Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Listing Ceremony of Hang Seng Gold ETF (exchange-traded fund) today (January 29):
 
Kelvin (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, Dr Kelvin Wong), Luanne (Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Ms Luanne Lim), Rosita (Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hang Seng Investment Management Limited, Ms Rosita Lee), ladies and gentlemen, and distinguished guests,
 
     Good morning. It is a great privilege to address you today as we mark a pivotal new chapter in Hong Kong’s financial market. With our determined efforts to position the city as a premier international gold trading hub, as indicated by the Chief Executive’s Policy Address, the listing of the Hang Seng Gold ETF represents strong support for this vision and contributes to the growth and innovation of Hong Kong’s gold market.
 
     In recent years, sovereign and financial investors have increasingly sought diversification for reserves and asset allocation. Gold’s attributes – as a commodity, an investment vehicle, and a safe-haven asset – have strengthened further, driving sustained price appreciation. Global gold demand in value terms surged 44 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of last year, reaching a record US$146 billion. Gold ETF holdings also rose substantially, climbing by 222 tonnes in the quarter to exceed 3 800 tonnes, underscoring robust investor appetite amid geopolitical uncertainties and market volatility.
 
     We are delighted to welcome the listing of the Hang Seng Gold ETF. As the first ETF in Hong Kong that supports physical gold redemption at bank, it seamlessly blends the flexibility and liquidity of an ETF with the security of physical commodities. This enables smooth trading, secure storage, and flexible redemption – all conducted entirely within Hong Kong. We are also encouraged by the continued momentum of financial innovation here and look forward to even greater advancements. The exploration of distribution through licensed digital asset exchanges will help bridge traditional and digital finance, unlocking new opportunities.
 
     This initiative aligns fully with the vision set out in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, which calls for accelerated development of a world-class international gold trading market. Key measures include establishing a central clearing system for gold in Hong Kong that provides efficient, reliable services in strict compliance with international standards, while inviting participation from the Shanghai Gold Exchange to facilitate collaboration with the Mainland.
 
     A landmark milestone was achieved this Monday with the signing of a co-operation agreement between my bureau and the Shanghai Gold Exchange at the Asian Financial Forum earlier this week. This partnership lays a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s gold central clearing system to connect with the Mainland market.
 
     The Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited, wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government, will operate this system. Together with our partners, we will drive its efficient development, ensuring alignment with international standards and also promoting greater trust, transparency, and innovation in the gold market.
 
     In closing, I wish the listing every success. By working hand in hand with the market, we are building a more connected, efficient, and innovative gold ecosystem that benefits investors regionally and also globally. Thank you.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by former Israeli Minister of Religious Services Kahana

Date：2026-01-27
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

January 27, 2026  
No. 034  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from the Israel Defense and Security Forum led by former Israeli Minister of Religious Services Matan Kahana on the morning of January 27. They exchanged views on a broad range of issues, including regional developments and Taiwan-Israel cooperation.

In his speech, Minister Lin welcomed Mr. Kahana and thanked him for actively supporting Taiwan-Israel relations during his tenure as a member of the Knesset. He noted that 72 cross-party Knesset members had issued a statement backing Taiwan’s international participation for the first time last July, demonstrating the great importance that they attached to enhancing bilateral relations and fully recognizing Taiwan’s contributions to the international community. He reiterated Taiwan’s appreciation for the statement. Adding that Taiwan and Israel shared the core values of freedom and democracy, he said that he looked forward to furthering collaboration and exchanges on that basis in such domains as artificial intelligence and academic research.

Mr. Kahana stated that he was pleased to visit Taiwan at the invitation of the government and that the trip provided an opportunity to deepen his understanding of the latest developments. He also conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Taiwan for its prompt support and assistance following the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, as well as Iran’s attack on Israel last year. Mr. Kahana emphasized that Taiwan and Israel were like-minded partners committed to safeguarding democratic ideals. And faced with rapidly changing regional and global security dynamics, he expressed hope that bilateral exchanges would only expand in the future.

In recent years, Taiwan and Israel have steadily advanced collaboration in such areas as emerging technologies, democratic supply chain resilience, agriculture, health care, medicine, and academic exchanges. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue building on the existing solid foundation to bolster bilateral cooperation across domains. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts luncheon to welcome delegation led by US Senator Gallego

Date：2026-01-24
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

January 24, 2026  
No. 030  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome banquet at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 23 for a delegation led by US Senator Ruben Gallego. The two sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation and the regional security situation.
 
In his remarks, Minister Lin welcomed Senator Gallego back to Taiwan and thanked him for his long-term support for the further development of Taiwan-US relations, in particular his role in bringing about direct flights between Taiwan and the city of Phoenix, Arizona, and in endorsing the resolution of double taxation issues. Minister Lin said that such actions demonstrated Senator Gallego’s high regard for bilateral economic and trade links. 
 
Minister Lin also pointed out that the trade relationship between Taiwan and the US continues to grow stronger, with the two sides completing tariff negotiations recently. He expressed hope that this would create more opportunities for collaboration based on the existing foundation and for jointly building secure, reliable, and resilient supply chains. He added that the recently launched direct flights between Taipei and Phoenix would serve as an important bridge for bilateral business, technological, educational, and cultural exchanges. This, Minister Lin concluded, would lead to even closer bilateral ties. 
 
Meanwhile, Senator Gallego expressed his pleasure at witnessing ties between Taiwan and Arizona grow closer. He noted that he had called for direct flights on a previous visit to Taiwan in 2018, adding that taking a direct flight for this journey had been very meaningful. He pledged to continue to support stronger people-to-people exchanges in the future.
 
Senator Gallego further emphasized that Taiwan’s sovereignty and independence enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the United States. He affirmed President Lai Ching-te’s proposed defense budget, which he said had garnered significant attention in Washington, DC. He explained that Taiwan’s increased investment in defense and asymmetric warfare demonstrated to the United States that Taiwan was determined to upgrade its self-defense capabilities. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the delegation led by Senator Gallego and thanks the US Congress for its long-term support of Taiwan through concrete actions. Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the US administration, Congress, and friends across all sectors to promote bilateral relations and advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

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

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s claim at World Economic Forum regarding presence of Taiwanese components in Russian missiles

January 23, 2026  The Republic of China (Taiwan) firmly opposes all acts of aggression. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government of Taiwan has worked closely with the international democratic community to impose strict controls on exports of high-tech products to Russia. To date, Taiwan has expanded its sanction list six times, placing restrictions on a total of 3,300 Russian entities.Taiwan has also striven to prevent the possibility of Taiwanese components or products reaching Russia through third-country transshipment. However, the United States, the European Union, and Taiwan all face the prospect of controlled goods being unlawfully and intentionally shipped to Russia by malicious third parties. To tackle this challenge, Taiwan has continued to cooperate closely with the United States, the European Union, and other like-minded partners so as to enhance relevant containment measures and sanctions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) urges and welcomes the government of Ukraine providing concrete information to Taiwan in order to jointly counter aggressive tactics of authoritarian and dictatorial regimes.China is internationally recognized as a decisive enabler in the Russia-Ukraine war. MOFA calls on the international community to collectively recognize the grave threat this problem poses to international peace and security. Only through such recognition can the real obstacles undermining Ukraine’s peace be resolved.MOFA reiterates Taiwan’s sincere hope that the Russia-Ukraine war will be brought to a swift conclusion, bringing relief to the people of Ukraine from the brutality and suffering of war. Taiwan will continue to stand with like-minded countries in strictly enforcing sanctions against Russia and jointly defending global freedom, peace, and prosperity.