Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Outcome of 2026 rent review for public rental housing
“Section 16A of the HO provides that the HA shall conduct a rent review every two years in accordance with the mechanism stipulated therein and vary the PRH rent according to the change in the income index between the first and second periods covered by the review. The report compiled by the Commissioner for Census and Statistics (C for C&S) for the 2026 PRH rent review showed that the income index of the second period of the review (i.e. 2025) was higher than that of the first period (i.e. 2023) by 2.04 per cent. To this end, PRH rent will be adjusted upwards by 2.04 per cent with effect from October 1, 2026, ” a spokesman for the HA said.
The extent of the 2026 PRH rent adjustment is mild. The average monthly rent as at March 2026 for PRH tenants was $2,519. Applying the adjustment of +2.04 per cent, the average monthly rent increase per PRH household is about $51, with the amount of monthly rent increase ranging from $10 to $128.
“After excluding the ‘well-off tenants’ and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance households whose rent is paid by the Government, the monthly rent increase for more than 60% of the remaining PRH households will be $60 or less, and about 90 per cent of the remaining PRH households have a monthly rent increase of $80 or below. We believe that the increase is within an affordable level for PRH tenants,” the HA spokesman said.
The Government announced in the 2026-27 Budget that rates concessions would be provided for the first two quarters of 2026-27, subject to a ceiling of $500 for each rateable property per quarter. In line with established practice, HA will pass on the rates concessions to PRH tenants. The rates concessions receivable by each PRH household in 2026-27 range from about $258 to $1,000.
In addition, rents for newly completed PRH estates are set according to the District Best Rent Levels of respective districts, which are determined per meter square of internal floor area with reference to the location and value of the estates concerned. In light of the 2026 rent review of PRH, the rent adjustments for both existing and newly completed PRH estates will take effect on October 1, 2026. The HA will notify all PRH tenants in writing one month before the new rent implementation date. Meanwhile, the Housing Bureau has stated that the monthly licence fee for Light Public Housing (LPH) is set at about 90 per cent of the rents for newly completed PRH estates in the same district. Therefore, the monthly licence fees payable of LPH projects will be aligned and adjusted on October 1, 2026 according to the new PRH rental levels. All LPH occupants will be informed of the relevant details in writing one calendar month before the effective date of the new licence fee.
The HO stipulates the PRH rent adjustment mechanism, which came into effect in 2008. Under this mechanism, PRH rent is reviewed every two years. Section 16A(7)(b) of the HO provides that the C for C&S shall compute the income index for the first and second periods under a rent review. The income index is compiled by comparing the income data of about 24 000 PRH households in each of the periods. The mechanism provides an objective basis for the HA to determine when and to what extent PRH rent should be adjusted, taking into account tenants’ affordability. According to the mechanism, there is a 10 per cent cap on the rate of rent increase, whereas there is no floor in the case of rent reduction.
Issued at HKT 11:43
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Fully driverless trial given go-ahead
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Transport Department today approved the expansion of an autonomous vehicle (AV) trial in North Lantau, with fully driverless tests on Airport Island being given the green light.
In February, the department approved AV trial routes on Airport Island, with monitoring to be conducted at a remote control centre and by backup drivers inside the vehicles.
Commissioner for Transport Winnie Tse told at a media session this morning that these trials have so far met requirements regarding safety, stability, accuracy and smoothness of operation.
Having examined the test reports and conducted multiple site inspections, she said, the department is satisfied with the AVs’ safety performance to date.
During the trials, clear labels must be displayed on all pilot AVs for identification by other road users. Additional labels on a vehicle’s body will indicate that a fully driverless test is in progress.
The department said interested organisations or enterprises are welcome to submit applications for an AV pilot licence.
MOFA response to EU FAC report expressing concern over Taiwan Strait security and China’s attempts to reshape global order
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to EU FAC report expressing concern over Taiwan Strait security and China’s attempts to reshape global order
Date：2026-07-18
Data Source：Department of European Affairs
July 18, 2026 Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and affirms the report Common Understanding—The Threats and Challenges We Face: Assessment of the EU’s Strategic Environment, adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union on July 13.
The document points out that China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the South and East China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait could have a growing impact on European and Indo-Pacific security, stability, and prosperity. It also highlights that change of status quo around the Taiwan Strait would have a profound impact on global security, and underlines that the security of the Indo-Pacific and of Europe are more interlinked than ever.
The report identifies China as a key enabler of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. It notes that at the center of the transformation of the international order lies the determination of some powers, led by Russia and China, to establish regional dominance and reshape the global order in line with their interests. The document adds that China’s asymmetric advantages over the EU makes it a critical long-term strategic challenge.
China has recently intensified its military and other coercive measures across the Taiwan Strait and in the East and South China Seas and other regions. It has also expanded its economic influence through nonmarket means and continued to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These actions have raised serious concerns throughout the international community, impacted regional security, and challenged the rules-based international order.
As a responsible member of the international community Taiwan will continue to work with the EU and other like-minded partners to jointly defend such universal values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law and make greater contributions to global security, stability, and prosperity.
MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Thailand
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Thailand
Date：2026-07-21
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
July 21, 2026
No. 336
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns the false claims made in a joint statement issued on July 20 between the governments of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Kingdom of Thailand.
The document, released following a meeting on July 18 between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in China, contained absurd statements, including that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China. Thailand also expressed that it firmly supported China’s peaceful reunification and “one country, two systems” policy and that it would not support any call for the independence of Taiwan.
MOFA strongly protests the Chinese government’s repeated dissemination of erroneous narratives denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA also expresses disappointment and regret over the Thai government’s disregard for facts and deference to China’s attempts to undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status.
MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and that neither it nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. Taiwan will not tolerate China’s repeated attempts to use bilateral statements to spread false narratives that seek to unilaterally change the cross-strait status quo through cognitive warfare.
As Taiwan and Thailand enjoy close commercial and trade ties, as well as robust people-to-people exchanges, Taiwan urges Thailand to cherish the long-standing friendship between the two countries and refrain from constantly aligning with China’s efforts to suppress Taiwan. Otherwise, Thailand and other countries may face negative consequences as a result of China’s campaign to undermine regional peace and stability. (E)
MOFA to suspend entry facilitation measures for Cambodian nationals effective August 1, 2026
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA to suspend entry facilitation measures for Cambodian nationals effective August 1, 2026
Date：2026-07-17
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
July 17, 2026
No. 330 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announces that in order to uphold ROC (Taiwan) national dignity and maintain border security, it has decided to suspend entry facilitation measures currently applicable to Cambodian nationals—including conditional visa-free entry through the Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme and the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries—effective August 1, 2026.
MOFA notes that since August 2018, Cambodian nationals have been eligible for conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for ROC (Taiwan) TAC scheme, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries, and other entry facilitation initiatives. These measures aimed to foster greater understanding of Taiwan among the government and people of Cambodia through increased bilateral exchanges.
However, the Cambodian government has long failed to respond to Taiwan’s goodwill with parity and reciprocity. Further, it has repeatedly and publicly aligned with China by issuing inappropriate statements denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty and even implicitly supporting a future attempt by China to annex Taiwan through the use of force. These actions have undermined Taiwan’s national dignity and hurt the feelings of its people.
Additionally, a number of major transnational fraud cases have been linked to Cambodia in recent years. These negative developments have attracted significant attention and raised deep concern across all sectors of Taiwan’s society. Therefore, MOFA has decided to suspend entry facilitation measures for Cambodian nationals.
MOFA emphasizes that Cambodian nationals who plan to visit Taiwan in the future must apply for appropriate visas at Taiwan’s overseas missions. Moving forward, the resumption of entry facilitation measures for Cambodian nationals will be evaluated in accordance with the Cambodian government’s policies toward Taiwan. (E)
MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027
Date：2026-07-17
Data Source：Bureau of Consular Affairs
July 17, 2026
No. 329
In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 21 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines; the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries, overseen by the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries, overseen by the National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior.
After evaluating the effectiveness of the above measures in past years, the relevant agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027.
In addition, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-End Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will be extended for a further year through December 31, 2027, and the conditional visa-free entry through the TAC scheme will remain in place, with both continuing to apply to nationals of India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos. Nationals of Cambodia will no longer be eligible for these two initiatives from August 1, 2026.
MOFA will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations and attracting more visitors while ensuring border and public security. MOFA will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient. (E)
Public housing rents to rise 2.04%
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Housing Authority announced today that public rental housing (PRH) rents will rise 2.04% from October 1. The adjustment follows the Subsidised Housing Committee’s endorsement today of the outcome of the 2026 PRH rent review.
Under the Housing Ordinance, PRH rents are reviewed every two years using a statutory mechanism based on tenants’ household income. A report compiled by the Commissioner for Census & Statistics for the current review showed that the income index of 2025 was 2.04% higher than that of 2023.
Following this adjustment, the average monthly rent increase will be about $51, with the actual adjustments ranging $10 to $128.
The authority stated that the increase is within an affordable level for tenants. Excluding well-off tenants and households receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, about 60% of the remaining tenants will have a monthly rent increase of $60 or less, while 90% will pay no more than $80 extra per month.
Furthermore, the financial impact will be softened by rates concessions announced in the 2026-27 Budget. These concessions will be provided for the first two quarters of the financial year, subject to a ceiling of $500 for each property per quarter.
The actual rates concessions receivable by each rateable PRH household will range from about $258 to $1,000.
The rent adjustments will take effect October 1 for both existing and newly completed PRH estates. Rents for new estates are set according to District Best Rent Levels based on location and value per square metre of internal floor area. The authority will notify all affected tenants in writing one month before the implementation date.
Additionally, monthly licence fees of Light Public Housing will be adjusted on October 1 in line with the new PRH rental levels. These fees are set at approximately 90% of the rents for newly completed PRH estates in the same district. Occupants will also be informed in writing one month before the new fees take effect.
Travaux de confortement et de mise en sécurité d’un talus sur la RT1 – Secteur de la Néra, commune de Bourail
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Le gouvernement, via sa direction des Infrastructures, de la topographie et des transports (DITTT), informe les usagers de la RT1 et les administrés de la commune de Bourail que des travaux de confortement et de mise en sécurité d’un talus vont être entrepris, au droit du PR 165+300, face à l’hôtel La Néra.
Ces travaux débuteront à compter du lundi 27 juillet 2026 pour une durée prévisionnelle d’un mois et demi.
La première phase des travaux comprend la purge et l’évacuation des blocs en suspens dans le talus et nécessite, par mesure de sécurité pour les usagers de la route, l’arrêt ponctuel de la circulation au droit du chantier.
Ainsi, les mardi 28, mercredi 29 et jeudi 30 juillet 2026, entre 8 heures et 15 heures, la circulation sera fréquemment interrompue, par séquences de 10 minutes maximum.
La seconde phase des travaux se fera ensuite sans interruption de la circulation, jusqu’à l’achèvement du chantier. La DITTT s’excuse pour la gêne occasionnée durant cette opération, et remercie les usagers de la route de respecter les prescriptions en matière de vitesse ainsi que le balisage mis en place, pour leur sécurité et celle des entreprises intervenantes.
La sécurité est l’affaire de tous.
Presidential tour of US, Latin America, Germany
Source: Government of the Republic of Korea
Foreign Affairs
Presidential tour of US, Latin America, Germany
President Lee Jae Myung on July 24 will go on an 11-day tour of the U.S., Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Germany. His first stop from July 24-25 is San Francisco for talks with the CEOs of OpenAI, Nvidia and Broadcom and to attend an artificial intelligence summit. From July 26 through Aug. 1, President Lee pay a state visit to Brazil followed by trips to Chile and Argentina. He will also make a stopover in Frankfurt, Germany, on Aug. 2 before returning to Korea.
Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $5.4 million
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $5.4 million
Hong Kong Customs and Mainland departments on narcotics control and anti-smuggling carried out an intelligence exchange and intercepted a consignment, which was declared as tea, arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand via the Mainland on July 20. The batch of suspected cannabis buds was found inside the consignment after inspection. Upon follow-up investigations, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation and arrested two local men aged 32 and 37 in Sheung Shui yesterday. About 1g of suspected crack cocaine and about 3g of suspected methamphetamine were also found in a private vehicle of one of the arrestees.
The arrestees have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and one of them has been further charged with one count of possession of a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 23).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 20:25
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