Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon Hoey Simon Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (April 22):
 
Question:
 
     The Government signed the 57th Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (CDTA) with Barbados in March 2026 to expand Hong Kong’s tax treaty network. There are views pointing out that in the context of an evolving global taxation environment, expanding the tax treaty network is crucial to consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a leading destination for international business operations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) given that Singapore has signed over 90 CDTAs, a number far exceeds Hong Kong’s current total of 57, whether the Government will formulate a more proactive timetable to catch up with the lag, so as to narrow the gap between Hong Kong and major economies of other regions in this regard;
 
(2) apart from increasing the number of CDTAs, whether the Government has assessed if the existing CDTAs (especially those which were signed at an earlier stage) still align with the prevailing international tax standard, and ensured that these CDTAs can continue to provide Hong Kong enterprises with competitive withholding tax rates and adequate legal protection;
 
(3) whether the Government will step up efforts in negotiating and concluding CDTAs with emerging markets along the Belt and Road, as well as with countries or regions with potential for collaborating with Hong Kong in innovation and technology, so as to facilitate bilateral trade flows and reduce tax costs for enterprises;
 
(4) of the resources and staffing establishment currently dedicated by the Government to expanding the tax treaty network; whether it will consider allocating additional resources in future to expedite the progress of negotiating and concluding CDTAs; and
 
(5) whether the Government has taken the initiative to publicise and promote to local chambers of commerce and investors in jurisdictions with which CDTAs have been signed, so as to assist multinational enterprises in fully understanding and making good use of CDTAs to optimise their global tax costs when considering the setting up of regional headquarters in Hong Kong, thereby attracting quality enterprises to Hong Kong and further developing the “headquarters economy”?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Government has been proactively expanding the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (CDTA) network, which will enable investors to better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities and avoid double taxation. This will foster a more attractive business environment, promoting bilateral trade and investment.
 
     Having consulted the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB), the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), my reply to Dr the Hon Hoey Simon Lee’s question is as follows:
 
(1), (3) and (5) Since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Hong Kong has started entering into CDTAs with major trading partners. Following the conclusion of an avoidance of double taxation arrangement with the Chinese Mainland in 1998, we signed a CDTA with Belgium in 2003, which was our first CDTA with an overseas jurisdiction. As of mid-April 2026, Hong Kong has signed CDTAs with 57 tax jurisdictions, 12 of which were signed by the current-term Government. We have also commenced negotiations with 17 tax jurisdictions. Depending on the content and complexity of the CDTAs, as well as the willingness and work priority of negotiation partners, we expect that three to four CDTAs will be signed this year.
 
     According to the figures of 2025, 15 of Hong Kong’s top 20 major trading partners have signed CDTAs with us. The trade value between Hong Kong and these 15 partners amounted to over 75 per cent of Hong Kong’s total trade value. This shows that the current CDTA network suits Hong Kong’s trade needs. To attract more enterprises to Hong Kong and facilitate enterprises to “go global” through Hong Kong, the Government will continue to proactively expand our CDTA network with a focus on jurisdictions participating in the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative.
 
     Apart from continuously expanding the CDTA network, the Government has been implementing various measures aiming to deepen the economic and trade co-operation with B&R countries and regions, and assist Hong Kong enterprises and professional services in exploring new business opportunities. the CEDB and the Belt and Road Office will continue to organise the annual flagship event – Belt and Road Summit; reach out to agencies in charge of projects in B&R countries and regions; organise missions, study tours and matching activities; as well as encourage and assist external organisations to stage roadshows in Hong Kong, with a view to promoting Hong Kong’s diversified, professional and international professional services. Also, Invest Hong Kong has all along been assisting enterprises from all over the world to set up or expand businesses in Hong Kong, including economies along the B&R and with potential for collaboration in the field of innovation and technology. The department will continue to organise and sponsor an array of investment promotion activities, including roadshows, seminars and roundtables, to provide overseas enterprises with the latest information on Hong Kong’s business environment, including leveraging the advantages of Hong Kong’s CDTA network, thereby attracting more inward investment.
 
     In addition, OASES is proactively engaging enterprises around the world with potential and that are technologically leading to establish a presence in Hong Kong. Apart from showcasing Hong Kong’s overall strengths in terms of institutions, finance, professional services, and international connectivity, OASES will highlight Hong Kong’s competitive tax policies and measures (including Hong Kong’s CDTA network) to help enterprises more comprehensively assess the feasibility of establishing headquarters, research and development centres, and treasury management centres in Hong Kong. Among others, to further enhance Hong Kong’s role as a key base for Corporate Treasury Centres (CTCs), the Government will provide additional tax incentives and flexibility to CTCs and their associated corporations, and at the same time strengthen promotion and communication with multinational enterprises, and enhance training for relevant practitioners, etc. The Government will announce an action plan in mid-2026, outlining the details of the aforementioned measures.
 
(2) The Government from time to time reviews and updates Hong Kong’s CDTAs to ensure that they conform to the prevailing international tax standards and provide Hong Kong enterprises with competitive arrangements and sufficient safeguards.
 
     In 2015, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) introduced the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) package with tax treaty-related measures, including prevention of treaty abuse and enhancement of the dispute resolution mechanism. The Government implemented the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (Convention) of the package through local legislation in 2022 in order to modify CDTAs signed earlier for conforming to BEPS requirements. The CDTAs signed in recent years have also incorporated provisions that meet the standards of the Convention.
 
     The prevailing withholding tax rates under Hong Kong’s CDTAs are generally on par with those under the CDTAs of our major trading partners in the region and some of ours are even more favourable. Besides, our CDTAs clearly set out the taxing rights of the governments of the two sides, residents and taxes covered, arrangements for elimination of double taxation, withholding tax rates, dispute resolution mechanism, information exchange arrangements between the tax authorities, etc, so as to provide enterprises with tax certainty and legal protection.
 
(4) The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the IRD are responsible for duties in relation to expansion of the CDTA network. The major officers involve one Principal Assistant Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, one Assistant Commissioner of Inland Revenue (directorate officer at D2 level) and seven officers from the grades of administrative officer, assessor and executive officer. To cope with the increasing workload related to CDTAs and other international tax matters, the IRD created the aforementioned post of Assistant Commissioner in June 2023 to strengthen support at the directorate level. To meet operational needs, we will arrange internal deployment or increase manpower as appropriate.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In support of the World Health Organization’s World Immunisation Week, which takes place during the last week of April (April 24 to 30), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 22) reminded the public to get vaccinated on time to reduce the serious health threats posed by vaccine-preventable diseases. The theme this year is “For every generation, vaccines work”. Hong Kong has provided childhood vaccinations since the 1950s. Thanks to strong support from parents, schools and the healthcare sector, Hong Kong’s vaccination coverage has consistently remained at a very high level, keeping most vaccine-preventable diseases under control. Hong Kong eradicated smallpox and poliomyelitis in 1980 and 2000 respectively, and successfully eliminated measles and rubella (German measles) in 2016 and 2021 respectively.
 
“Immunisation is widely recognised as one of the most successful, safe and cost-effective public health interventions, protecting millions of lives worldwide each year from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, such as measles, hepatitis B and certain cancers (including liver and cervical cancer). In order to build on past successes and effectively control vaccine-preventable diseases, it is crucial that every generation works together to get vaccinated in a timely manner, as recommended by the CHP. However, in recent years, some voices opposing vaccination have emerged in society. They mistakenly believe that vaccine-preventable diseases are already under control and therefore vaccination is no longer necessary. Some even spread unscientific claims such as ‘vaccines are unsafe’. In recent years, low vaccination coverage has led to measles outbreaks in many parts of the world, including in some countries that had previously achieved measles elimination. This should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that we must maintain high overall vaccination rates to ensure herd immunity,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui said.
 
The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the CHP makes recommendations on vaccines for different groups (e.g. children, pregnant women, the elderly, etc) based on local epidemiology and the latest scientific evidence from a public health perspective. With reference to the recommendations of the SCVPD, the Government provides different types of vaccines and boosters for children from birth to Primary Six to protect them from 12 communicable diseases, as well as other vaccination services, such as seasonal influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccines for people in high-risk groups to boost their immunity and reduce the risk of infection or severe complications.
 
“Delaying vaccination reduces protection against relevant communicable diseases. Parents should arrange for their children to receive immunisations on schedule to ensure comprehensive and timely protection. New immigrants to Hong Kong, as well as those coming to study or work here, should complete any necessary catch-up vaccinations before arrival if they are unsure of their immunisation status, have not completed their vaccination series, or have unclear vaccination records. Additionally, members of the public planning to travel to areas experiencing outbreaks or high incidence rates of vaccine-preventable diseases should first confirm that they have completed the relevant vaccinations. Anyone who has not completed their immunisation or with an unknown vaccination history should consult their family doctor at least two weeks before travelling. Individuals returning to Hong Kong from areas experiencing outbreaks or high incidence rates of vaccine-preventable diseases should inform healthcare personnel of their symptoms and travel history, so that appropriate infection control measures can be implemented at the healthcare facilities to prevent any potential transmission,” said Dr Tsui.
 
For more information on World Immunisation Week and the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, please visit the relevant DH websites.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Jonathan Stuart Lamport and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (April 22):
 
Question:
 
     A study by a local university has indicated that amid significant changes in the flow of international students against the background of geopolitical tensions and tightening visa policies in a number of countries, Hong Kong performs strongly in attracting and retaining top PhD students from across the globe due to its flexible talent admission policies (e.g. the Top Talent Pass Scheme and the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates) and stable environment. There are views that by seizing the opportunity arising from the United States and European countries shutting the door on research talents, Hong Kong can proactively attract such high-calibre research talents and transform them into a new engine driving Hong Kong’s economic transformation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it will co-ordinate the admission strategies and procedures of local universities, and target an upgraded “Study in Hong Kong” brand at top overseas research and academic talents affected by geopolitics, thus ensuring that Hong Kong can attract a pool of PhD students with a high degree of international diversity;
 
(2) of the specific policies and incentives in place to encourage and assist PhD students in Hong Kong to commercialise their research outcomes in the territory upon graduation, with a view to directly empowering the local business sector; whether it will improve the Research Talent Hub for Technology Companies Conducting R&D (research and development) Activities in Hong Kong by further relaxing the eligibility criteria for applicant companies and increasing the subsidy amounts for research talents, so as to assist local enterprises in technological upgrading; and
 
(3) given that a study has pointed out that cost and stability of living are key factors for PhD students to consider in deciding whether to stay in Hong Kong, and that such high-calibre talents are mostly at an age to get married or start a family, whether the Government will, in addition to the visa facilitation already in place and as part of its long-term planning, enhance support measures for their spouses’ employment in Hong Kong and their children’s educational progression, so that these talents can put down roots in Hong Kong without worries?
 
Reply:

President, 
(2) The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) launched the Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU) in 2014 to support participating local universities (including their faculty members, alumni and students) to establish technology start-ups for commercialising their research and development outcomes. Each start-up may receive an annual subsidy of up to $1.5 million for no more than six years. So far, the TSSSU has provided funding to over 620 start-ups. As of 2024-25, the subsidised start-ups have generated over 2 700 intellectual property rights and rolled out a total of over 800 products or services in the market; around 80 per cent of them have successfully received capital injections, with total investment over $2.7 billion, of which around $2.1 billion (about 78 per cent) was private investment. 
(3) LWB stated that, the Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) has been providing one-stop support services on living and working in Hong Kong for incoming talents and their accompanying dependents. Regarding employment and entrepreneurship, HKTE’s online platform provides comprehensive and relevant information, and features over 5 000 real-time quality job opportunities daily for talents to apply. Talents can also make enquiries and requests for support services relating to entrepreneurial and employment matters on the platform for follow-up by designated working partners or by relevant bureaux/departments through referral. Besides, HKTE co-organises online and offline job fairs with industry and employer organisations to directly match job-seeking talents with employers, organises themed seminars on topics of entrepreneurship, tips on unlocking the job market, etc. to help talents understand the job markets in Hong Kong, as well as liaises with recruitment platforms and working partners to give talents suggestions and techniques for applying for jobs and setting up business. HKTE also collaborates with school sponsoring bodies and school associations to organise seminars to provide comprehensive information on local education. The Government welcomes talents’ spouses to join these events. 
     To facilitate parents to find and compare school information, EDB has launched a new thematic website to provide in-depth information on international schools and other schools offering non-local curricula in Hong Kong. EDB has also been working closely with HKTE to provide a series of support services to assist talents who are interested in coming to Hong Kong and those who have arrived in obtaining information about education in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon Webster Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (April 22):

Question:

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hok-fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (April 22):

Question:

     The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (the Amendment Ordinance) came into operation on January 1 this year. Amendments targeting smoking offences include the extension of the statutory no smoking areas (NSAs) to the entrance and exit areas of child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals, as well as specified clinics and health centres; the prohibition of smoking while queuing to board public transport carriers at designated boarding locations; and the increase in the fixed penalty for smoking offences (including smoking on public transport carriers) from $1,500 to $3,000. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the actual increase in the coverage of NSAs (such as the area and number of locations involved) after the implementation of the Amendment Ordinance; of the numbers of inspections and prosecutions conducted by the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) under the Department of Health in the first quarter of this year following their increased coverage, and how such figures compared with those for the same period last year;

(2) of the respective numbers of TACO’s (i) on-site investigations in response to reports and surprise inspections; and (ii) inspections during non-office hours on weekdays (including in the evenings and the small hours), as well as on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, in each of the past three years;

(3) of the average length of time taken by TACO to arrive at the scene for inspection after receiving a report of illegal smoking over the past three years;

(4) whether TACO has conducted regular enforcement operations against smoking on public transport carriers with passengers on board; if so, of the number of enforcement operations conducted on different modes of transport such as buses, ferries, MTR and minibuses and the number of fixed penalty notices issued over the past three years (set out in a table);

(5) as TACO has indicated that since illegal smoking is an instantaneous act, it will not proceed to the scene immediately for follow-up upon receipt of a complaint, how TACO will undertake effective follow-up when it receives complaints from members of the public about illegal smoking on a public transport carrier in motion; and

(6) as specified officers of the Housing Department are empowered to issue fixed penalty notices for smoking offences, of the number of such notices issued by the Housing Department within public housing estates over the past three years, and the number of such notices issued during non-office hours?

Reply:

President,

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has pursued tobacco control policies through a multi-pronged and progressive approach over the years, so as to protect the people from the harm caused by tobacco. One of the Government’s tobacco control directions is to periodically amend the legislation to expand No-Smoking Areas (NSAs), with the aim of eliminating the harm caused by second-hand smoke and protecting the public. As the principal enforcement agency of the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) and the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offences) Ordinance (Cap. 600), the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) has all along been working closely with relevant departments to take joint enforcement actions as well as refer suspected cases of contravention, so as to take forward the tobacco control efforts by enforcing the relevant legislation.

     The consolidated reply, in consultation with DH and the Housing Department (HD), on various parts of the question raised by the Hon Chan Hok-fung is as follows:

(1) The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (Amendment Ordinance) was passed by the Legislative Council in September 2025 to implement the new phase of tobacco control measures. Among which, the amendments in respect of smoking offences came into effect on January 1, 2026. From that day onward, the fixed penalty for smoking offences was increased to $3,000 per notice; the NSAs were extended to cover three metres outside the entrances/exits used for specified premises (including child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals and specified clinics or health centres), adding over 3 000 new no-smoking locations in the city; and the prohibition on smoking while queuing also took effect. The latter includes prohibition on smoking while queuing to board a public transport carrier at designated boarding locations, staying within the delineated area for a designated boarding location, while queuing to enter specified premises, and while queuing within specified premises, with at least 2 000 such specified premises throughout the city included.

     In the first quarter of 2025, the TACO conducted 7 687 inspections in relation to smoking offences, and issued 3 161 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and 11 summonses for smoking offences. After the new measures came into effect on January 1, 2026, the TACO strengthened inspections at locations covered by the new measures, with a view to enhancing public awareness of the new measures and increase deterrence. In the first quarter of 2026, following the implementation of the new measures, a total of 11 699 inspections were conducted in relation to smoking offences, resulting in the issue of 2 198 FPNs and 15 summonses. The increase in number of inspections alongside a decline in the number of FPNs issued precisely reflects the dual purpose of the stepped up inspection efforts by the TACO. On the one hand, enhancing inspections in the community serves to promote and educate the public on the new tobacco control measures, thereby encouraging voluntary compliance with the law; on the other hand, it maintains robust enforcement and takes a zero-tolerance approach against violations. In fact, the increase in the number of summonses issued during the period as compared to the same period last year demonstrates that the Government remains determined to prosecute offenders who are uncooperative after the implementation of the new measures. The current strategy on inspections emphasises a balance between education and enforcement. As the public gradually becomes more familiar with the new measures, enforcement actions will be adjusted in due course.  

(2) Upon receiving reports on smoking offences and related complaints, the TACO conducts inspections and investigations, and issues FPNs to offenders. The TACO also conducts proactive inspections at locations where smoking problems are more serious (e.g. where complaints numbers are higher), with a view to increasing deterrence. The number of daytime and night-time operations conducted by the TACO, as well as operations on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays are tabulated as follows:
 

Year	2023	2024	2025
Total operations (A+B)	4 456	5 547	5 464
(A) Daytime operations(Note 1)	2 623	3 378	3 216
(B) Night-time operations (Note 2)	1 833	2 169	2 248
Operations on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays	1 081	1 198	1 233

Note 1: “Daytime operation” covers the “morning and afternoon shift” for the period from 6.30am to 6.30pm.
Note 2: “Night-time operation” covers the “afternoon and evening shift”, “evening shift” and “overnight shift” for the periods from 10am to 8pm, from 1pm to 11pm, and from 10.30pm to 8.30am respectively. 

     The number of FPNs/summonses issued by the TACO from 2023 to 2025 for smoking offences are as follows:
 

Year	2023	2024	2025 (Note 3)
FPNs issued	10 261	13 488	10 357
Summonses issued	48	64	37

Note 3: After the passage of the Amendment Ordinance in September 2025, law enforcement officers of the TACO strengthened inspections in the community to promote the new tobacco control measures, in particular the new smoking offences that took effect since January 1, 2026. The focus of these inspections was on education and encouraging compliance, rather than taking stringent enforcement actions (such as plainclothes operations). As a result, the number of FPNs and summonses issued declined.

(3) to (5) The TACO has been collaborating with relevant departments, venue managers and transport operators to implement the smoking ban. The TACO proactively conducts inspections in areas with higher incidents of violations to enhance deterrence. During such inspections, if smoking offences are detected, TACO inspectors will issue FPNs immediately without prior warning. Managers of the statutory NSAs should also place clear no smoking signs in conspicuous locations within those areas to remind the public that the areas are statutory NSAs. Since smoking offences occur only over a short period of time, Cap. 371 also empowers venue managers to enforce the smoking ban in addition to the TACO, so as to stop the smoking offence immediately. Such powers include requiring the person to cease the relevant smoking act, requiring the person to leave the NSA or to produce proof of identity if the person is uncooperative, and calling for assistance of a police officer when necessary.  

     The number of inspections conducted and FPNs/summonses issued by the TACO from 2023 to 2025 for smoking offences in restaurant premises, shops and shopping malls, public transport facilities, bus interchanges and other statutory NSAs is at Annex. Individual public transport operators also enforce the smoking ban under the powers conferred by relevant legislations. As regards complaints received concerning smoking on public transport vehicles in motion or in navigation, the TACO will assess the information provided by members of the public and, will take appropriate follow-up actions (e.g. to issue FPNs or summonses) if there is sufficient evidence. The TACO does not maintain itemised enforcement figures for different modes of public transport.

(6) The Hong Kong Housing Authority has always been committed to providing residents with a comfortable and healthy living environment. Under Cap. 600 and its subsidiary legislation, designated public officers of the HD (including Housing Managers, Assistant Housing Managers and Housing Officers) (the designated officers) are authorised to issue FPNs for smoking offence to any person violating smoking regulations in statutory NSAs. It is unlawful to smoke in areas managed by the HD which have been designated as NSAs under the Cap. 371, and the designated officers of the HD will issue a FPN to the offender concerned. If the offender is a resident of the estate, in addition to paying the fine of $3,000 according to the FPN, he/she will also be immediately allotted 5 points without prior warning under the Marking Scheme for Estate Management in Public Housing Estates (Marking Scheme). Under the Marking Scheme, if a household accumulates 16 or more points within two years, the household’s tenancy or licence will be terminated.

     Apart from performing the abovementioned duties primarily during office hours, the designated officers of the HD also conduct special enforcement operations during non-office hours. Over the past three years (from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025), the numbers of FPNs issued by HD’s enforcement officers within the estates for smoking offences are as follows:
 

Year	Number of FPN issued during office hours	Number of FPN issued during non-office hours	Total
2023	167	0	167
2024	283	0	283
2025	254	1	255

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of April 21, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan stands on democracy’s frontline of defense and, in the face of authoritarian threats, will continue bolstering national defense capabilities and building up whole-of-society defense resilience to ensure peace through strength. The president also expressed gratitude to the US government for reiterating the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and expressed his hope that Taiwan and the US continue promoting exchanges and cooperation in many fields as they advance together on the path of freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I warmly welcome our old friend CSIS President and CEO John Hamre and his delegation. I am also delighted to once again see our other CSIS friends, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department President Victor Cha and China Power Project Director Bonny Lin. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to welcome you all and thank you for your friendship and long-time dedication to issues related to Taiwan.
Taiwan stands on democracy’s frontline of defense. For the Taiwanese people, authoritarian threats are a part of daily life. The CSIS acts like a powerful spotlight. Through its illuminating wargame simulations, political analyses, and op-eds in international media outlets, it shows the world that cross-strait peace and stability are crucial to global prosperity. Thanks to your long-term attention, Taiwan has not been alone on the world stage. And it has made authoritarian regimes think twice before acting.
Whether in terms of Taiwan’s national security, Indo-Pacific peace and stability, or democratic development around the globe, the people of Taiwan firmly believe in peace through strength, and that strength is the “moat” that protects peace. That is why our government is actively bolstering our national defense capabilities and building up our whole-of-society defense resilience. Taiwan’s defense spending, as defined by NATO, has surpassed three percent of GDP this year, and we expect it to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030. The government has also proposed an eight-year, US$40 billion special defense budget to accelerate acquisition and modernization of equipment. Taiwan is showing the world its determination to defend itself and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the US government for providing support and abiding by its commitments to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, and for reiterating the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait during the US-Japan leaders’ summit last month.
We look forward to Taiwan and the US continuing to promote exchanges and cooperation in many fields. This February, we concluded the sixth annual Taiwan-US Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue. The scope of issues covered was the most diverse and comprehensive to date; topics included strategic alignment on supply chain security, critical mineral supply chains, and other key areas of collaboration. We also signed the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and Taiwan-US Economic Security Cooperation. This highlighted our mutual partnership and will help us jointly expand the scope of future ties.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election and the 250th anniversary of US independence. On April 10, we celebrated the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. It is thanks to friends like those here with us today, who greatly value Taiwan, that bilateral relations have continued to deepen as we have advanced together on the path of freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
I understand that after returning to the US, President Hamre will hand over the baton of CEO to General Joseph Dunford, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We will never forget the staunch support extended to Taiwan by President Hamre and the CSIS team. Our door is always open to old friends. I invite President Hamre to visit us often. I also look forward to the opportunity to meet with General Dunford. In closing, I wish you a successful and rewarding trip. 
President Hamre then delivered remarks. He mentioned that the first international trip he took after joining CSIS was to Taiwan and that Taiwan will be the last international trip he will take in office, adding that he is deeply grateful to see his old friends. The last time he brought a delegation was three years ago, he said, which happened to be at the same time then-Vice President Lai was campaigning for the presidential election. They had been scheduled to meet with the then-vice president for five minutes, he said, but they ended up having an hour-long exchange full of penetrating questions, which left a deep impression on the delegation.
During their visit three years ago, President Hamre said, there were always two questions asked in every meeting: The Taiwan side would ask, “Will the US come and defend us?” And the American side would ask, “Will Taiwan defend itself?” He emphasized that he is gratified to see how President Lai has led this forward progress, and that Taiwan has made a major commitment to defending itself, not only in buying important equipment, but also in strengthening civilian resilience, which President Hamre finds impressive.
President Hamre mentioned that Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, is leaning forward in important ways because he knows that Taiwan is an important partner. That is why President Hamre said he feels very good about what President Lai has accomplished in these last two years. He admitted that there is still much to do, such as having the legislation in place to be able to pay for the military procurement, but he thinks that it will come. He explained that he is hopeful because he thinks the citizens of Taiwan know that it is part of their defense and that the stronger they prepare, the greater the deterrence.
In closing, President Hamre said that when he sees the flag of Taiwan, he sees it as the flag of freedom in Asia, and that is why there needs to be a commitment to Taiwan’s security and prosperity. He said that he thinks of Taiwan as a second home and will always have it in his heart. He stated, speaking for his colleagues, that they are very committed to the success and the security of Taiwan.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department approved 15 building plans in February – three on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and nine in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, nine were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, two were for community services developments, while four were for factory and industrial development.
 

Consent was given for works to start on nine building projects. Upon completion, they will provide 19,032 sq m of domestic gross floor area involving 226 units, and 56,346 sq m of non-domestic gross floor area.

Additionally, the department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for one building project.

It also issued 10 occupation permits – three on Hong Kong Island, two in Kowloon and five in the New Territories.

The buildings certified for occupation comprise 81,216 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 1,068 units, and 90,080 sq m for non-domestic use.

Meanwhile, the department received 2,115 reports about unauthorised building works in February and issued 544 removal orders. 

Source: Government of Singapore

22 April 2026 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) has awarded the new Public Waste Collection (PWC) licence for the Zone 6 (Pasir Ris-Bedok) sector to 800 Super Waste Management Pte Ltd (800 Super) after an open tender exercise. 800 Super will provide refuse and recyclables collection services from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2033 for domestic and trade premises in this sector comprising about 209,000 households and over 8,200 trade premises, which include hawker and market stalls, shophouses, schools, community centres and clubs, places of worship, and government buildings. 800 Super has been managing PWC in this area since 2018, with the current licence expiring on 30 June 2026.

New Vehicle Fleet

2            Residents in this sector can look forward to a modernised waste collection fleet of 69 refuse and recycling trucks, including 18 new electric rear-end loader trucks.^[1]

3            800 Super will also make operational changes to support increased recyclables collection demands. HDB households served by 660-litre recycling bins will benefit from daily collection, while those served by 1,800-litre or 2,200-litre side-loader recycling bins will benefit from three times a week collection, up from twice weekly.  

Initiatives to Improve Household Recycling

4         To support enhanced recycling initiatives, 800 Super will be deploying smart recycling boxes (SRBs) at a minimum of 40 locations across this sector for residents to deposit metal, textile, plastic, paper and glass recyclables. The SRBs will operate round-the-clock, seven days a week, providing residents with greater convenience and accessibility for recycling. The location of the SRBs can be found via 800 Super’s Recycle Right mobile application. Residents can exchange accumulated reward points from recycling for grocery vouchers through the application directly. 800 Super will also deploy electric vehicles dedicated to servicing these SRBs.^[2]

~~ End ~~

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

 

ANNEX A

Electric rear-end loader refuse truck. Photo credit: 800 Super

ANNEX B

Smart recycling boxes. Photo credit: 800 Super