root.

Marking the 60th anniversary of normalized Korea-Japan relations, I look forward to further expanding future-oriented cooperation that tangibly benefits the people of both our nations.

Once again, I extend a sincere welcome to Prime Minister Takaichi to Korea. I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Takaichi again soon in another beautiful region of Japan to continue our candid communication.

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

3D-printed metal implants modelled on human bones are offering patients customised treatment at a lower cost, helping to improve recovery outcomes.

At the Belt & Road Summit 2021, a Hong Kong medical technology company specialising in 3D-printed metal implants signed a co-operation agreement with the Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology & Radiology. The partnership introduced medical 3D printing technology to Kazakhstan, marking a milestone for Hong Kong’s medical innovation exports.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June. The 3D printing team believes the earlier agreement has laid a solid foundation for further collaboration. During the upcoming visit, the company’s CEO will join the delegation to sign a new co-operation agreement with Kazakhstan, aimed at introducing more advanced technologies and expanding business opportunities.

The company’s Chief Technology Officer Sun Hao-ran said the team is looking to broaden its scope of collaboration.

“In the future, we aim to handle more clinical cases and also seek the potential for local manufacturing and collaboration on more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and other technologies.

“We can bring the standard of Hong Kong technologies and clinical services to all of Central Asia, not only Kazakhstan, but also Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.”

The company maintains close collaboration with Hong Kong universities. Its team believes that partnerships between the medical and innovation sectors are vital to entering the Central Asian market, while expanding Hong Kong’s role in global healthcare.

Chief of Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Dentistry Richard Su said such collaboration helps strengthen long-term ties.

“Through the company, we can establish more connections with local hospitals and even local universities. That will be beneficial in the long term, for Hong Kong universities’ research and also for patient care.”

The team also advises businesses seeking to expand overseas to introduce innovative technologies, gain a thorough understanding of local cultures and establish strong ties with stakeholders to build mutual trust.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     With a view to safeguarding animal welfare, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (May 24) deployed staff to patrol locations where mercy release activities frequently occurred in the past, including Wun Yiu, Tai Po; Ng Tung River, Sheung Shui; Sai Kung Public Pier and Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier. Educational leaflets were distributed to remind the public to think carefully before participating in mercy releases of animals.
 
     A spokesman for the AFCD said, “If members of the public release animals in an improper manner, such as releasing them into unsuitable habitats, it may adversely affect their survival.”
 
     Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals by releasing them in an improper manner. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.
 
The AFCD will continue to conduct inspections at locations where animal release activities are likely to take place, take enforcement action when necessary, and carry out publicity and education work.
 
     In addition, the AFCD will launch a restocking exercise on National Fish Releasing Day on June 6 to release juvenile fish with the aim of enhancing local marine resources and improving marine ecology. The department will promote the environmental benefits to the public of science-based restocking, with a view to engaging public support for and participation in these science-based restocking exercises in lieu of improper animal release activities. The public may also consider other charitable activities, such as planting trees or participating in volunteer services with animal welfare groups and environmental organisations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 26) released the fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, which includes First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 16 survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 10 survey areas. In response to the rise in gravidtrap indexes in recent months, the FEHD has stepped up mosquito prevention and control work across all districts in Hong Kong.

The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng, visited Tai Wai in Sha Tin District this afternoon to inspect the enhanced mosquito prevention and control work in the area, including using drones to identify potential mosquito breeding grounds, conducting fogging operations by large ultra-low volume fogger to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and installing new mosquito traps. He also visited local schools and public housing estates, together with Legislative Council member Hon Chan Hak-kan and some local District Council members. While the First Phase Gravidtrap Index of Tai Wai in May had reached 46 per cent, the latest Area Gravidtrap Index has significantly dropped to 24.2 per cent following intensive mosquito control work. The FEHD will remain vigilant and continue to work closely with relevant government departments and stakeholders to sustain effective mosquito prevention and control work.

The fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 26 survey areas, is as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	May 2026
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Central and Western	Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun	9.1%	2.2
Wan Chai	Happy Valley and Tai Hang	8.8%	1.0
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	22.8%	1.2
Sham Shui Po	Cheung Sha Wan	19.2%	1.7
	Lai Chi Kok	9.1%	1.4
	Sham Shui Po and Shek Kip Mei	27.9%	1.3
Wong Tai Sin	Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong	3.7%	1.5
North	Sheung Shui	24.2%	1.3
Sai Kung	Sai Kung Town	19.2%	1.6
	Tseung Kwan O East	24.6%	1.1
	Tseung Kwan O North	26.2%	1.5
	Tseung Kwan O West	9.1%	2.2
Sha Tin	Ma On Shan	32.8%	1.4
Tuen Mun	So Kwun Wat	18.2%	1.3
Yuen Long	Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan	6.0%	1.0
	Yuen Long Town	17.2%	1.2

 

District	Survey Area	May 2026
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Eastern	Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho	17.0%	1.6
Southern	Pok Fu Lam	15.2%	1.3
Islands	Tung Chung	4.0%	1.3
Kowloon City	Ho Man Tin	23.6%	1.2
Kwun Tong	Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling	16.2%	1.7
Wong Tai Sin	Wong Tai Sin West	18.1%	1.7
Sha Tin	Tai Wai	24.2%	1.7
Tai Po	Tai Po West	16.4%	1.0
Tsuen Wan	Ma Wan and Sham Tseng	26.2%	1.7
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun South	15.5%	1.3

​With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The indexes are higher from April to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall recorded in April this year were higher than those in the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. With the increase in rainfall in May, the gravidtrap indexes are expected to rise further. The overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year are similar to those of previous years.

     In response to the rise of gravidtrap indexes in recent months, the FEHD has stepped up mosquito prevention and control work across all districts in Hong Kong, including inspecting construction sites, parks, public and private housing estates, and locations with higher mosquito infestations. Over the past two weeks, the FEHD has initiated 15 prosecutions against the management companies or responsible persons-in-charge of these venues following the discovery of mosquito breeding, and issued 42 statutory notices requiring the clearance of stagnant water or stagnant water containers. Furthermore, for survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
• scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Government today (May 26) gazetted four pieces of subsidiary legislation relating to the regulation of ride-hailing services.
 
The Road Traffic (Ride-hailing Service) Regulation sets out the details of the regulatory regime for ride-hailing services, including the validity period and renewal arrangement for ride-hailing service licences, ride-hailing vehicle permits (vehicle permits) and ride-hailing vehicle driving permits; the fees associated with the aforementioned licences and permits; and the obligations imposed on the holders of such licences and permits. The Road Traffic (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 introduces a combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles. The Road Traffic (Limit on Number of Ride-hailing Vehicle Permits) Notice specifies the limit on the number of vehicle permits that may be issued. The Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025 (Commencement) Notice prescribes the commencement dates of the various provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025.

A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “With the support of different sectors of society, the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Bill 2025 introduced by the Government was passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) last October, establishing a clear legal framework for the regulation of ride-hailing services and resolving a long-standing controversy. Following extensive consultation, gathering of operational data from the trade and balancing of various considerations, the Government has further established the regulatory details for ride-hailing services through various pieces of subsidiary legislation, with a view to implementing the regulatory regime.
 
     “With the busy traffic in Hong Kong and nearly 90 per cent of the public relying on the efficient public transportation system for their daily journeys, the Government needs to impose an overall control on the number of ride-hailing vehicles. Based on the data collected from the Transport Department’s (TD) survey on the demand for local personalised point-to-point transport services, and having holistically considered all relevant factors and views from various sectors of society, we propose setting the limit on vehicle permits at 10 000 at this stage. We believe this is a prudent, sound and appropriate approach that balances considerations regarding road resources and the public transport ecosystem, allowing the ride-hailing regulatory regime to be implemented smoothly. Following the introduction of the regulatory regime, changes may occur in both passenger demand for ride-hailing services and the operational conditions of ride-hailing vehicles. The Government will closely monitor market developments and the actual operations of the platforms, including licensed platforms’ operational data received by the TD, and conduct dynamic assessments to review and adjust as appropriate,” the spokesperson added. 
 
     “The Government’s objective in introducing a regulatory regime for ride-hailing services is to provide the public with more safe, legally compliant and diverse transport options, while ensuring the healthy and orderly development of the point-to-point transport service industry as a whole. This will foster a healthy competitive environment, with a view to bringing new vitality to the industry, attracting more new entrants and encouraging frontline drivers to upgrade and transform, thereby achieving a win-win situation for the public, ride-hailing services and taxis,” the spokesperson reiterated.
 
In May 2026, the Government consulted the Panel on Transport of the LegCo and the Transport Advisory Committee on the regulatory details for ride-hailing services respectively. Members expressed support for the Government’s proposals and offered views on regulatory matters.
 
The Government will table the four pieces of subsidiary legislation mentioned above before the LegCo tomorrow (May 27) for negative vetting. Details of the regulatory regime and the various pieces of subsidiary legislation are set out in the LegCo brief issued by the Government today.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today gazetted four pieces of subsidiary legislation in order to establish a legal framework for the regulation of ride-hailing services.

The Road Traffic (Ride-hailing Service) Regulation sets out the details of the regulatory regime, including the validity period and renewal arrangement for ride-hailing service licences, ride-hailing vehicle permits and ride-hailing vehicle driving permits; the fees associated with the aforementioned licences and permits; and the obligations imposed on the holders of such licences and permits.

The Road Traffic (Limit on Number of Ride-hailing Vehicle Permits) Notice specifies the limit on the number of vehicle permits that may be issued ‒ at the current stage, the Government proposes capping the number of permits at 10,000.

Meanwhile, the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 introduces a combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, and the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025 (Commencement) Notice prescribes the commencement dates of the various provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025.

With the busy traffic in Hong Kong and the fact that nearly 90% of the public rely on public transportation for their daily journeys, the Government needs to impose an overall control on the number of ride-hailing vehicles, the Transport & Logistics Bureau explained.

Based on the data collected from a survey administered by the Transport Department, and having holistically considered all relevant factors and views from various sectors of society, the Government proposed setting the limit on vehicle permits at 10,000 at this stage, believing that this can balance considerations regarding road resources and the public transport ecosystem, and allow the ride-hailing regulatory regime to be implemented smoothly.

The Government will table the four pieces of subsidiary legislation before the Legislative Council tomorrow for negative vetting.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Kick-off Ceremony of the People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was held today, marking a major milestone in the application of intelligent bionic hands and smart bionic knee joints in Hong Kong.

In the first phase of the programme over the next two years, 60 amputees in the city will be provided with the new high-tech prostheses free of charge.

No implantation will be required for the programme participants. Through non-invasive brain-computer interface technology, the high-tech prostheses will use the wearer’s myoelectric and neural signals to enable natural, precise, and flexible motion control.

Professional assessment and rehabilitation support services will also be provided by a PolyU team to help recipients gradually adapt to and master the use of prosthetics, thereby comprehensively improving their daily living abilities and quality of life.

Qiangnao Technology is a leading global enterprise in the field of brain-computer interfaces, representing China’s breakthrough development in this cutting-edge field. Meanwhile, PolyU has a strong research foundation and international influence in prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation sciences and biomedical engineering. 

The collaborative project is backed by the Government’s Innovation & Technology Fund.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun said the programme responds to the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for the full implementation of the “AI+” action plan to empower public well-being through artificial intelligence (AI).

He added that Hong Kong possesses strong research capabilities and is well positioned to put into practice the principle of technology for the benefit of people.

Prof Sun also noted the launch of the programme embodies the original intent of using technology for good and being people-oriented, bringing cutting-edge technologies into real-world applications, to the lives of citizens in need.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the evening of May 26, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2026 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai emphasized that peace cannot be taken for granted; it requires solidarity, and only then can we ensure regional stability and prosperity. The president noted that today, semiconductors and AI are the backbone of global prosperity and democratic security. He indicated that Taiwan plays a critical role in the supply chain for advanced chips and AI, and has established close cooperative ties with European companies. Moving ahead, the president said, Taiwan and Europe will deepen cooperation in areas such as drones, and work together to build reliable democratic supply chains.
President Lai stated that Europe is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment and third largest trading partner. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Europe will move toward the signing of a bilateral investment agreement and solve the issue of double taxation, putting both on the path to greater prosperity. The president stated that he looks forward to Taiwan and Europe deepening their diverse partnership so that democratic resilience proves stronger than authoritarian ambition, and expressed hope that unity will light our path forward.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I’m delighted to attend another Europe Day Dinner. First, let me thank the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] for its long-term support for Taiwan. I also thank our friends from Europe for working hard to promote Taiwan-Europe ties.
Europe Day celebrates the Schuman Declaration, which 76 years ago opened the path to peace and cooperation in Europe. It also teaches us an important lesson. Peace cannot be taken for granted. It requires solidarity, and must be a shared responsibility. Only then can we choose cooperation over confrontation, and ensure regional stability and prosperity.
The Schuman Declaration led European nations to jointly manage coal and steel. By doing this, they turned a potential cause of conflict into a foundation for peace. Today, the world faces an uncertain landscape. In times like these, we should look to the spirit of cooperation in the Schuman Declaration. This spirit can also guide us as we deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Europe.
Half a century ago, coal and steel were the foundations of peace in Europe. Today, semiconductors and AI are the backbone of global prosperity and democratic security.
Taiwan plays a critical role in the global supply chain for advanced chips and AI servers. However, we didn’t achieve this success alone. Our semiconductors’ ecosystem combines key technologies from top European companies. This goes beyond industry cooperation. It’s the result of like-minded partners working hand in hand.
Currently, the world is focusing on supply chain security and de-risking. Because of this trend, emerging industries related to national security, such as drones, have become important areas for Taiwan-Europe cooperation. Through these concrete industrial links, we will work together to build secure, diversified, and reliable democratic supply chains.
Our partnership ranges from strategic cooperation based on shared values, to concrete industrial links. Although Taiwan and Europe are far apart, our strong economic and trade foundation enables us to overcome the distance.
Europe is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. It’s also our third largest trading partner. Europe continues to invest in Taiwan, and at the same time, Taiwan is rapidly expanding investment in Europe.
Over the last decade, we have seen Taiwanese investment in EU member states surge by 650 percent. This reflects the deep and growing relationship between Taiwan and the EU.
We hope that Europe will take the next step in supporting a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan. And through our robust measures, we hope to solve the issue of double taxation, putting us both on the path to greater prosperity.
Beyond supply chains and trade, we are also bound together by our shared convictions on regional peace and universal values.
In the face of authoritarian military threats, Taiwan has remained calm and responsible. We have firmly safeguarded the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and continued enhancing our self-defense capabilities.
Peace in the Taiwan Strait is no longer just a regional issue; it is a global issue. I would like to thank the European Parliament, NATO leaders, the G7, and European nations for continuously emphasizing the importance of stability in the Indo-Pacific. This reflects a clear consensus: the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable.
Global health security is no different. As you all know, the World Health Assembly just ended a few days ago. So here, I would like to give a special thanks to the EU for its support of Taiwan’s international participation – because health knows no borders. This solid support from Europe lets Taiwan know that we are not alone.
My dear friends, 76 years ago, the Schuman Declaration proved something to the world. Even in the darkest ruins, if people take the long view and work together in unity, they can lay the foundation for peace.
In today’s world, Taiwan stands at the frontlines of the democratic community. We continue to be a stable force for good, and a responsible member of the international community. Taiwan is in a challenging situation. But we are not afraid, because Taiwan is a Taiwan of the world. As we pursue peace and freedom, we know like-minded, democratic partners around the world will continue to walk side by side with Taiwan.
Our belief in freedom and democracy carries on the spirit of the Schuman Declaration. I look forward to Taiwan and Europe deepening our diverse partnership, so that democratic resilience proves stronger than authoritarian ambition. May unity light our path forward. I wish today’s event great success, and may the Taiwan-Europe friendship endure for many years to come. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event were ECCT Chairperson Tina Graves and Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner.