Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai hears briefings on strategic oil reserve facility and Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park
On the morning of May 3 (afternoon of the same day Taipei time), President Lai Ching-te proceeded to the Royal Science and Technology Park in the Kingdom of Eswatini, where he heard briefings on the strategic oil reserve facility and the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP). In remarks, President Lai stated that these two flagship initiatives are the largest and most strategically significant cooperation projects since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The president pointed out that in the face of the restructuring of global supply chains, the challenges posed by climate change, and the AI wave, trusted relationships are now more vital than ever before, emphasizing that Taiwan will continue to leverage its core strengths – namely, its values, resilience, and technology – as it deepens cooperation and exchanges with Eswatini to build a more secure and reliable supply chain system and partnership.
After arriving at the venue, President Lai first heard briefings from the Overseas Investment and Development Corporation and CECI Engineering Consultants on the strategic oil reserve facility and the TIIP, which gave a clear picture of the current progress of these major cooperation projects between Taiwan and Eswatini.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, I want to express my gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III for the invitation to visit Eswatini. I also thank His Majesty’s government for the warm hospitality extended to my delegation. Through this visit, we are demonstrating our nations’ profound diplomatic alliance and witnessing the significant progress achieved in bilateral economic and trade cooperation. This September will mark the 58th anniversary of the establishment of formal ties between Taiwan and Eswatini. The close collaboration between our two countries across various fields, including politics, the economy and trade, and healthcare, has helped establish a deeply rooted and stable partnership.
We just heard briefings on two flagship initiatives – the strategic oil reserve facility and the TIIP. These are our largest and most strategically significant cooperation projects since our establishment of diplomatic relations. They reflect the brighter and more prosperous future we are pursuing together. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to King Mswati Ⅲ and the government and people of Eswatini for putting their full trust in Taiwan and supporting us to such lengths.
The strategic oil reserve facility signifies greater energy security and national resilience amid the possibility of risks and crises. The TIIP represents a forward-thinking industrial plan and the aspiration to develop. The former will uphold stability; the latter will unleash growth. These constitute a significant milestone as Taiwan-Eswatini cooperation enters its next phase.
In a rapidly changing global landscape, we face the restructuring of global supply chains, the challenges posed by climate change, and the AI wave. Trusted relationships are now more vital than ever before. Taiwan remains a dependable and enduring cooperative partner to Eswatini.
Eswatini is a steadfast ally of Taiwan in Africa. And it is an important gateway for Taiwanese enterprises seeking to enter the African market. We look forward to fostering deeper economic and trade cooperation with Eswatini through the TIIP. Doing so will attract even more Taiwanese enterprises to invest in Eswatini and cultivate local talent. In turn, this will create local jobs, enable more local businesses to join global supply chains, and enhance Eswatini’s national economic resilience.
I would like to convey my appreciation to friends from the Taiwanese business community in Africa. Your hard work is letting the world see Taiwan’s strengths. Wherever Taiwanese industry goes, Taiwan’s strengths go, too. And wherever Taiwanese businesspeople go, Taiwan’s friendship is planted there, too. In the future, Taiwan and Eswatini will continue to expand cooperation in such areas as manufacturing, agro-processing, digital transformation, and talent development. This will support Eswatini’s industrial upgrading and economic diversification. In addition, Taiwan hopes to explore access to African markets with Eswatini. Together, we can generate even more economic value.
Taiwan needs the world, and the world needs Taiwan. Taiwan hopes to join hands with Eswatini and engage more closely with the world. Taiwan will continue to leverage its core strengths – namely, its values, resilience, and technology – as it works with Eswatini and like-minded partners. Deepening cooperation and exchanges, we will build a more secure and reliable supply chain system and partnerships.
The true depth of our diplomatic alliance is reflected in one cooperative achievement after another. Looking ahead, I have every confidence that through our nations’ joint efforts, we can fortify energy security and spur industrial development. Let us move forward together so that the bright prospects of prosperity for Taiwan and Eswatini can shine on the global stage.
After delivering remarks, President Lai proceeded to a third-floor open-air observation deck where he viewed the entire first phase site of the TIIP and heard a briefing given by CECI Engineering Consultants Director Roger Tsai (蔡欽耀) on the planning and layout of the various factory and facility blocks within the park.
Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Bheki Khumalo, and Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai receives welcome with military honors, holds bilateral meeting with King Mswati III of Eswatini
On the afternoon of May 2 (evening of the same day Taipei time), after arriving in the Kingdom of Eswatini, President Lai Ching-te proceeded to Mandvulo Grand Hall to attend a welcome ceremony with military honors. The president then held a bilateral meeting with His Majesty King Mswati III, and the two heads of state witnessed the signing ceremony for a customs mutual assistance agreement between the two nations’ governments, as well as signed a joint communiqué. In remarks, President Lai stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign country that belongs to the world. He said that no country has the right to block, or should seek to block, Taiwan’s efforts to contribute to the world, and that Taiwan will continue to strengthen its capabilities and steadily deepen global engagement. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Eswatini will offer mutual support so that the diplomatic friendship between the two countries continues to grow ever deeper and stronger.
Upon arriving at the venue, President Lai first shook hands and exchanged greetings with King Mswati III. They then ascended the dais together, and after the national anthems of both countries were performed, they jointly reviewed the Eswatini Guard of Honour, and introduced officials from both sides. The welcome ceremony also featured a gun salute and traditional dance performances. Afterward, President Lai and King Mswati III held a meeting, exchanging views on a wide range of issues such as healthcare, bilateral relations, women’s empowerment, and economic and trade cooperation.
After their discussions concluded, President Lai and King Mswati III jointly witnessed the signing of the customs mutual assistance agreement by Taiwan Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Eswatini Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu. The two heads of state then signed a joint communiqué reaffirming both sides’ deep friendship, mutual trust, and common values, pledging to continue to deepen bilateral relations under a shared vision in pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to King Mswati III for his kind invitation and full assistance. I am honored to be able to lead a delegation to the Kingdom of Eswatini for a state visit. Although we are a few days late for the formal celebrations, our visiting delegation’s sincerity is undiminished. On behalf of the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to convey sincerest good wishes, wish King Mswati III a happy 58th birthday and great longevity, and congratulate His Majesty on the 40th anniversary of his accession. I also congratulate Eswatini on its prosperity, and extend best wishes for the king’s continued good health. This year also marks the 58th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. May our ties remain steadfast, the cooperation between our peoples grow closer, and our friendship further deepen.
I would also like to express my gratitude to King Mswati III and the government officials of Eswatini for the warm welcome they gave last week to the congratulatory delegation led by my special envoy, Minister Lin. Today, the delegation I am leading also received a grand welcome.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign country that belongs to the world, and our 23 million people have the right to engage with the international community. No country has the right to block, or should seek to block, Taiwan’s efforts to contribute to the world. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its capabilities and steadily deepen global engagement. I want to express gratitude to King Mswati III for leading the Kingdom of Eswatini in partnering with Taiwan over the years, and for speaking up in support of Taiwan internationally.
This year marks the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Eswatini. Through the years, our countries have continued to deepen ties in areas including agriculture, vocational training, trade, women’s and youth empowerment, and public health and medicine. Today, people in Eswatini can enjoy Taiwanese guavas, dragon fruit, strawberries, and tilapia introduced by the Taiwan Technical Mission and jointly farmed in Eswatini. And in Taiwan, people can buy chili sauce, marula oil, and exquisite handicrafts from Eswatini. This shows how closely our peoples’ lives are intertwined, and that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Eswatini are truly one family.
I very much admire King Mswati III’s outstanding leadership. Over the past 40 years, His Majesty has not only overseen Eswatini’s economic takeoff and significant progress in national and social infrastructure, but has also ensured more comprehensive care for the nation’s people. I further commend the king’s foresight in building a strategic oil reserve facility, the importance of which has been made even more apparent by the recent war in the Middle East. The establishment of the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP) also reflects the king’s hope to continue economic development so that his people can live better lives. His desire to move healthcare toward adopting smart technologies and provide better medical services also demonstrates his deep love for the people of Eswatini.
I hope to have the opportunity to visit the sites of these major projects during my state visit. I wish to demonstrate my full support for His Majesty through concrete action, and look forward to our countries working together to ensure the smooth and successful completion of these projects, all of which are vital for Eswatini’s development and will provide more comprehensive care for its people.
Today, I am honored to join King Mswati III in signing a joint communiqué and witnessing the signing of the customs mutual assistance agreement to simplify trade processes, helping enterprises on both sides conduct business more smoothly while advancing development in both countries.
Once again, I would like to express gratitude to King Mswati III for repeatedly speaking up in support of Taiwan at international venues. In particular, at last year’s United Nations General Assembly, he called on countries around the world to interpret UNGA Resolution 2758 correctly, and include Taiwan as a participant. I look forward to Taiwan and Eswatini continuing to provide mutual support internationally, working together to contribute even more to the world. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would also like to extend a sincere invitation to His Majesty to visit Taiwan again so that the diplomatic friendship between our two countries continues to grow ever deeper and stronger.
Earlier, King Mswati III delivered remarks, saying that he was extremely happy to welcome the delegation led by President Lai on this state visit, truly embodying the deep friendship and partnership between Taiwan and Eswatini. Everyone has gathered, he said, firmly hoping that the diplomatic friendship and partnership between the two countries will be further consolidated and continue to thrive. In addition, the king expressed gratitude to President Lai for dispatching Minister Lin as his special envoy to lead a delegation to attend the recent celebrations, even though the president himself was unable to personally attend.
King Mswati III mentioned that the people of Eswatini have been working diligently in the hope of making their country one of the world’s highly developed nations. He expressed gratitude to Taiwan for always being a true friend and partner of Eswatini throughout this process. Taiwan has not only made significant contributions to Eswatini’s economy, he said, but has also provided extensive assistance in various areas, including the establishment of the International Convention Centre (ICC), rural electrification, water supply systems, women’s and youth empowerment, and agricultural activities. At the same time, he said, many investors from Taiwan are actively participating in various development projects in Eswatini, and the TIIP and strategic oil reserve facility are also important projects.
King Mswati III said that Taiwan’s contributions to Eswatini’s economy and social welfare are too numerous to mention individually. He sincerely thanked Taiwan on behalf of the people of Eswatini for its continued support, and said that Eswatini will continue to firmly support Taiwan’s international participation. The king then wished President Lai a smooth and pleasant visit, hoping that he would create wonderful memories in Eswatini.
In the evening, President Lai attended a welcome banquet hosted by King Mswati III, demonstrating the depth of the friendship and strength of the alliance between Taiwan and Eswatini.
The day’s events were attended by Eswatini government officials including Prime Minister Russell Dlamini. 
On the next day of the state visit, President Lai will listen to briefings on the strategic oil reserve facility and the TIIP, pay respects to Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala, visit the ICC, attend a state banquet held by King Mswati III, and watch cultural performances and fireworks. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced the appointment of Tse Chun-chung as Director of Information Services following an open-and-in-service recruitment exercise.

Mr Tse will take up the appointment tomorrow.

Commenting on his appointment, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung noted that Mr Tse has extensive experience in public administration, is highly skilled in handling media and public relations, and possesses outstanding leadership and management capabilities.

“I am confident that under his leadership, the Information Services Department will strive to promote public understanding of government policies and positions, and tell the world about the good stories of Hong Kong,” Mrs Yeung added.

Mr Tse joined the Government in 1999 and served in various frontline departments and policy bureaus.

He was seconded to the Chief Executive’s Office under civil service appointment terms to serve as the Communications Secretary in August 2022, and has been serving as Information Co-ordinator since June 2024.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, accompanied by Director May Chiang, attended the 20th anniversary celebration and Mother’s Day banquet of the Sydney Tri-Dung Alumni Association Inc. at the invitation of President Chen Hsiao-shan. The event was held on a grand scale, bringing together members of the alumni community in Sydney.
In his remarks, DG Wu noted that Tri-Dung School in Vietnam, established in 1939, was the first overseas Chinese secondary school in the country and a prestigious institution. Many of its graduates pursued further studies in Taiwan, and its alumni have gone on to excel worldwide. Quoting the school motto, DG Wu encouraged alumni to carry forward its spirit and wished the association continued success, while extending Mother’s Day greetings to all attendees.
In his remarks, DG Wu noted that Tri-Dung School in Vietnam, established in 1939, was the first overseas Chinese secondary school in the country and a prestigious institution. Many of its graduates pursued further studies in Taiwan, and its alumni have gone on to excel worldwide. Quoting the school motto, DG Wu encouraged alumni to carry forward its spirit and wished the association continued success, while extending Mother’s Day greetings to all attendees.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced that property owners and residents of Wang Fuk Court will be waived from the final tax payable for the 2025-26 assessment year, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on those affected by the recent fire.

This measure, combined with the tax waiver announced by the Government last December, means eligible persons will be waived from both the balance of tax payable for the 2024-25 assessment year and the tax payable for the 2025-26 assessment year.

The Inland Revenue Department will issue tax returns to the affected individuals in the third quarter of this year to assess their provisional tax for the 2026-27 assessment year. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Security Bureau was notified today by Guangdong’s Nuclear Emergency Committee Office regarding an operational event at the Taishan Nuclear Power Station involving the discovery of foreign material.

While the station’s Unit 1 was undergoing a planned overhaul on April 30, foreign material was identified during a video inspection of steam generator number 3.

Following the completion of inspections on May 2, two pieces of curled, chip-like material, measuring approximately 1.5cm by 1.5cm and 3.5cm by 1.3cm, were successfully removed. The station is currently conducting traceability analysis of the objects.

The bureau stressed that Unit 1 remained in a safe condition throughout the event. All three safety barriers remained intact and there was no release of radioactive substances. The incident had no impact on the unit’s safety, the health of workers, the public or the environment.

The event was classified as a Level 0 deviation on May 1 in accordance with the International Nuclear & Radiological Event Scale and relevant nuclear safety regulations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The phased return of residents to Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po entered its 14th day today, with the reopening of five high-zone floors at Wang Tai House and 10 middle-zone floors at Wang Shing House.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing today observed the arrangements for residents returning to their units.

He met social workers operating under the Government’s “one social worker per household” service, as well as teams of social workers and clinical psychologists stationed in the buildings. He also spoke with engineers from the Housing Bureau and the Housing Department.

At the estate’s joint command centre, Mr Cheuk learned about the latest situation and spoke to frontline personnel. He also met Wang Tai House residents in the waiting area at Tai Po Baptist Public School.

A total of 455 residents, from 120 households, returned to their units today. The Government said the access arrangements were implemented smoothly.

Residents spent an average of two hours and 25 minutes on-site. This ranged from a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of three hours and 40 minutes. About 69% of the residents completed their visits in under three hours, while 27% stayed for less than two hours and 7% left within one hour.

One hundred and twenty people, from 61 households, conducted multiple trips to their units. Breaking this down, 37 households made one additional trip, 16 households made two additional trips, five households made three more, and three households made four more.

The integrated enquiry counter at Wang Fuk Court today handled ten requests for Police assistance and two cases involving residents seeking help due to physical discomfort.

The requests for Police assistance were related to suspected property loss. Lost property was recovered in one case. Another case concerned severe damage to a unit. In another five cases, Police found no signs of ransacking in the units, and residents were unable to provide details of the property they said was lost. Regarding the remaining three cases, Police will conduct further investigations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Yim Tin Bridge and the Po Chue Tam Bridge, linking the banks of the Tai O River, will open to the public from 9am tomorrow, following an opening ceremony today attended by Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak and Director of Civil Engineering & Development Michael Fong.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Linn said that the completion of the Tai O Twin Bridges opens a new chapter for the co-existence of development and conservation in Tai O.

 

She highlighted that the bridges are movable in order to accommodate the Dragon Boat Water Parade, a national intangible cultural heritage event.

 

Ms Linn added: “The project strikes a balance between connectivity in the region and cultural traditions. While enhancing infrastructure, it preserves the unique historical and cultural charm of Tai O. The twin bridges have become a new landmark fostering community connections and injecting new vitality into Tai O.”

 

The Yim Tin Bridge is Hong Kong’s first retractable bridge, mimicking the characteristics of Tai O’s historic hand-pulled ferry, while the Po Chue Tam Bridge adopts a rotational design that harmonises with the nearby Yeung Hau Temple and showcases cultural conservation.

 

The bridges project collected design concepts through public engagement, with the designs chosen ultimately integrating Tai O’s distinctive characteristics in a balance of practical function and local culture.

 

The Yim Tin Bridge and the Po Chue Tam Bridge are the core facilities under the “Improvement Works at Tai O – Phase 2, Stage 2” projects, which aims to comprehensively enhance community facilities in Tai O.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On May 2, President Lai Ching-te departed for Eswatini for a state visit at the invitation of His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The delegation arrived successfully at 9:00 am local time. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that although the trip had been temporarily postponed due to unjustified external interference, this has done nothing to diminish Taiwan’s resolve to engage with the world, and Taiwan will not allow itself to be absent from the international stage because of it. Taiwan and Eswatini are steadfast allies, she emphasized, who have together weathered many ups and downs. She stated that the delegation will advance the three core objectives of shared prosperity in security, prosperity in economy, and prosperity in digital technology , and that Taiwan will move forward side by side with Eswatini on the path of mutual benefits and shared prosperity, enhancing the friendship and well-being of the peoples of both nations.
Spokesperson Kuo noted that in light of the uncertainties and risks posed by certain recent incidents  to the safety of heads of state and to aviation security, the national security team and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the trip would be carried out in a manner befitting national dignity and consistent with international norms and aviation safety principles, while ensuring the full success of the nation’s diplomatic mission and the fullest possible safety of the president and all delegation members. In keeping with the tacit understanding reached with the like-minded, friendly parties who assisted with the security and logistics of this visit, certain security-related details will not be disclosed until an appropriate time after the visit concludes. The spokesperson also expressed the sincere gratitude of the government and people of Taiwan to His Majesty the King of Eswatini and his government team for their full support in making the relevant arrangements.
Spokesperson Kuo indicated that engaging with the world and interacting with people across the globe are natural, inalienable rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan. This visit, which commenced after being temporarily postponed due to external interference, demonstrates the determination and will of the Taiwanese people to engage with the world. It is also an assertion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) ‘s fundamental rights as a member of the international community. Our nation adheres to rules-based international norms and is committed to mutual benefits and shared prosperity within the international community. This visit serves as a concrete demonstration of Taiwan’s commitment, alongside all like-minded nations, to upholding the international order.
Spokesperson Kuo stated that upon the delegation’s arrival in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy H.S. Liang  (梁洪昇) and Eswatini Chief Protocol Officer Khandlela Mdluli  boarded the plane to welcome the president. After alighting from the plane, President Lai was received by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu , who accompanied the president as he received military honors.  The president also extended warm greetings to the staff and families of the embassy and technical mission who had gathered to welcome him.
During his visit, President Lai will hold bilateral talks with King Mswati III, during which they will jointly witness the signing of a customs mutual assistance agreement  between the two nations’ governments, as well as sign a joint communiqué.