Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the translation of the speech made by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, in delivering “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” to the Legislative Council this morning (September 17):

Mr President, Honourable Members and fellow citizens,

Chapter I  

Deepen Reforms and Committed to People’s Livelihood

1. This year marks the conclusion of the National 14th Five-Year Plan period and the preparatory year for the 15th Five-Year Plan. This Policy Address serves as a roadmap for Hong Kong to strive for a vibrant economy, pursue development, and improve people’s livelihood – accelerating our advancement from stability to prosperity. It also outlines a strategic plan for Hong Kong to proactively align with national development strategies and achieve breakthroughs in forging a new landscape.

2. My ultimate objective in governance is to improve people’s livelihood with better housing for members of the public, higher income for workers, enhanced care for the elderly, and greater prospects for young people. The well-being of our people is intimately linked to the health of our economy, making economic growth the key driver of livelihood improvement. Growth creates job opportunities and wealth, which will in turn generate additional resources for public services, enabling the Government to deliver more and better services. Improvement in people’s livelihood will then spark new social demands that stimulate market development, further promoting economic growth. The economy and people’s livelihood are mutually reinforcing: each strengthens the other.

3. Since taking office, I have been actively promoting reforms, both within the Government and in the wider community, thereby facilitating economic growth and improving people’s livelihood. I have transformed and instilled in the Government a culture that is “result-oriented”. We have been pressing ahead with public housing production and introduced Light Public Housing (LPH). Three years ago, applicants for public rental housing (PRH) waited an average of 6.1 years for a flat; the Composite Waiting Time is now 5.1 years, a reduction of one full year. Over the same period, the median household income rose by $3,000, an increase of 11%. Since I assumed office, the economy has rebounded – turning from negative to positive and gaining momentum. This year’s growth is projected at 2% – 3%. In the past three years, Hong Kong has moved up one place to become the third-ranked global financial centre and has climbed four spots to rank third globally in overall competitiveness. In the last two years, we have risen 12 places to the fourth globally in talent competitiveness. Furthermore, Hong Kong is ranked seventh among the world’s top 10 safest cities.

4. The Policy Address this year is anchored in two pillars: the economy and people’s livelihood.

5. The Northern Metropolis is the new engine for Hong Kong’s economic development and holds immense potential. I will accelerate its development and set up the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis under my guidance to formulate operational models for the various development areas therein. I will also expedite the development of the University Town, streamline administrative procedures by removing barriers and easing restrictions, adopt safe, efficient and cost-effective construction practices, and introduce dedicated legislation to fast-track the Northern Metropolis development. The Government will attract and cultivate industries to create jobs and enhance productivity. Preferential policy packages will also be formulated to improve efficiency and flexibility in negotiations with enterprises that are establishing and scaling up operations, thereby creating more high-quality, high income jobs and further boosting productivity.

6. Under “One Country, Two Systems”, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of attracting overseas enterprises and assisting Mainland enterprises to go global. In the past, we focused primarily on bringing in enterprises, achieving remarkable growth and success. The new opportunities ahead for Hong Kong, however, will come from helping Mainland enterprises expand abroad. This rapid shift in opportunities reflects the reshaping of the global trade order, prompting Mainland enterprises to shift from concentrating on a single market and towards proactively tapping into emerging markets. The Government will leverage Hong Kong’s strength as a platform for going global to reinforce the role of Hong Kong as an international centre, capitalising on our advantages in areas such as finance, trading, professional services, supply chain management and professional networks, creating more jobs and higher income, further promoting the headquarters economy to unlock more business opportunities. We will also develop education, technology and talent in an integrated manner, and press ahead with the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism, enabling the people of Hong Kong to live in a community with thriving economy and vibrant culture.

7. To strengthen governance, I will establish an accountability system for Heads of Department (HoDs) by systematising and institutionalising their responsibility for their departments, and enhance the appraisal system for civil servants so that a culture of continuous improvement can take root. I will also set up the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team to drive technological reform, co-ordinating and steering government departments in the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and in the re-engineering of outdated workflows. Meanwhile, I will promote the development of AI+ with strong emphasis on safety risk prevention, and implement AI government services and facilitate the wide-scale application and development of AI across different sectors in the society to boost overall efficiency. I will also put into practice the philosophy of better integration of “an efficient market” with “a capable government”, and introduce market-based business model to enhance the services of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).

8. This Policy Address concludes with the most extensive chapter concerning people’s livelihood. It encompasses nine critical areas which are essential to the well-being of the community, covering land and housing, transport, healthcare, social welfare, labour protection and a caring and inclusive society, under which include continuously increasing public housing supply to enrich the housing ladder; creating land for large development projects, promoting long-term economic development and addressing housing needs while increasing government land reserve; continuing healthcare reform; implementing 11 measures to support local economy, continuing the work on targeted poverty alleviation, promoting the principle of “ageing in place as the core, with institutional care as back-up”, supporting and protecting workers, and establishing the Working Group on Ageing Society Strategies to meet the challenges brought by ageing. These demonstrates my commitment to placing people’s livelihood at the heart of governance. Indeed, economic development ultimately serves the well-being of our people, enabling them to enjoy better quality of life.

9. I would like to thank the public for their valuable opinions during the consultation exercise, and for their broad support of my policy directions and strategies. This Policy Address will elaborate on our policy objectives, key measures and key performance indicators (KPIs). A Supplement offering more details on the policy measures and related matters has also been compiled.

(To be continued.)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

　　​Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Investopia Global – Hong Kong 2025 today (September 17):
 
Your Excellency Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri (Minister of Economy of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Chairman of Investopia), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
​     It is my great pleasure to be part of the Investopia Global Hong Kong today. I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to  the United Arab Emirates, for bringing this forward-looking platform to Hong Kong. I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to our friends from the UAE and around the globe.
 
     Since its launch in 2021, Investopia has developed into a remarkable global network. It connects investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers, fostering dialogue and creating opportunities across regions. Staging this platform in Hong Kong, for the first time, is testament to the deepening partnership between Hong Kong and the UAE.
 
     The UAE is now Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, and Hong Kong the UAE’s seventh largest trading partner in the world. Our growing economic and trade ties are built on shared values of openness and fairness, and our vision of sustainable development.
 
     In 2023, I had the honour of leading a high-level business delegation to visit the beautiful country of UAE. More than its friendly hospitality, I was impressed by the ambition, energy and drive of the country’s booming economy.
 
     During the visit, we concluded seven co-operation agreements between Hong Kong and the UAE. Apart from formal agreements, we have also built a strong friendship with our counterparts in the UAE, unleashing tremendous potential of our co-operation. And today’s gathering, I’m pleased to say, is another big step forward in unleashing that potential.
 
     Both Hong Kong and the UAE stand as global business hubs in strategic locations. Whereas Hong Kong connects investors with China, our country, and the Asia-Pacific, the UAE links the world with the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Together, we can form an alliance of commerce that spans continents to generate investment synergy.
 
     Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. We are the freest economy in the world, and one of the world’s three most competitive economies. Our long tradition of the rule of law, and a common law system that dovetails with most global financial hubs, provide key assurances to a world of investors.
 
     As an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong has the infrastructure and services that provide key support to the international trade order. Our advanced ports, airports and logistics systems enhance efficiency in trade flows, supporting cross-border e-commerce and building supply chains that are fit for the future. And with the strengthened co-operation between Hong Kong and the UAE, I am confident that we will continue to witness more dual listings, increased cross-border capital flows and collaboration in green and sustainable finance.
 
     Hong Kong offers business-friendly policies to foreign enterprises, those from the UAE very much included. By setting up your offices here, your companies can enjoy more flexibility and convenience when doing business on the Mainland, under the updated Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. Our proximity to the Mainland and various travel facilitation schemes also means that it is easy to visit your business partners on the Mainland for meetings, conferences, or simply a cup of coffee.
 
     Innovation is another promising area. Both our economies invest heavily in start-ups, global talent and ecosystems that inspire innovation and creativity. In Hong Kong, our expanding green technology sector and science parks are building momentum. These efforts connect well with the UAE’s Hub71 and other accelerators.
 
     With this shared commitment to excellence, it comes as no surprise that in the latest World Talent Ranking, both Hong Kong and the UAE soared to their highest-ever positions. Hong Kong climbed 12 positions in two years to come fourth in the ranking, while the UAE took a whopping 12-place leap over two years to come ninth.
 
     Published by the International Institute for Management Development last week, the report recognised the outstanding performance of both the UAE and Hong Kong, stating that our targeted reforms and investment have resulted in significant gains in talent competitiveness over time.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, as we chart the path ahead, Hong Kong will continue to serve as both a “super connector” and “super value-adder” for investors from the UAE and the world. Together with the UAE, we will build deeper connections and create greater values for businesses, investors and entrepreneurs around the world in times of global economic uncertainty.  
 
     I look forward to welcoming more overseas enterprises and capital to Hong Kong in the years ahead, transforming opportunities into lasting success.
 
     I wish you all the best of business and every success here and beyond. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 released today (September 16) by the World Intellectual Property Organization, Hong Kong’s ranking rose by three places to 15th globally among 139 economies, and remained 5th in Asia.
 
As regards the two sub-indices under the GII, Hong Kong’s ranking with respect to the “Innovation Input” sub-index rose to 8th globally, and its ranking in the “Innovation Output” sub-index leapt by nine places to 22nd.
 
Hong Kong’s scores in all five pillars under the “Innovation Input” sub-index were higher than the high-income group averages, with “Market Sophistication” ranking 2nd globally and “Institutions” ranking 8th globally. As for sub-pillars, Hong Kong topped the ranking in “Credit”, and ranked among the global top 10 in many areas, including “Tertiary Education” (3rd), “Knowledge Absorption” (5th), “Information and Communication Technology (ICT)” (6th), “Institutional Environment” (9th) and “Investment” (9th). Data also showed that Hong Kong’s gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) and the number of researchers continued to rise.
 
As for the “Innovation Output” sub-index, Hong Kong’s ranking in the “Knowledge and Technology Outputs” pillar jumped notably by 28 places to 30th. It ranked 17th globally in the “Creative Outputs” pillar, with the “Creative Goods and Services” (7th) sub-pillar also ranking among the global leading positions. Data also showed that Hong Kong’s number of patents and high-tech manufacturing output continued to increase.
 
A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said, “We are pleased to see the good progress Hong Kong has achieved in the GII. Expediting the development of innovation and technology has been a policy priority of the Government. In recent years, Hong Kong has been actively optimising the local I&T landscape. A development framework supported by ‘three major I&T parks’ and ‘five key R&D institutions’ is taking shape. Meanwhile, the Government has launched a series of conducive policy initiatives to consolidate Hong Kong’s strengths in basic research, accelerate the midstream technology transfer and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, and foster the development of the I&T industry. Developing I&T requires sustained capital investment and talent support. Hong Kong’s leading rankings in the ‘Credit’, ‘Investment’, ‘Tertiary Education’ and ‘Knowledge Absorption’ sub-pillars fully demonstrate that Hong Kong is well positioned to continuously advance in innovation. We will continue to enhance the I&T ecosystem and attract global I&T resources and talent, with a view to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre at full steam.”
 
The GII is a ranking of the innovation capabilities and achievements of economies around the world. Its evaluation criteria cover multiple aspects, including institutions, human capital and research infrastructure, credit, investment, collaboration, knowledge creation, absorption and diffusion, and creative outputs.
 
The GII consists of two sub-indices: “Innovation Input” and “Innovation Output”. There are five pillars under the “Innovation Input” sub-index, namely “Institutions”, “Market Sophistication”, “Business Sophistication”, “Human Capital and Research” and “Infrastructure”; and two pillars under the “Innovation Output” sub-index, namely “Knowledge and Technology Outputs” and “Creative Outputs”. Each of the above pillars is further broken down into three sub-pillars.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (September 16) reminded members of the public that new tolls will be implemented for the Aberdeen Tunnel and Shing Mun Tunnels starting from September 21 (Sunday). The fixed toll for all vehicles throughout the day will be adjusted from the existing $5 to $8. The new toll is expected to have minimal impact on traffic, while enabling tunnel operation to largely attain break-even.

     Separately, new charges for metered parking spaces will take effect from September 28 (Sunday). The maximum fee for metered parking will be adjusted from $2 per 15 minutes to $4 per 15 minutes, i.e. a maximum fee of $16 per hour, with a view to increasing the turnover of vehicles using metered parking spaces, so that their supply can better meet the short-term parking needs of motorists. Fees for metered parking spaces for goods vehicles, buses and coaches will remain unchanged at the existing level.

     The TD will update relevant systems to ensure the smooth implementation of new fees and remind motorists of the new fees via the HKeToll and HKeMobility mobile applications respectively. Motorists can also refer to the TD’s webpage on tunnel tolls and parking meters for details.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to August 11 collision between a Chinese PLA destroyer and a coast guard cutter while in pursuit of Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Suluan near Minzhu Reef

Date：2025-08-14
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

August 14, 2025 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses grave concern over the recent incident in the South China Sea near Minzhu Reef, during which a People’s Liberation Army Navy destroyer and a China Coast Guard cutter conducted dangerous maneuvers while in pursuit of a Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel. This aggressive act seriously disrupted regional peace and stability and directly endangered the lives and safety of Philippine coast guard personnel.
 
MOFA is closely following ongoing disputes over islands in the South China Sea and urges all parties to exercise restraint. China, in particular, should not take any actions to escalate the current situation, jeopardize the lives and safety of seafarers, and undermine peace, stability, and the status quo in the South China Sea.
 
MOFA reiterates that South China Sea issues can only be peacefully resolved through appropriate multilateral dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms. Taiwan and other like-minded countries will continue to monitor developments in the South China Sea and work together to uphold regional security and stability.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The CCP distorts history — from WWII to UNGA Resolution 2758 — to push its false “one China” narrative. But the truth is clear:
It was the Republic of China (now in Taiwan) that fought against Japan and fascism. Communist China (PRC) did not even exist at the time.
UNGA Resolution 2758 only resolved the issue of China’s UN seat — it never said Taiwan is part of the PRC.
Australia has already spoken up: both the Australian Senate and NSW Legislative Council passed motions rejecting Beijing’s misinterpretation.
China’s manipulation of history, pressure on UN members, aggression against Taiwan, and retaliation against Australia after COVID show it is an untrustworthy regime.
For peace, stability, and democracy in the Indo-Pacific, the world must stand with Taiwan and resist CCP disinformation, false narratives, and lies.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Taiwan Alumni Association, Sydney, Australia (TAASA) recently held its annual meeting at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney. The current president, the Hon. Chris Rath, MLC, attended in person.
The event began with two highlights reels showcasing TAASA’s activities over the past two years. Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu noted that the purpose of the annual meeting is to reflect on the past and look toward the future. DG Wu expressed special appreciation for President Chris Rath’s leadership—not only for hosting a forum in the NSW Parliament advocating Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, but also for joining numerous official and community events that have deepened Australian friends’ understanding of Taiwan. DG Wu further thanked Hon. Chris Rath for agreeing to serve a second term as TAASA President, expressing confidence that under his leadership, TAASA will continue to grow and further strengthen Taiwan–Australia cooperation and exchange.
President Chris Rath commended TECO’s dedication in promoting Taiwan’s cooperation and exchanges with NSW and Australia, and reaffirmed his support for Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and social progress. TAASA Vice President and NSW Young Liberal President Cooper Gannon, Dr. Mei-Fen Kuo and Roger Huang of Macquarie University, also offered remarks, sharing suggestions and voicing support for TAASA to continue organizing meaningful exchange activities. TECO also presented information on scholarship opportunities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Taiwan Scholarship and the Ministry of Education Scholarship, for TAASA members’ reference.
To give alumni in Australia a taste of authentic Taiwan, TECO prepared Taiwanese-style lunch boxes, drinks, and Taichung’s famous pineapple cakes, allowing everyone to enjoy delicious food while sharing fond memories of life in Taiwan.
TAASA was founded in October 2023 with the aim of providing Australian friends a platform for networking, information sharing, and community building. Worldwide, there are around 80 TAA alumni organizations. The newly elected presidents and members of Taiwanese student associations from major universities in Sydney were also invited to the event to encouraging greater interaction between Taiwanese and Australian youth, and further deepening Taiwan–Australia relations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of Japan

On Friday, August 29, Mr. Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, attended the summit meeting between H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, who was visiting Japan, and Mr. Ishiba Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan.

Source: Government of Japan

On Monday, August 25, Mr. Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and H.E. Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs of the Republic of India, co-chaired the 11th Japan-India Energy Dialogue as a video conference.