Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 21, 2026  No.223  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the representative offices of nine like-minded countries in Taiwan for issuing on May 21 a joint press release reiterating support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly (WHA). 

The press release—published by the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand, Lithuania, and Poland—marks the sixth consecutive year that representative offices of like-minded countries in Taiwan have issued such a joint statement to demonstrate strong support for Taiwan’s participation in WHO and the WHA.

The press release stated that, as the 79th session of the WHA was commencing in Geneva, Taiwan remained largely excluded from the world’s international health system. Pointing out that infectious diseases and health hazards did not respect borders and that global cooperation was required to keep the whole world safe, it explained that Taiwan was a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global health community and had been invited to participate as an observer in WHA meetings from 2009 to 2016.

The press release also highlighted that Taiwan’s distinct public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology could bring considerable value to WHA deliberations. Moreover, Taiwan’s isolation from the WHA, the preeminent global health forum, was entirely unjustified and undermined the spirit of inclusiveness that the world urgently demanded and that was enshrined in the founding documents of the WHO. The press release also stated that Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the fora and technical committees of WHO would bring benefits not just to people in Taiwan but also around the world, and would fully exemplify the WHA’s commitment to “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks friendly countries and allies for continuing to staunchly support Taiwan through concrete action. As of May 20, 26 countries and the European Union had spoken up in support of Taiwan’s participation during the 79th WHA session. 

MOFA also notes that WHO has warned that the recent hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks have become new global public health crises, underscoring the stark reality that disease knows no borders and that the global disease prevention network cannot have any gaps. 

As an indispensable and constructive partner of the global health system, Taiwan will continue to leverage its public health governance capabilities and rich experience in epidemic prevention and control and transnational cooperation so as to further contribute to international medical and health systems. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Land Registry logged 9,434 sale and purchase agreements received for registration for all building units in June, an increase of 10.5% compared with May and up 29.7% year on year.

The total consideration for building unit sale and purchase agreements in June increased 13.7% from the previous month to $82.8 billion, representing a 24.7% year-on-year increase.

A total of 7,650 agreements were for residential units, up 7.2% from the previous month and up 28.5% from a year ago.

The total consideration for residential units was $75.6 billion, an increase of 15.3% compared with the previous month and a rise of 23.8% year on year.

There were 505,404 land register searches last month.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The acrobatic theatre production Starchitects by the UK troupe Motionhouse will make its Hong Kong debut from July 10 to 12. The show will kick off this year’s International Arts Carnival, the summer arts festival presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department.

Winner of the Best Family Arts Activity award at the UK’s Fantastic for Families Awards 2023, Starchitects centres around space exploration. It blends digital projections, gravity-defying choreography and aerial acrobatics to take the audience on a fantasy cosmic journey.

The performances will take place at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre at 7.30pm on July 10 and 11, and at 3pm on July 11 and 12. Meet-the-artist sessions will follow each performance for the audience to share insights with the performers. Tickets are available at URBTIX.

Parent-child acrobatics workshops will be held at the centre at 4pm on July 9 and 11am on July 12, where performers from Motionhouse will teach simple acrobatic tricks. Additionally, the 3pm performance on July 11 will be an accessible show featuring Cantonese audio description and a pre-show touch tour.

Running across July and August, this year’s International Arts Carnival will feature over 100 family-friendly performances and activities. It brings together local, Mainland and overseas talent for events spanning acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia.

The carnival will also offer film screenings, library activities, parent-child workshops, an online programme and exhibitions.  

For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to joint statement by EU and South Korea highlighting importance of cross-strait peace and stability

June 11, 2026  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and commends the joint statement issued on June 10 following the 11th European Union-South Korea summit. The statement emphasized the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific, and conveyed support for freedom of navigation and overflight, including in the South China Sea, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
 
The summit took place in Brussels. It was attended by President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and South Korea President Lee Jae-myung.
 
The statement followed on a joint declaration made in 2023 at the 10th European Union-South Korea summit, in which participants expressed the same position. 
 
Taiwan is located at a critical juncture in the first island chain. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, therefore, are not only vital to regional peace and prosperity but are also foundational to global supply chain stability and international trade.
 
As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to enhance cooperation with like-minded partners to jointly maintain peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific and defend the international rules-based order.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Parliamentary Friendship Groups for Taiwan, the United States and Japan in the New South Wales Parliament jointly hosted an “Indo-Pacific Partners Networking Reception: Celebrating Shared Values and Regional Friendship,” bringing together government leaders, members of the consular corps, academics, media representatives, community leaders, and business executives.
The event was co-chaired by Ms. Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Shadow Minister for Families and Communities and Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for the United States, and Ms. Steph Cooke MP, Shadow Minister for Water and Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Japan. Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu of TECO Sydney attended and delivered remarks alongside Consul-General Osamu Yamanaka of Japan and U.S. Consul-General Jeremy Cornforth, who briefed participants on bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
Among the distinguished guests were representatives from Delta Electronics, ASUS Australia, MSI Australia, Taiwan Power Company, and all nine Taiwanese banks operating in Sydney, reflecting the depth of Taiwan’s economic engagement with New South Wales.
In his remarks, DG Wu noted the following points:

The freedom, security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific are closely interconnected. Taiwan remains committed to strengthening its self-defence capabilities and appreciates the continued support of like-minded partners in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Driven by the AI revolution and global supply chain restructuring, Taiwan’s economy is projected to grow strongly in 2026. Companies such as TSMC, Delta Electronics, ASUS, and MSI are leading global innovation and expanding cooperation with partners including NVIDIA.
Australia and Taiwan maintain complementary trade relations, including energy and infrastructure financing, while Taiwan’s airlines continue to expand direct services between Taipei and major Australian cities. Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem has also expanded internationally, including investments and cooperation in the United States, Japan, Europe, and Latin America.
Taiwan stands ready to deepen cooperation with Australia and other like-minded partners, and looks forward to further strengthening connectivity and economic ties in the region.

U.S. Consul-General Jeremy Cornforth highlighted ongoing cooperation among like-minded partners, including joint digital infrastructure projects in the Pacific and the role of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) in strengthening regional resilience.
Japanese Consul-General Osamu Yamanaka reflected on the long-standing ties between Japan and New South Wales and the significance of the Australia–Japan partnership, while also noting the relevance of Japan’s high-speed rail experience for future infrastructure development discussions.
During the reception, DG Wu presented the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy on behalf of Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Lin Chia-lung to Hon. Anthony Roberts MP and Dr. Hugh McDermott MP in recognition of their longstanding support for Taiwan and contributions to Taiwan–Australia relations.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To better understand the needs and perspectives of the Taiwanese community in Australia, as well as their experiences in daily life, professional development, and community engagement, Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu recently chaired the 2026 Sydney Overseas Community Affairs Forum.
Representatives from Taiwanese community associations and community leaders gathered to exchange views on overseas community affairs, community development, and Australia–Taiwan relations.
DG Wu expressed his sincere appreciation for the community’s longstanding support in strengthening cohesion, preserving Taiwanese culture, and promoting Australia–Taiwan exchanges. He noted that overseas Taiwanese communities serve as an important bridge connecting Taiwan with the international community. Through face-to-face dialogue, he encouraged the exchange of views and suggestions to support community development and enhance Taiwan’s visibility and influence in Australian society.
The forum featured lively discussions and active participation, reflecting a shared commitment to further strengthening Australia–Taiwan friendship and supporting the sustainable development of the Taiwanese community in Australia.
DG Wu thanked all participants for their time and valuable input. The recommendations will be compiled and submitted to the relevant authorities in Taiwan through the attending Overseas Community Affairs Council Commissioners. TECO Sydney will continue working closely with the Taiwanese community to foster unity, strengthen partnerships, and create new opportunities for Australia–Taiwan engagement.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Double Tenth Committee for Sydney’s 115th National Day Celebration held its first planning meeting, bringing together community leaders, Overseas Community Affairs honorary personnel, and representatives of Taiwanese community organisations to discuss this year’s National Day celebration plans.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu thanked the Taiwanese community for its longstanding support and dedication to the National Day celebrations. He noted that Taiwan’s growing national strength has given overseas Taiwanese greater confidence and pride, and reaffirmed TECO Sydney’s full support for the Committee in delivering a successful series of celebrations.
Under the theme “Radiant Taiwan Sydney 2026” and the vision “A Bridge of Light to the World – From Temple Light to the Global Stage,” participants discussed plans for the National Day Reception, cultural performances, and community engagement activities. The celebrations aim to showcase Taiwan’s democracy, cultural diversity, technological innovation, and resilience, while strengthening Australia–Taiwan friendship and helping more Australians gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Japan-Philippines maritime boundary delimitation talks

June 3, 2026  

In response to the recent announcement by Japan and the Philippines that they would launch formal negotiations to delimit maritime boundaries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has instructed Taiwan’s representative offices in Japan and the Philippines to respectively verify details with both governments. Taiwan seeks confirmation that the future negotiation process and outcomes of relevant agreements between the two countries will not affect the sovereign rights afforded to Taiwan in accordance with international law and the law of the sea. Taiwan also seeks assurances that such negotiations will not affect the implementation of existing mechanisms, including the Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Agreement and the Agreement Concerning the Facilitation of Cooperation on Law Enforcement in Fisheries Matters concluded by Taiwan and the Philippines.
 
Taiwan firmly reiterates to both Japan and the Philippines that the Republic of China (Taiwan) enjoys indisputable sovereignty over its territory and related waters and that its sovereign rights under international law and the law of the sea cannot be questioned. Given the high degree of overlap between the area to be negotiated by Japan and the Philippines and Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone off its east coast, Taiwan again calls on both nations to take this fact into account, fully consider Taiwan’s rights and interests, and consult with Taiwan on relevant issues.
 
Regarding the false claims on this matter made by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 2 concerning Taiwan’s sovereignty, MOFA reaffirms that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. China has no right to comment on Taiwan’s policies or position regarding the Japan-Philippines exclusive economic zone delimitation negotiations, much less speak on behalf of Taiwan. 
 
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan has always steadfastly safeguarded its national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. MOFA condemns China’s malicious manipulation of the so-called “one China principle” in this matter to mislead the international community and create the false impression that China has sovereignty over Taiwan and jurisdiction over Taiwan’s relevant waters. Further, Taiwan will not tolerate China’s attempts to undermine regional peace and stability under the pretext of “maritime law enforcement” and through military power projection.
 
MOFA will continue to closely monitor relevant developments and maintain communication with Japan and the Philippines to ensure that Taiwan’s maritime rights and interests and those of its fishers are fully protected.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false online claims regarding Taiwan’s aid to Eswatini and recruitment of migrant workers

May 7, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) firmly refutes recent posts on internet forums that cited a report from the Times of Eswatini, which falsely claimed that Taiwan provided more than NT$24 billion in aid to Eswatini over three months and that it would recruit 1,000 migrant workers from Eswatini annually. This is a classic case of disinformation. The posts have no basis in fact and are not substantiated by any concrete evidence.

MOFA solemnly adds that such posts are deliberately created by individuals who aim to sow discord and spread discriminatory rhetoric, attempting to undermine Taiwan’s relations with its diplomatic allies and damage its international image. In response to the intentional dissemination of disinformation, MOFA will seek to hold those involved legally accountable and continue to collect evidence for use in investigation and prosecution by police authorities.

Taiwan-Eswatini cooperation projects are based on mutual trust and common interests. They are established through consultations between the two governments and tailored to Eswatini’s development needs. Taiwan’s cooperation projects with its diplomatic allies have consistently upheld the principles and spirit of capacity building and mutual assistance for mutual benefit, offering Eswatini access to Taiwan’s competitive industries and development experience and striving to improve the well-being of local people. Furthermore, all budget allocations are subject to strict oversight and review by the Legislative Yuan, with regular auditing mechanisms in place to ensure the efficiency and transparency of project implementation. MOFA urges the public not to believe unverified rumors.

Regarding Taiwan’s assistance with the industrial park project in Eswatini, the core objectives are to boost Eswatini’s economy and help Taiwan enterprises expand globally. Private sector investment is influenced by international trade and regional situations—making it highly variable—and actual implementation is subject to market conditions. The government merely plays a matchmaking and facilitation role. MOFA does not comment on unverified estimates of private investment.

MOFA emphasizes that migrant workers arriving in Taiwan from any country must meet the stringent medical and epidemic prevention standards of the competent authorities. Moreover, all labor cooperation between Taiwan and other countries prioritizes the protection of Taiwan’s national security and public health while also considering such factors as filling labor shortages in specific domestic industries and promoting bilateral professional and technical exchanges.