Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Fellow Koreans, the Honorable Speaker Woo Won-shik and distinguished members of the National Assembly,

I stand here with a profound sense of urgency, determined to safeguard our economy and the lives of our people from the grave crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.

It has been thirty-four days since the war broke out.

Widely seen as the worst energy security threat in history, this crisis has delivered a shock to the global economy. Uncertainty over when it will end has made the economic repercussions even worse.

With the global economy faltering, I am concerned that the flame of economic growth that we have worked so hard to rekindle may flicker out.

After our benchmark KOSPI index surpassed 5,000 points, our economy was poised for renewed growth thanks to the strong performance of our globally competitive businesses, including in the semiconductor and shipbuilding sectors. However, due to the war in the Middle East, we are facing an unexpected polycrisis.

Oil supply disruptions have driven sharp increases in gasoline and diesel prices. Shortages of such raw materials as naphtha and urea are posing a threat to a wide range of people’s livelihoods, including the production of plastic bags and other plastic products as well as fertilizers.

Above all, we must steel ourselves for stronger, more thorough responses since this situation may not end soon.

A state of emergency requires extraordinary measures, indeed.

Aware that this grave situation is nothing less than a state of war for the people’s livelihoods and the economy, my administration is doing everything possible to overcome the challenges we face.

We have put the entire government, including Cheong Wa Dae, on an emergency economic response system. We are fully preparing for all possible scenarios by conducting rigorous analyses of external risks.

For the first time in twenty-nine years, we have swiftly adopted an oil price cap system. We have been also ramping up our monitoring of supply and demand for naphtha and urea while implementing a broad range of measures to ease the burden on ordinary citizens and minimize economic shocks, including through government-backed financing support for affected businesses.

We are also making every effort to diversify our oil supply sources, including by working with the UAE to secure twenty-four million barrels of crude oil.

Looking back at past crises, the longer it took us to promptly respond to unforeseen external shocks, the more exponential the damage was to our economy and people.

Drawing on the lessons we have learned, we will respond proactively – with even worst-case scenarios in mind – by carefully examining the potential impact on the overall economy and people’s daily lives.

In this connection, I would like to personally explain to the people the reasons and key points of the government’s 2026 supplementary budget proposal – prepared with great urgency – and seek the National Assembly’s swift cooperation.

The government’s inherent responsibility is to direct taxpayer funds where most needed, in a timely manner.

Guided by the principle that the socially vulnerable require stronger protection in trying times and firmly resolved to seize the window of opportunity for economic recovery, we have prepared a supplementary budget proposal totaling 26.2 trillion won.

This budget is designed to channel bold investments where most needed in response to the crisis triggered by the Middle East war, while ensuring that the burden is not passed on to our people and the economy.

In particular, I would like to make it clear that this is a debt-free supplementary budget and will not require the issuance of government bonds. It is thanks to the help of all of you here, members of the National Assembly, that the economic situation has been gradually improving.

It will be financed through 25.2 trillion won in surplus tax revenue generated by booms in the stock market and semiconductor sector, along with 1 trillion won from internal fund resources.

Allow me now to outline the details of this supplementary budget proposal.

First, we will invest over 10 trillion won in a tripartite package to ease the hardships and burdens caused by high oil prices for the public.

We have allocated 5 trillion won in specific reserve funds to ensure the smooth operation of the current oil price cap system and to respond to fluctuations in exchange rates and fuel costs.

We will introduce a new “energy cost relief payment” to give citizens breathing room as they struggle under the twin burdens of high energy costs and inflation.

Approximately thirty-six million people – those in the lower seventy percent income bracket – will each receive at least 100,000 won and up to 600,000 won, contingent on income level, with additional consideration given to residents of less-central areas.

The payment will be provided as local currency vouchers aimed at supporting local small business owners and the self-employed, and helping economic revitalization.

We will also bolster energy welfare support for low-income households and vulnerable groups including farmers and fishery workers, the ones most directly affected by high energy prices.

Among low-income beneficiaries of the energy voucher program, 200,000 households that use kerosene or LPG will receive an additional 50,000 won. We have also significantly expanded subsidies linked to oil prices, as well as support for purchases of fertilizer and feed by farmers and fishery workers.

In addition, the reimbursement rate for the nationwide public transportation subsidy program K-Pass has been hiked to help make transportation more affordable for ordinary citizens.

Second, we have put in place a 2.8 trillion won package of livelihood stabilization measures to provide strong support for those facing economic hardship.

Crises affect the vulnerable more severely. This is why it is important to provide stronger protection for those who bear the initial brunt of a crisis.

We will establish more donation-based food banks that provide free basic food and daily necessities, doubling their number from 150 to 300, to help prevent people from taking their own lives or turning to crime.

The government will provide more than 300 billion won in additional funds to small-business owners facing hardships and will offer the Hope Return Package to 8,000 additional businesses that have been forced to close, in order to help them start over.

By significantly expanding the amount of support provided for the settlement of unpaid wages and increasing employment retention subsidies, we will help workers secure stable livelihoods and ensure that any sudden employment shocks are dealt with proactively.

We will expand the rural basic income program to additional areas to significantly ease the difficulties brought about by depopulation and an aging population.

Moreover, we will give greater attention to the issue of a K-shaped economy – widening polarization across social groups, generations and industries.

In particular, this crisis is bound to hit young people at the start of their careers especially hard.

An important part of the solution will be creating more jobs by helping expand the number of entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

We will invest 400 billion won in the “Entrepreneurship for All” project and make strong efforts to build science-centered startup cities in order to make the startup boom a nationwide phenomenon.

For young people who have left the workforce, we will launch the K-New Deal Academy – a vocational training program run in partnership with large corporations – to help them find the confidence to embrace new challenges. We will lower the threshold for the “National Employment Support Program,” offering a broader range of opportunities so that even those without prior work experience can remain hopeful and prepare for a new job.

In addition, we will launch a broader selection of discount programs for agricultural, livestock and fishery products, as well as for performances, movies and other cultural activities; holiday travel; and places of accommodation. Through these measures, we will provide support to industries expected to face hardships due to the current situation.

Third, we will spend 2.6 trillion won on minimizing the damage to our industries and stabilizing the supply chains that directly affect our economic security.

We will be able to safeguard our economy’s future only if our export companies and hard-hit industries stand resilient and successfully weather the current crisis.

We will provide them with steadfast backing by significantly increasing our logistics and financial assistance.

We will double the number of companies eligible for export vouchers, increasing the number of beneficiaries to 14,000. And we will offer an additional 7.1 trillion won in export financing and 280 billion won in low-interest funding for the tourism industry to ensure that businesses avoid a credit crunch.

After overcoming this crisis, we must establish a foothold so that our economy can make a new leap forward.

Most of all, taking this energy crisis as both a lesson and an opportunity, we will expedite the renewables-centered energy transition.

We will increase renewable energy-related loans and subsidies to a record high 1.1 trillion won in total. We will also raise the number of “sunshine income villages” substantially, from about 150 to 700. Residents of these villages participate directly in the installation and operation of solar power plants.

To improve industry fundamentals, we will introduce more artificial intelligence innovations at industrial and manufacturing sites while also boldly investing in the development of next-generation growth engines for carbon-neutral industries.

To ease the burden on the culture and arts industries, we will increase the state-backed financing for content, culture and arts industries and provide solid support for shoring up our creative foundation, which underpins K-culture.

We will also invest 700 billion won in securing a stable supply of petroleum and core strategic resources.

In addition, we will establish a robust supply chain by expanding support for building up our oil stockpiles and naphtha supply – the lifeblood of our petrochemical industry. We will also establish a fair oil distribution system by disclosing price information and thoroughly monitoring illegal activities.

Finally, we will let local governments take the initiative and play a key role in overcoming this crisis.

We will assist local governments in their efforts to surmount the crisis by providing 9.5 trillion won for local investment funds, including through local subsidies and grants.

Esteemed citizens, distinguished members of the National Assembly,

The crisis we face is not a passing shower. It is a storm whose end we cannot yet see. That is what makes the crisis so grave.

Even if the war were to end tomorrow, restoring the Middle East’s damaged energy infrastructure and returning supply to normal will take considerable time.

Because we do not know when this crisis will end, we must adopt a long-term perspective. This will help us prevail over the current crisis and prepare for the future.

Above all, we need the unified strength of our people. Now more than ever, we must be ready to share the burden and face this crisis together.

If we save even a single drop of oil, avoid wasting even a single plastic bag, show consideration for one another and commit ourselves to overcoming this together, we will pass through this tunnel safely and swiftly.

The government and I, together with all public servants, will lead with a sense of utmost urgency and resolve.

We will respond firmly, with zero tolerance, to those who exploit this crisis for unfair gain through price-fixing, hoarding, or similar acts.

I earnestly ask all citizens to actively take part in energy conservation in daily life, by using public transportation, reducing electricity use, and taking every possible step.

Our people have overcome many national crises and turned them into opportunity. I ask that we once again show that strength.

Let us conserve together, share the burden together, and overcome this crisis together.

I also respectfully ask for the cooperation of Speaker Woo Won-shik and all members of the National Assembly.

Please come together and fully support the prompt passage of this supplementary budget, which is essential to overcoming this crisis.

This budget will serve as both a breakwater protecting the people from the waves of crisis, and as a foundation for the Republic of Korea to rise again.

We must resolve this crisis, triggered by the Middle East war, with wisdom – turning it into an opportunity to strengthen our economic fundamentals and place our economy on unshakable ground.

Whether we succeed or fail depends on speed. I ask for bipartisan cooperation to ensure this budget is passed without delay.

In this national crisis, I hope to see the government and the National Assembly, the ruling and opposition parties alike, join hands and move forward with a single purpose: to serve the people and the nation.

Thank you for listening. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

With the Government driving innovation across departments to boost efficiency, step forward “Intelligent Arm”, a multifunctional welding robot developed by the Water Supplies Department (WSD), which recently won a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva.

The robot’s remarkable capabilities allow it to perform precision welding inside water pipes, reducing the need for human workers to operate in such confined and hazardous spaces.

WSD Senior Engineer John Louie said Intelligent Arm offers three key advantages: high precision, enabling work at any position; high efficiency, allowing for prolonged operations and unhindered progress; and improved safety, as the robot can function in difficult, hazardous positions that typically expose welders to adverse conditions.

Working smarter

Intelligent Arm truly lightens the department’s workload – just like another piece of equipment known as “Smart Drone”.

WSD Mechanical Engineer David Ling explained that the drone is equipped with a satellite system for precise sampling, with routes and sampling points able to be pre‑planned before flight. Its water‑sampling container can descend to water surfaces to collect samples, making the process much faster than traditional boat-based methods.

It also carries a high‑resolution visual camera and an infrared camera for routine reservoir inspections, significantly improving efficiency and safety.

Six-legged friend

To safeguard facility security, meanwhile, the WSD has introduced the six-legged “Smart Inspection Robot Dog”.

“Six legs are more stable, by what we observed when it is going across high hills or going up stairs,” remarked WSD Electrical Engineer Anthony Kwan. “The performance is much better than four legs.”

The robot dog carries a high‑definition camera that flags abnormalities to the control room, and a gas detector that identifies hazardous gases, allowing staff to keep away from dangerous areas during inspections.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today concluded a two-day visit to Shaanxi Province, where he met local leaders to discuss closer ties in cultural exchanges, education and innovation and technology.

Yesterday, Mr Chan called on Secretary of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee Zhao Yide to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Shaanxi. The meeting was also attended by Xu Qifang, Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

Mr Chan noted that since the 2024 signing of the Strengthening Hong Kong/Shaanxi Co-operation Agreement and several memoranda of understanding – covering legal services, innovation and technology, education and tourism – joint efforts by both places have yielded fruitful results with the support of the central government.

He added that both sides will continue to strengthen co-operation, particularly in cultural, educational and technological sectors, to achieve complementary advantages in the future.

During the meeting, Mr Chan thanked the Shaanxi Provincial People’s Government for inviting him to the Ching Ming Festival memorial ceremony for the legendary Huang Di.

He highlighted the event’s significance in connecting descendants of the Yan and Huang emperors from around the world to worship the first mythical ruler together, passing on the virtues of treasuring Chinese historical legacy.

Mr Chan noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s participation helps citizens gain a deeper understanding of the origins of Chinese civilisation, fostering a stronger sense of national identity and belonging.

He also expressed hope for strengthening co-operation with Shaanxi on patriotic education to help the younger generation in Hong Kong better identify with the nation and Chinese culture.

Mr Chan concluded his visit after attending the memorial ceremony this morning and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at the 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress today (April 3):
 
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Welcome to Hong Kong and to the 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress.
 
     This is the first time that a China national medical conference is held in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
 
     Under the constitutional advantage of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has always served as a gateway for interchange between Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.
 
     As an international hub for medical innovation and high-level talents, Hong Kong serves as the ideal platform to facilitate international participation in these national conferences for mutual benefits.
 
     Apart from a fruitful academic exchange, I wish you a most enjoyable stay in this Asia’s world city, with the world’s number one airport, number one hotel, number one bar and Asia’s number one restaurant and many more attractions. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Transport Department today (April 5) reminded members of the public that the 76th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (April 6) to 11.59pm on April 9, and the ballot result will be announced on April 10.
 
Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated application period.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (April 4) and seized about 4.4 kilograms of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $2.9 million.
 
A 20-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia, today. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found about 4.4kg of suspected heroin inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
 
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on April 6.
 
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
 
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
 
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

​The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) made the following statement today (April 4) regarding the suspected incident of patient data being leaked on a third-party platform:
 
The HA’s routine monitoring system detected at around 2am yesterday (April 3) a suspected case of patient data being taken without authorisation and leaked on a third-party platform. The HA promptly reported the matter to the Police and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in the morning, and will fully co-operate with the Police investigation and actions.
 
The more than 56 000 patients involved in the incident are from the Kowloon East Cluster. The leaked data contains information including patients’ names, gender, Hong Kong identity card numbers, hospital file numbers, and details of surgical procedures.
 
The HA sincerely apologises to the affected patients and will take all practicable measures to minimise the impact on patients. The HA will notify the affected patients via the “HA Go” mobile application, mail and phone calls as soon as possible. The Kowloon East Cluster has also set up a dedicated hotline at 5215 7326 for patient enquiries. The hotline operates Monday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm. Patients may also leave messages outside of hotline operating hours and staff will respond as soon as possible.
 
The HA takes cybersecurity very seriously, and has conducted a thorough review of its internal network systems upon discovering the incident, confirming that the systems are operating normally and securely, with no indication of a cyberattack or similar factors. The HA immediately suspended the contractor’s system maintenance work.
 
The HA has been continuously implementing various measures to strengthen its healthcare systems, including ongoing enhancements to cybersecurity safeguards, user security awareness, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, as well as network monitoring and incident response capabilities. The HA will also collaborate with law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity organisations to enhance cybersecurity, so as to ensure appropriate protection of hospital operations, patient services, and personal data security. The HA also urges affected patients to remain vigilant and be alert to whether their personal data may be used for other purposes, take steps to protect their personal data such as changing passwords, and seek police assistance if necessary.   

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Hong Kong International Airport and Yau Ma Tei respectively on April 1 and yesterday (April 2), and seized a total of about 3.1 kilograms of suspected ketamine, about 1.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine and about 1.7 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with a total estimated market value of about $3.4 million. Two persons suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.

In the first case, a 43-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand on April 1. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 3.1 kilograms of suspected ketamine concealed inside food packaging in his baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

In the second case, during an anti-narcotics operation conducted in Yau Ma Tei on April 2, Customs officers intercepted a 41-year-old man and later escorted him to a hotel room nearby for a search and seized about 1.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine, about 1.7 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, a drug inhaling apparatus and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested persons have been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug respectively and will appear at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 4). 

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The third National Security Education Study Tour organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government concluded and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon (April 3). This year’s study tour was impressively large in scale, comprising 187 principals, teachers and students (including 17 non-Chinese speaking students) from 30 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong. Members of the study tour were primarily from the winning school teams, their coaching principals and teachers in the Territory-wide Inter-School National Security Knowledge Challenge, jointly organised by the Department of Justice, the Security Bureau, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation.

The study tour departed for Beijing on March 28. The primary school group completed their tour and returned to Hong Kong on April 1, while the secondary school group proceeded to Nanjing on the same day and returned today. The Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, Mr Au Chi-kwong, accompanied the study tour to Beijing on March 28, while the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation, Mr Lam Kwok-hing, joined the study tour on March 29. On March 30, members of the study tour were warmly received by the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Nong Rong.

The itinerary included the study tour having been invited to ascend the viewing stands of the Tiananmen Square where they watched the national flag-raising ceremony with the military band playing music on April 1. They also visited the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass, the Museum of the Communist Party of China, the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Zhongguancun Science and Technology Exhibition Center, the China Science and Technology Museum, the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, the Jiangsu National Security Education Museum, and an enterprise, Nanjing Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd. Additionally, the students engaged in exchange activities with teachers and students at the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and Zhongguancun No.3 Primary School Science and Technology Park Campus, Beijing.

The students were fully engaged throughout the tour, not only actively participating in various activities but also proactively probing and boldly asking questions. Through their observations and learning, they have deepened their understanding of the country’s development and national affairs, gained a better grasp of the significance of national security, and strengthened their sense of national identity and responsibility. During the school exchange, the students were captivated by the Mainland diverse and interactive teaching methods and were deeply touched by the enthusiasm of local students. After the exchange, they became friends and further exchanged contact information to develop their friendships.

Chiu, a student from Po Leung Kuk Tin Ka Ping Primary School, expressed that when visiting the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, she was deeply moved by the valour of our pioneers in fighting against the enemy whilst our country was under invasion. She said that she would certainly share her reflections with her friends and parents and looks forward to visiting the Museum again with her parents. Zhang, a student from Pui Kiu Middle School, recalling his viewing experience on the stands of the Tiananmen Square, expressed that watching the extra-large national flag rise gradually in the morning light, coupled with the imposing presence and resounding footsteps of the Guard of Honour, has given him a great sense of appreciation about the Motherland’s strength and made him proud of being Chinese. Eiman, a non-Chinese-speaking student from Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College, noted that the study tour helped him realise that social stability and security are essential prerequisites for national development. He also reflected that other countries could look to China’s development model as a reference for seeking happiness for their people.

Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan encouraged students to live by the exploratory spirit of combining reading and travelling, and to deepen their understanding of the history and the current state of the Motherland. He also called on the students to make the best use of the study tour to appreciate the country’s history and cultures, its scientific and technological development, and current national affairs, in order that they can better equip themselves and contribute to the Motherland and Hong Kong in future.

Mr Au expected that students would grasp four key points during the tour: security is of paramount importance to any country; the Communist Party of China shoulders the mission of rejuvenating the Chinese nation; a holistic approach to national security should be fully implemented; and ensuring both development and security is of great importance. Mr Au hoped that students of the study tour, through field learning and exchange with the Mainland counterparts, would take pride in the country’s latest development, feel proud of being Chinese, and strengthen their confidence and determination in safeguarding national security.

The HKSAR Government would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR for their wholehearted support, and also to the relevant authorities in Beijing and Nanjing for their warm hospitality. Thanks to them, members of the study tour returned with a wealth of enriching experiences, and the students have gained unforgettable and fond memories that will profoundly shape their personal growth.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region