Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

 

The Government has the obligation to establish an alternative framework for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, following the final decision by the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) and the CFA’s ruling is legally binding.

 

Chief Executive John Lee made the statement in reply to reporters’ questions before attending an Executive Council meeting this morning.

 

“In the case of Sham Tsz-kit v Secretary for Justice, the Court of Final Appeal ruled that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has a positive obligation to establish an alternative framework for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.

 

“The decision made by the CFA is final. The Hong Kong SAR Government cannot contravene the determination of the CFA, and must take appropriate follow-up action.”

 

Mr Lee emphasised that the CFA’s ruling has the force of law and is legally binding on the Government, adding that the Government must not act in violation of the court’s ruling.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive pointed out that under the Basic Law, the Government is responsible for proposing and introducing bills, while the Legislative Council’s duties are to scrutinise, amend, and vote to pass or reject the bills introduced by the authorities.

 

He stated that under the Basic Law, the Judiciary exercises independent adjudication power and LegCo exercises legislative power, with both of them performing their respective constitutional roles.

 

“The Hong Kong SAR Government respects the Judiciary and the LegCo in exercising their respective powers under the Basic law.”

 

In addition to noting that the alternative framework now proposed by the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) complies with the CFA’s judgement, Mr Lee explained that it was formulated by the CMAB after thorough research and full consideration of legal advice.

 

“The Hong Kong SAR Government will make every effort to facilitate LegCo’s scrutiny of the bill introduced by the CMAB, assist LegCo in completing the scrutiny expeditiously, and respect LegCo’s final decision,” he added.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Haitian Foreign Minister Jean-Baptiste

Date：2025-07-09
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

July 9, 2025  
No. 234  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on July 7 for a delegation from the Republic of Haiti led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste and his wife. Minister Lin welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Taiwan government and expressed his anticipation that, based on the deep friendship between the two nations, bilateral exchanges and cooperation would continue to expand.
 
Minister Lin noted that Taiwan and Haiti had maintained diplomatic relations for 69 years and that the two sides had enjoyed fruitful collaboration in a wide range of areas, including food security, medical care, public health, and education. He added that such cooperation had benefited the people of Haiti and earned considerable recognition from the international community. 
 
Furthermore, Minister Lin thanked the Haitian government for voicing support for Taiwan on the international stage, such as at the World Health Assembly and the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He said that the people and government of Taiwan deeply appreciated Haiti’s long-term and staunch backing of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
 
In his remarks, Minister Jean-Baptiste thanked Minister Lin for his warm hospitality. He also took the opportunity to express, on behalf of the people and government of Haiti, gratitude to all sectors of Taiwan for providing humanitarian and food assistance over the years and participating in projects that benefited women, children, and other disadvantaged groups in Haiti. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he looked forward to gaining a better understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development during his visit so as to further deepen the close collaborative relations between the two countries.
 
Minister Lin, Minister Jean-Baptiste, and the other guests at the luncheon exchanged views on Haiti’s current political and social situation, as well as bilateral cooperation. Minister Lin expressed Taiwan’s willingness to continue to work with the Haitian government to help Haiti restore social stability, advance economic prosperity, and bolster national development. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

July 8, 2025  
No. 232  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on July 7 attended the opening of the 2025 International Law Association-American Society of International Law Asia-Pacific Research Forum, where he addressed more than 50 noted international scholars from over 20 nations.
 
In his remarks, Minister Lin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been promoting the policy of integrated diplomacy, which aimed to deepen partnerships with like-minded countries based on the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. He explained that Taiwan had proactively leveraged its diplomatic strengths—consolidating diplomatic ties, expanding its alliance of friendly nations, and integrating the resources of the public and private sectors with the goal of having Taiwan continue to be a Taiwan of the world.
 
Noting the extreme turbulence of international relations and the severe geopolitical challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region, Minister Lin said that in recent years, China had repeatedly challenged the rules-based international order, gravely undermining democracy, the rule of law, human rights, freedom, and even fair trade. He observed that the world’s leading states had gone on alert and that an increasing number of countries had acted by sending warships through the Taiwan Strait, underscoring that the Taiwan Strait constituted international waters and demonstrating the great importance that they attached to the security of the Indo-Pacific region.
 
Minister Lin also pointed out that China had long sought to pressure Taiwan in the international arena, enacting the Anti-Secession Law in 2005 and 22 guidelines on punishing independence in 2024, among other legal warfare tools. He said that China had inappropriately distorted UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, seeking to weaponize the text and transform it into a tool to suppress Taiwan’s international participation and provide cover for an armed invasion. He stated that China had used the resolution as justification for its false claims that Taiwan was a part of China and that the Taiwan Strait was China’s internal waters, adding that such claims were clearly contrary to the facts and to democratic values.
 
Minister Lin noted that in response to China’s efforts to distort UNGA Resolution 2758, last year the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, the European Parliament, and the parliaments of Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic passed resolutions clearly opposing China’s misrepresentations. He said that senior US officials had also publicly expressed a similar position and that the international community had gradually gained an accurate understanding of Resolution 2758—that it neither mentioned Taiwan nor precluded Taiwan’s international participation.
 
Looking back on history, Minister Lin remarked that following the Second World War, the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which was binding under international law, had supplanted the political statements contained in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. He also pointed out that the People’s Republic of China had never governed Taiwan. He said that since the mid-1980s, Taiwan had experienced political liberalization and democratization, leading to the completion of its first direct presidential election in 1996. At that point, he said, the central executive and legislative representatives of government of the Republic of China were all elected by the people of Taiwan—and since then, the Republic of China government had been the sole legitimate government exercising effective rule over Taiwan and representing Taiwan internationally. He added that this underscored the cross-strait status quo that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China existed as equals, with neither being subordinate to the other. He said that the Republic of China (Taiwan) had experienced three changes of governing party—in 2000, 2008, and 2016—that had consolidated the democratic system and helped create a clearer sense of national identity, reflecting the Taiwanese people’s pursuit of and desire for freedom and democracy.
 
Minister Lin went on to explain that, in response to dramatic changes in the international geopolitical landscape and the threat of authoritarian expansion, President Lai Ching-te had issued 17 national security measures. He said that China’s vaulting ambition had alerted the international community to the fact that Taiwan was not subordinate to the PRC. He observed that this had upended China’s cross-strait framework, making the issue of democratic Taiwan and authoritarian China not merely a regional matter, but a question the countries of the world must address together.
 
Minister Lin emphasized that the more secure Taiwan was, the more secure the world would be, and that the stronger Taiwan grew, the more secure the world’s democracies would be. He reiterated that Taiwan was a Taiwan of the world and said that the Republic of China (Taiwan), as a democratic nation and a force for good in the world, had demonstrated that it was part of the global village through the continued application of democratic processes and through its international participation.
 
Concluding his remarks, Minister Lin said that Taiwan would continue to be at the forefront of the global battle against authoritarian expansionism, adding that Taiwan would work with like-minded countries to defend the values of freedom and democracy and ensure regional peace, security, and prosperity. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA extends sympathies following severe flooding in central Texas

Date：2025-07-07
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

July 7, 2025 
No. 231 

The central region of the US state of Texas was recently hit by catastrophic flooding, causing major devastation. More than 80 people are confirmed to have died, including dozens of children, while an unknown number of people remain missing. Flood warnings currently remain in place across certain parts of the region.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) promptly instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston to ascertain whether any Taiwanese nationals had been affected. It also instructed the office to convey condolences and sympathies to the government of Texas on behalf of the government of Taiwan and emphasize that Taiwan would be glad to offer assistance.
 
According to information currently available to TECO Houston, no Taiwanese nationals have been identified among the dead, injured, or stranded as a result of the flooding. MOFA and TECO Houston will closely follow developments, maintain contact with the relevant Texan agencies, and provide assistance if needed. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki began his visit to Hainan Province by meeting officials there and touring the Hainan Chronicles Museum along with the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform.

 

Mr Chan first met Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Hainan Provincial Committee Party Secretary and Chairman Li Rongcan in Haikou to exchange views on the latest developments in the two places, and discuss promoting and deepening the partnership between Hong Kong and Hainan Province.

 

Mr Chan said that there is a frequent flow of people, logistics and capital between the two places, and with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two governments in March this year, the exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan Province will be closer in future.

 

He stressed that Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and will work with Hainan Province to achieve results attributable to the two places’ advantages, deepen economic, trade and cultural exchanges, and make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.

 

Mr Chan then visited the Hainan Chronicles Museum to learn about the patriotic and revolutionary tradition education work there as well as the construction and development progress of the Hainan Special Economic Zone and Hainan as an international tourism island.

 

Afterwards, he departed for Wenchang to meet CPC Wenchang Municipal Committee Secretary Wang Peng.

 

Mr Chan introduced the latest situation of Hong Kong, and exchanged views with Mr Wang on further promoting exchanges between the two places and exploring more co-operation and development opportunities.

 

The Chief Secretary visited the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform to join a science exploration activity of the Hainan Aerospace Science & Research Study Tour under the Strive & Rise Programme.

 

While there, he engaged with the participants and encouraged them to grasp this valuable learning opportunity to learn and understand the country’s robust developments and significant achievements in the field of aerospace.

 

He also encouraged the participants to continue to work hard in the future to cultivate a sense of contributing to the country and serving the society, and become a new generation with a sense of social responsibility and contributions.

 

Mr Chan added that he believes the experience of joining the meaningful aerospace science and research study tour will boost the participants’ sense of patriotism and national pride.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong cinema is taking centre stage at this year’s New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) with the “Hong Kong Panorama” series, a curated showcase of 10 dynamic films being presented with support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO).

     A star-studded award presentation was held prior to the North American premiere of “Last Song For You” this evening (July 14, New York time) at the esteemed Film at Lincoln Center. The film’s lead actor, Ekin Cheng, was honoured with the prestigious Star Asia Award, recognising his legendary contributions across film, television, and music, as well as his enduring impact on Hong Kong’s popular culture.

     Cheng’s co-star Natalie Hsu received the Screen International Rising Star Award, highlighting her breakout performances and her bright future on the global stage.

     The New York ETO hosted a special reception before the award presentation in honour of the visiting Hong Kong film talent participating in this year’s Festival. Among them are actors, directors, and creatives whose work is helping to shape the next chapter of Hong Kong cinema.

     Speaking at the reception, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the lineup for this year’s Festival. “This year we’re proud to showcase 10 diverse Hong Kong films, from romantic comedies and crime thrillers to powerful action dramas. Over half of them are having their North American premieres right here at NYAFF – proof that Hong Kong cinema continues to innovate, inspire, and resonate across borders,” she said.

     Ms Ho added that four of these films are marking directorial debuts. They are: Jill Leung’s “Last Song For You”; Jack Lai’s “Possession Street”; Trevor Choi’s “Smashing Frank”; and “Valley of the Shadow of Death” by Jeffrey Lam and Antonio Tam. 

      “Three films, ‘Last Song For You’, ‘Papa’ and ‘Possession Street’, were made possible with support from the Hong Kong Film Development Fund. It’s this mix of rising talent and strong institutional backing that keeps our film industry vibrant, evolving, and ready for the world stage,” she added.

     Ms Ho went on to extend warm congratulations to the honourees. She praised Cheng for his 37-year career and for helping shape the cultural DNA of Hong Kong entertainment, and lauded Hsu as a gifted and dynamic artist representing the bold future of Hong Kong cinema.

     To further honour Cheng’s legacy, the NYAFF held a special retrospective screening of his iconic film “Young and Dangerous”, celebrating the blockbuster’s 30th anniversary and its enduring impact on a generation of filmmakers and audiences.

     In addition to Cheng and Hsu, a stellar delegation of Hong Kong filmmakers are attending this year’s NYAFF. They include actor George Au actress Hedwig Tam, directors Oliver Chan, Trevor Choi, Jack Lai, Jeffrey Lam, Jill Leung, Antonio Tam, Adam Wong, and composer Chan Kwong-wing – all showcasing the creative talent propelling Hong Kong cinema into the future.

     Adding to this year’s celebration, acclaimed Chinese-American actress Lisa Lu was presented with both the Trailblazer Award and the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring her groundbreaking career and indelible contributions to cinema across the United States, and Greater China including Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: 

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting tomorrow (July 16) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.
 
     The Second Reading debates on the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 and the Supplementary Medical Professions (Amendment) Bill 2025 will also resume. If the Bills are supported by Members and receive their Second Reading, they will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bills and their reports are adopted by the Council, the Bills will be set down for the Third Reading.
 
     Meanwhile, the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.
 
     On Member’s Bill, the Hong Kong Baptist University (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.
 
     On Members’ motions, Mr Chan Hak-kan will move a motion on reviewing the priorities for public works to ensure enhanced speed and efficiency of key projects. The motion is set out in Appendix 1. Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Gary Zhang, Mr Adrian Ho, Mr Tony Tse and Mr Dennis Leung will move separate amendments to Mr Chan Hak-kan’s motion.
 
     Mr Frankie Yick will also move a motion on building an elderly-friendly living environment. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Tang Ka-piu, Mr Stanley Li and Mr Tommy Cheung will move separate amendments to Mr Frankie Yick’s motion.
 
     During the meeting, Mr Chan Kin-por and Mr Steven Ho will present the “Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Annual Report 2024 and Reports of ICAC Advisory Committees” and the “ICAC Complaints Committee Annual Report 2024” respectively, and address the Council.
 
     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
 
     The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Chien-Hsin Lai visited Taipower’s Datan Power Plant and CPC Corporation’s Datan Gas Distribution Station today (May 6) to receive briefings from both Taipower and CPC Corporation (hereinafter CPC). Vice Minister Lai expressed concern over the progress of the new power generating units at the Datan Power Plant and the gas supply testing linked to CPC’s Third LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Terminal. He stressed that all risk control measures must be rigorously implemented during testing to keep this critical infrastructure operating smoothly. He also thanked on-site staff for their dedication in safeguarding Taiwan’s electricity supply.

Taipower emphasized that the Datan Power Plant is a key power source for northern Taiwan. To meet rising electricity demand, Taipower began building new gas-fired combined-cycle units in 2017, adding three units with a total installed capacity of 3.16 GW. Units 8 and 9 were connected to the grid last year, and Unit 7 is on track to come online before the summer peak, helping deliver stable, low-carbon electricity.

Currently, natural gas for the Datan Power Plant is supplied through CPC’s Taichung LNG Terminal. To strengthen supply resilience, CPC has successfully completed the initial gas supply phase from its Third LNG Terminal, establishing a dual-source gas supply system for the Datan Power Plant. This ensures robust backup for the new generating units, enabling full-capacity operation and significantly enhancing the grid’s overall power supply capability.

Taipower added that with the operating license for Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 set to expire this year, the Company proactively planned for replacement capacity and launched its large-scale gas-fired unit construction plan years ago to meet electricity demand. In addition to Datan Unit 7, Hsinta New Units 1 and 2 and Taichung New Unit 1 will also come online this year, providing a combined installed capacity of 4.8 GW, far exceeding the 0.95 GW of Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2.

Looking ahead, Taipower cooperates with the government to conduct annual reviews of national power supply and demand, fully factoring in all unit retirements and projected future growth in electricity demand. The Company prioritizes expanding renewable energy while adding new gas-fired power capacity to ensure stable supply. From 2024 to 2033, Taipower plans a net increase of 17.86 GW in installed capacity from large-scale units, exceeding the projected demand growth of 11.51 GW, to ensure sufficient electricity for the public.

Spokesperson: Vice President Chih-Meng Tsai
Tel: (02 )2366-6271/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Director of the Power Dispatch Department Fang-Cheng Chou
Tel: (02 )2366-6600/0952-810-417
Email: u027007@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Director of the Power Development Department Ke-Hung Hu
Tel: (02 )2366-6850/0919-272-789
Email: u064321@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Director of the Power Generation Department Yu-Hua Sun
Tel: (02 )2366-6500/0928-158-862
Email: u217063@taipower.com.tw