Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes Australian and German defense ministers’ joint statement supporting cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2026-03-28
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

March 28, 2026  
No. 117  

Following the Australia-Germany defense ministers’ meeting on March 26, the two countries issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposing unilateral actions that alter the status quo. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and affirms this statement.

Taiwan, Australia, and Germany are like-minded countries that share the common values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. The joint statement once again demonstrates that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the Indo-Pacific region has become an international consensus. Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded countries to safeguard the rules-based international order and jointly promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to European Parliament’s adoption of a report calling for greater EU cooperation with Taiwan

Date：2026-03-28
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

March 28, 2026  On March 26, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the report Global Gateway-past impacts and future orientation. The report calls on the European Union to strengthen cooperation with like-minded partners including Taiwan to construct a resilient web of trusted connectivity. It further emphasizes that the Global Gateway strategy is an alternative to China’s Belt and Road initiative and if properly applied  could restore the EU’s industrial competitiveness and counterbalance China’s growing influence.As authoritarian countries continue to expand their influence through opaque financing and infrastructure initiatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to deepen collaboration with the European Union and other like-minded partners under the banner of integrated diplomacy. This will allow for the joint promotion of modes of cooperation that are in keeping with democratic values. This will promote regional development and prosperity and further strengthen the security and resilience of global democratic partnerships. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Japan and EU reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait at third EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue

Date：2026-03-27
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

March 27, 2026High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union Kaja Kallas and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi jointly held the third EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue in France on March 26. During the talks, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts in the East China Sea and South China Sea aimed at changing the status quo by force or coercion, as well as to increased tensions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order.Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and appreciates the fact that the European Union, the Group of Seven, and other like-minded partners continue to express concern over peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that Taiwan will continue to work with all democratic partners to jointly defend the international rules-based order and staunchly safeguard peace, stability, prosperity, and development across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A major focus of the work of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is in enticing companies from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to explore international business opportunities through Hong Kong. Biopharmaceutical companies focused on advanced therapeutic products (ATP) are a key target sector in this endeavour.

Frank Su founded a Mainland-based biopharma technology company in 2016. Boasting research and development (R&D) centres in both the Chinese Mainland and the US, the company concentrates on pioneering cell therapy projects.

Recognising Hong Kong’s strong intellectual property protections and the exceptional R&D standards of its medical schools, in 2024 Mr Su opted to establish a new R&D base at the Hong Kong Science Park. In doing so, he was able to leverage both robust science and technology support from the Government, and the city’s progressive talent policies.

Policy support

“The biopharma or biotech industry is highly driven by talent and capital,” Mr Su remarked. “To enhance the ecosystem for the sector, companies require increased investment. Programmes like the Clinical Translational Catalyst from the Science Park, and the Research Talent Hub, can facilitate smoother transitions for our company and peers. These initiatives are crucial for reducing investment risks and boosting our long-term confidence in Hong Kong.”

Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences at InvestHK Andy Wong stressed that one major attraction for firms is that Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical standards facilitate seamless access to global markets. In particular, he highlighted that the city amended the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance in 2020, mandating that ATP clinical trials and manufacturing must adhere to global standards under the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).

Global pathway

Mr Wong explained: “In 2016, the Pharmacy & Poisons Board of Hong Kong became a participating authority of PIC/S. If a company conducts clinical trials in Hong Kong, the results will be recognised by other PIC/S members, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This recognition is why many Mainland companies choose Hong Kong for clinical trials and product development, as it provides a pathway to global markets.”

On April 17, InvestHK will host a forum on ATP, at which government officials will explain the latest regulations and industry experts will gather to discuss the benefits of PIC/S, recent ATP developments, and how firms can leverage the PIC/S system to expand their global operations.

Mr Wong emphasised that department opens doors to growth and innovation by offering comprehensive support to companies looking to set up, expand, and scale in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs today (April 2) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 25 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $10 million.

A female passenger, aged 39, arrived in Hong Kong from Prague, the Czech Republic, via Seoul, Korea, late last night (April 1). During customs clearance in the early hours today, Customs officers found about 25kg of suspected ketamine, concealed in food packages, in her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.

After investigation, the arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on 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.

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 Information Services

On his last day of visit to Beijing, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, leading a delegation, called on CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong. The meeting was attended by Executive Deputy Director of CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Xu Qifang.

Mr Chan thanked Mr Xia for his guidance on the planning and construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT), and briefed him on the delegation’s visit to the Ningbo Higher Education Park, Xiasha Higher Education Park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang University International Campus (Haining), Beijing Municipal Administrative Center, and Xiong’an New Area in Hebei.

The visits and exchanges provided practical insights for the NMUT’s top-level design, thereby helping Hong Kong advance the integration of academic excellence with industry, and promote industrial development through education, Mr Chan stressed.

He added that the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town will continue to push forward the NMUT’s development in proactive alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, helping Hong Kong better serve national development.

During the meeting, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin also reported on her work.

Mr Chan and other members of the delegation returned to Hong Kong this afternoon. Ms Choi continued her visit in the capital and will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today that a third round of seven evidential hearings, at witnesses will give oral evidence, will be held on the following days:

1. April 20 (Monday)
2. April 21 (Tuesday)
3. April 22 (Wednesday)
4. April 23 (Thursday)
5. April 24 (Friday)
6. April 27 (Monday)
7. April 30 (Thursday)

The hearings will be conducted in Cantonese from 10am to 1pm and from 2.15pm to 4.30pm at the Multi-purpose Hall, 3/F, City Gallery, 3 Edinburgh Place, Central. Simultaneous interpretation in Putonghua and English will be provided.

Those wishing to attend, including Wang Fuk Court residents, are required to pre-register online from 10am on April 8 to 10am on April 11.

Registrants may select one or more sessions. Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis according to the system’s record of the time the pre-registration forms are received.

Successful registrants will receive a confirmation issued by the committee secretariat no later than April 16. They will get an SMS notification from the sender name “#IC-hearing”, or an email from hearing@ic-wangfukcourtfire.gov.hk.

The proceedings will be broadcast live in transmission areas set up on the ground floor of City Gallery as well as at the Hong Kong Central Library’s Lecture Theatre. Some registrants may be assigned to observe the hearings in these two areas. A total of about 360 seats will be available for public observation in the main venue and the two transmission areas. About half of the seats will be set aside for Wang Fuk Court residents on a priority basis.

Individuals can only pre-register for each hearing day once. Duplicate registrations will not be processed.

The committee plans to hold additional hearings in May, details of which will be announced later.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today filed an application with the Court of First Instance of the High Court for forfeiture of Lai Chee-ying’s offence-related properties, to achieve the important objectives of preventing and suppressing acts and activities endangering national security.

The Court of First Instance earlier convicted Lai Chee-ying of three charges of offences endangering national security. 

In a statement, the Government said the application was made in accordance with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) and the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Implementation Rules).

According to Article 32 of the HKNSL, proceeds obtained from the commission of an offence under the Law including financial aid, gains and rewards, and funds and tools used or intended to be used in the commission of the offence shall be seized and confiscated.

The application for and issuance of a forfeiture order must comply with the strict conditions set out in Schedule 3 to the Implementation Rules.

The Court of First Instance may order the forfeiture only if it is satisfied, after an application is made by the Secretary for Justice, that the property to be forfeited meets relevant conditions.

The Government said the Hong Kong SAR is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that “laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable”.

It noted that applying to the court for a forfeiture order is one of the effective means to combat serious crimes and protect the public interest, adding that laws and mechanisms for forfeiture of offence-related properties are commonly found around the world.

The statement also pointed out that a forfeiture order made for the purpose of safeguarding national security can prevent persons convicted of offences endangering national security, their accomplices or agents from continuing to use their offence-related properties to engage in acts and activities endangering national security, so as to cut off the funding chains for offences endangering national security and to weaken their capacity to commit offences endangering national security.

The Government reiterated that it will, as always, steadfastly and strictly adhere to the principle of the rule of law, stay committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to justice.

The Government will also effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while protecting the lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents and other people in Hong Kong, the statement added.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets Global Taiwan Institute media delegation
On the morning of March 31, President Lai Ching-te met with a media delegation from the Global Taiwan Institute (GTI). In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation members for helping advance understanding and support of democratic Taiwan in the international community. The president also expressed his gratitude for their media coverage, which has helped the international community pay greater attention to regional peace and stability and has helped garner even more international support for Taiwan. He stated that Taiwan is actively bolstering its defense capabilities, implementing military reform, enhancing overall combat capability, and developing its indigenous defense industry, demonstrating its determination to safeguard national security, protect freedom and democracy, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also stated that Taiwan will fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining regional security and that it is willing to collaborate with the United States and other democratic partners to safeguard regional stability, supply chain security, and global prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Our guests represent prominent US media outlets and possess significant influence in the global public sphere. I extend a sincere welcome to the delegation and anticipate that your professional reporting will help the world better understand Taiwan. I want to give a word of thanks to the GTI for its many years of diligent efforts and advocacy in Washington, DC, and for helping advance understanding and support of democratic Taiwan in the international community. It warms my heart to see two fellow Taiwanese, Dr. Lanhee J. Chen, GTI Advisory Board member and David and Diane Steffy Fellow in American Public Policy Studies at the Hoover Institution, and GTI Board of Directors Chair Jennifer Hu. I want to thank them for their tireless work in voicing support for Taiwan, which has helped US society have a better grasp of Taiwan’s spirit and culture.
Taiwan is a vibrant democratic society. We cherish freedom and safeguard democracy. And we know well that peace must be built upon a foundation of strength, resilience, and unity. Over 90 percent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors are manufactured in Taiwan, and over a fifth of maritime trade passes through the Taiwan Strait. As a crucial link in the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan firmly believes that a free and open, peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region is the only path to advancing global prosperity.
Over recent years, China has continued to attempt to alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait through such tactics as military intimidation, gray-zone operations, and economic coercion. I thank the international media outlets represented here for their coverage, which has helped the international community pay greater attention to regional peace and stability and has helped garner even more international support for Taiwan.
Peace is priceless, and war has no winners. As we aspire to peace, we must not harbor any delusions. We firmly believe that peace can only be achieved through strength and that help comes most to those who help themselves. Thus, Taiwan is actively bolstering its defense capabilities, implementing military reform, and strengthening whole-of-society defense resilience. Our national defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, has already surpassed 3 percent of GDP this year, and we aim for this figure to reach 5 percent by 2030. Our government has also proposed an eight-year, US$40 billion special defense budget to enhance equipment procurement, construct the T-Dome, enhance overall combat capability, and develop Taiwan’s indigenous defense industry. This demonstrates our determination to safeguard our national security, protect freedom and democracy, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
This year is the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. It also marks the 250th anniversary of US independence. And while the histories of our democracies may differ in length, our pursuit of freedom is the same. Taiwan will fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining regional security. And we are willing to collaborate with the US and other democratic partners to safeguard regional stability, supply chain security, and global prosperity.
In 2010, 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment went to China; last year, that figure had dropped to around 3.7 percent. The US is now Taiwan’s top outbound investment destination. It is also Taiwan’s largest export market. Trade and economic relations between Taiwan and the US continue to deepen, and cooperation and exchanges in technological innovation and industrial development have also expanded. This year, we signed the Taiwan-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and an agreement on bilateral investment. We also signed the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and Taiwan-US Economic Security Cooperation. I anticipate that through our joint efforts, we can create a mutually beneficial future of prosperity and contribute even more to the world.
GTI Advisory Board Member Chen then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with their delegation. He also thanked National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱) for their hospitality. He mentioned that it is an honor for the group to be here in Taiwan. He said that he often reflects on the many changes that Taiwan has been through in the 40 years since he first came back as a young child, noting that it is remarkable to see that the one thing that has endured is the strength of the relationship between the US and Taiwan, which remains rock solid.
GTI Advisory Board Member Chen stated that he is chairing this delegation, a group composed of some of America’s most prominent voices in journalism and political commentary. He emphasized that it is important for his colleagues to see Taiwan firsthand, to experience life and culture, to meet individuals here, and to engage in exchanges because it better informs their understanding of the situation that Taiwan currently finds itself in. Noting that this is the first time in Taiwan for many of these people, he expressed hope they will have an opportunity to leave with good memories of the people that they meet and the food that they eat. 
GTI Advisory Board Member Chen said that this visit comes at a very important time in the Taiwan-US relationship, adding that it is his firm hope that after the delegation leaves Taiwan, they will continue to remember and be mindful of the tremendous challenges that Taiwan faces from what he believes is a hostile power just 80 miles away. He also expressed his belief that the impressions and the relationships developed will remain. He then said he looks forward to a wonderful dialogue with President Lai.