Appointments to Competition Commission announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointments to Competition Commission announced 
     ​The new members are Ms Kelly Cheng Hui-kiu, Professor Terence Chong Tai-leung, Mr Kwock Yin-lun, Mr Michael Lai Cheuk-pun, Mr Eric Sun Yung-tson, Ms Winnie Tung Mei-yee and Ms Judith Yu.
 
     ​The reappointed incumbent members are Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung, Mr Calvin Chan Ka-wai, Professor Fong Yuk-fai, Ms Sabrina Ho Shuk-ying, Mr Matthew Lam Kin-hong, Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi, Dr Webster Ng Kam-wah and Mr Symon Wong Yu-wing.
 
     ​The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “The Commission is committed to promoting competition and combating anti-competitive conduct, and actively enforces the Competition Ordinance and spearheads various aspects of its work under the Ordinance. Mr Jat has a strong legal background and extensive experience in public services. I am confident that under his leadership, the Commission will continue to spare no effort in safeguarding competition in Hong Kong to enhance economic efficiency and promote free trade, thereby benefitting consumers and all sectors.”
 
     ​”I would like to express my gratitude in particular to the outgoing Chairperson, Mr Samuel Chan, for his exemplary dedication to promoting market competition and maintaining a fair business environment, and his contribution in leading the Commission to achieve a number of milestones over the past six years. I would also like to thank the outgoing members, Ms Jennifer Chan, Professor Vincent Lau, Mr Patrick Law, Mr Roy Ng, Mr Jimmy Ng, Professor Anna Wong and Mr Eric Xin, for their invaluable contributions and support to the work of the Commission,” he added.
 
     ​Established under the Ordinance, the Commission investigates possible contraventions of the competition rules, promotes public understanding of the Ordinance, conducts market studies and advises the Government on competition matters.
 
     ​The membership of the Commission with effect from May 1, 2026, is as follows:
 
Chairperson:
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Mr Jat Sew-tong, SC
 
Members:
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Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung
Mr Calvin Chan Ka-wai
Ms Kelly Cheng Hui-kiu
Professor Terence Chong Tai-leung
Professor Fong Yuk-fai
Ms Sabrina Ho Shuk-ying
Mr Kwock Yin-lun
Mr Michael Lai Cheuk-pun
Mr Matthew Lam Kin-hong
Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi
Dr Webster Ng Kam-wah
Mr Eric Sun Yung-tson
Ms Winnie Tung Mei-yee
Mr Symon Wong Yu-wing
Ms Judith Yu
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Applications invited for 57th Personalised Vehicle Registration Marks exercise

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Applications invited for 57th Personalised Vehicle Registration Marks exercise 
     Starting from May 1, 2026, applications will be invited for the allocation of PVRMs upon sale by auction. Completed application forms should reach the TD no later than May 31, 2026. If there are more than 1 500 applications, those to be considered will be selected by lot.
 
     The application form (TD 569) and the Guidance Notes for Application can be downloaded from the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/pvrm_application/index.html 
     Interested persons should complete and submit the application form through one of the following ways:
 
(a) By post to the Vehicle Registration Marks Unit, Transport Department, 12/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon. Applications received by post will be dated by the postmark; 
 
(b) Via the drop-in box at any of the TD’s Licensing Offices at Admiralty, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin. For easy identification, please mark “PVRM Application” on the envelope of the application; or
 
(c) Through the online application service on the GovHK website (
www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/vehicle/ospvrm.htm 
     Applicants are advised to read carefully the Guidance Notes for details of the scheme before completing the application form. They can also check whether a proposed PVRM is in compliance with the basic combination requirements by using the online service on the GovHK website.
 
     No payment of deposit is required when submitting an application. Each applicant can submit only one application in each exercise. If an applicant submits more than one application, all of his or her applications will not be processed. Once submitted, the applicant cannot withdraw the application or change the arrangement of the PVRM stated in the application form.
 
     Upon successful submission of an online application, the applicant will receive an acknowledgement immediately. Those who submit applications by post or drop-in box will receive the TD’s acknowledgement by ordinary post within two weeks after submission. Applicants who do not receive the acknowledgement within this time frame should call 2804 2600.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Firing practice for May 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Firing practice for May 2026————————————-
 

DateMay 4 (Monday)
May 5 (Tuesday)
May 6 (Wednesday)
May 7 (Thursday)
May 8 (Friday)
May 9 (Saturday)
May 11 (Monday)
May 12 (Tuesday)
May 13 (Wednesday)
May 14 (Thursday)
May 15 (Friday)
May 16 (Saturday)
May 18 (Monday)
May 19 (Tuesday)
May 20 (Wednesday)
May 21 (Thursday)
May 22 (Friday)
May 23 (Saturday)
May 26 (Tuesday)
May 27 (Wednesday)
May 28 (Thursday)
May 29 (Friday)
May 30 (Saturday)8am-9pm
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8am-9pmTsing Shan Firing Range
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DateMay 4 (Monday)
May 5 (Tuesday)
May 6 (Wednesday)
May 7 (Thursday)
May 8 (Friday)
May 9 (Saturday)
May 11 (Monday)
May 12 (Tuesday)
May 13 (Wednesday)
May 14 (Thursday)
May 15 (Friday)
May 16 (Saturday)
May 18 (Monday)
May 19 (Tuesday)
May 20 (Wednesday)
May 21 (Thursday)
May 22 (Friday)
May 23 (Saturday)
May 26 (Tuesday)
May 27 (Wednesday)
May 28 (Thursday)
May 29 (Friday)
May 30 (Saturday)8am-9pm
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8am-9pmIssued at HKT 11:00

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Rating and Valuation Department releases Hong Kong Property Review 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) today (April 24) released the Hong Kong Property Review 2026, which contains statistics and commentaries on the local property market in 2025 and forecast completions in 2026 and 2027.
 
     The publication can be viewed on and downloaded from the RVD’s website.
 
     For enquiries, please call the RVD’s Technical Secretary (Information) on 2150 8807.

eMedical Certificate introduced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Health Bureau announced that a new eMedical Certificate function on the eHealth mobile application was launched today, enabling users in Hong Kong to access and verify all electronic medical certificates issued by the public sector through a one-stop centralised platform.

Through the eMedical Certificate function on the eHealth App, eHealth users can access electronic medical certificates issued by different public healthcare providers, including important medical documents such as medical certificates, attendance certificates, maternity/sick leave certificates, and maternity leave certificates.

In addition to the Hospital Authority (HA), the function also covers electronic medical certificates issued by the Department of Health and the 18 Chinese Medicine Clinics & Training & Research Centres for the first time.

Furthermore, the eMedical Certificate function features a central verification mechanism. By scanning the QR code on an electronic medical document, the system will automatically redirect to eHealth’s Medical Certificate Verification Platform for immediate verification of the authenticity and validity of the document.

Citizens can also connect to the central verification mechanism of eHealth directly through the electronic platforms of healthcare providers, such as HA Go, enabling seamless verification of electronic medical certificates.

The bureau said that electronic medical documents not only reduce the risk of losing paper certificates, but also fully support a range of online services.

It added that with the eMedical Certificate function, citizens can store and verify various medical documents, enabling centralised management and everyday use, such as applying for leave from employers or schools, school enrolment, job applications and travel.

Call 3467 6300 for enquiries.

MOFA strongly refutes statements by Seychelles and Madagascar regarding withdrawal of overflight permits for President Lai’s aircraft

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 22, 2026  No.155  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes statements made by the Foreign Ministries of Seychelles and Madagascar to justify their decision to withdraw overflight permits for the chartered plane of President Lai Ching-te, who was scheduled to travel to the Kingdom of Eswatini on April 22. 

Seychelles and Madagascar respectively stated that they did not recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty and held to the “one China principle.” The two countries thereby acquiesced to China’s distorted narrative, which challenges international norms and jeopardizes aviation safety. Their statements fully demonstrate that China was behind the incident. 

MOFA condemns China in the strongest possible terms for blatantly interfering in routine international civil aviation operations through political pressure and for politicizing and weaponizing flight information regions. 

President Lai Ching-te had been scheduled to lead a delegation to Eswatini, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan in Africa, at the invitation of King Mswati III to attend celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the king’s accession to the throne and his 58th birthday. However, the trip could not proceed as planned after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar suddenly and without warning withdrew overflight permits for the president’s chartered plane. 

MOFA solemnly calls on the international community to pay due attention to China’s long-standing use of economic coercion to force other countries to reverse sovereign decisions. As well as undermining international peace and order, China is overtly interfering in the internal affairs of other nations. Its actions not only threaten Taiwan but also pose a major and far-reaching challenge to the global democratic order and the international rule of law.

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent nation. Neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. No pronouncement attempting to undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status can alter international recognition of the objective status quo across the Taiwan Strait. 

As a sovereign state, the ROC (Taiwan) has the right to engage with the international community. This right cannot be denied or obstructed by any country. Taiwan thanks Eswatini and other diplomatic allies and like-minded nations for their assistance with mediation efforts in this matter.

Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with like-minded nations, uphold democratic values, and further expand its international participation in a pragmatic and steady manner. In the face of external pressure, the country remains unwavering in its commitment to bringing Taiwan to the world and the world to Taiwan. (E)

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Vietnam

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Vietnam

Date:2026-04-17
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

April 17, 2026  No. 150  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims regarding Taiwan made in a joint statement released by China and Vietnam on April 15, including that Taiwan was an inseparable part of Chinese territory.
 
The joint statement, on deepening the two countries’ comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, was issued following a meeting on the same day between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam.
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a free and democratic nation, and that neither it nor the autocratic People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. These are long-standing and widely recognized objective facts in the international community, which also constitute the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. 
 
The PRC has never ruled Taiwan, and Taiwan is certainly not part of the PRC. Only the democratically elected government of Taiwan has the right to represent the people of Taiwan in the international arena, including the United Nations system. China and countries echoing its claims have no right to comment on such matters.
 
MOFA strongly condemns the Chinese government’s repeated efforts to issue false narratives to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and mislead the international community at its meetings with leaders of other countries. Vietnam and China jointly issued a statement unfriendly to Taiwan in August 2024. Following that, Taiwan and Vietnam made efforts to stabilize bilateral relations. However, Vietnam has once again aligned with China in issuing a statement to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA has expressed deep regret and dissatisfaction to the government of Vietnam.
 
MOFA once again calls on related countries to refrain from ignoring historical facts and to take into account China’s totalitarian and autocratic nature so as to avoid echoing Chinese claims that distort the truth, undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, or seek to justify authoritarian expansionism. The international community should work together to prevent the instability and the risk of conflict that arise from such claims.
 
Taiwan will continue to defend the values of freedom and democracy and strengthen cooperation with its partners in the democratic camp to jointly curb authoritarian expansionism, safeguard cross-strait peace and security, and maintain freedom, openness, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

MOFA response to Japanese statements on Chinese interference in President Lai’s planned visit to Eswatini

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Japanese statements on Chinese interference in President Lai’s planned visit to Eswatini

Date:2026-04-23
Data Source:TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

April 23, 2026  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the statements by Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara and members of the National Diet on Chinese interference in President Lai Ching-te’s planned visit to Eswatini, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan. 

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara stated on April 23 in response to media questions that Japan would continue to monitor the situation regarding Taiwan. He also emphasized that ensuring flight safety was a major issue in the common interest of the international community and that relevant countries should maintain transparency in their operations. 
 
In addition, members of Japan’s National Diet from both the ruling and opposition parties immediately and publicly condemned China for engaging in unreasonable suppression and intimidation. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent, and democratic nation. Neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. No attempt to infringe upon Taiwan’s sovereign status can change this internationally recognized objective status quo or hinder Taiwan’s diplomatic interaction with other countries. China should immediately cease all actions and statements that undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region. 

As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan has always upheld relevant international norms and will continue to deepen cooperation with its allies and friendly nations such as Japan so as to jointly counter the challenge posed by authoritarianism to regional security and peace.

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Mozambique

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Mozambique

Date:2026-04-22
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

April 22, 2026  No.157  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims regarding Taiwan made in a joint statement between China and Mozambique on constructing a China-Mozambique community with a shared future, which was issued by China’s Foreign Ministry on April 21. 

MOFA condemns China for once again taking advantage of an interaction with another country to try to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty through absurd declarations, such as that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. 

The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. This is an undeniable objective fact and the status quo of the Taiwan Strait. No statements that denigrate Taiwan’s sovereign status can change this reality.

MOFA once again strongly urges the international community to recognize China’s long-term use of economic coercion and incentives to influence other governments’ sovereign decisions. Beijing’s actions not only aim to suppress Taiwan but also constitute a grave challenge to democracy and the rule of law worldwide.

MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with all like-minded countries and defend the front line of democracy. No type of economic coercion or diplomatic intimidation will prevent the Republic of China (Taiwan) from upholding its existing position, actively integrating with the world, and demonstrating national resilience. (E)

MOFA strongly condemns Chinese government’s absurd remarks with regard to suppression of Taiwan’s sovereign status and diplomatic activities

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns Chinese government’s absurd remarks with regard to suppression of Taiwan’s sovereign status and diplomatic activities

Date:2026-04-22
Data Source:Department of Policy Planning

April 22, 2026  
No. 156  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and denounces China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taiwan Affairs Office for separately issuing absurd remarks on April 22 denigrating Taiwan’s sovereign status in connection with the postponement of President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent nation. Neither it nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. Taiwan has a legitimate right to engage in international affairs and contribute to the international community through associated activities. No nation has the right to obstruct or deny this, and no number of unilateral pronouncements can change the objective facts.
 
In the mid-1980s, Taiwan started a process of political liberalization and democratization, culminating in its first direct presidential election in 1996. Since then, representatives of the executive and legislative branches of the ROC (Taiwan) government have been elected by the people of Taiwan, making it the only legitimate authority to effectively govern and represent Taiwan externally. This also established the status quo of the ROC (Taiwan) and the PRC existing on an equal footing, with neither being subordinate to the other.
 
Beijing’s so-called “one China principle” is not, in fact, accepted by the world’s major nations. In reality, China’s deceitful assertion that its one-sided claim constitutes the consensus is an attempt to mislead international public opinion.
 
MOFA stresses that threats or coercion of any form will not alter Taiwan’s resolve to connect with the world, and that any malicious obstruction will not overturn Taiwan’s firm desire to engage internationally.
 
In the face of authoritarian China’s intimidation and contemptible behavior, which violates Taiwan’s sovereignty and undermines regional peace and stability and cross-strait relations, MOFA urges the international community to recognize the true nature of China’s hegemonic tactics and condemn them in unison. It also calls for continued support for democratic Taiwan’s international engagement so that Taiwan can contribute to the international community. (E)