Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Police Force has alerted the public to fraudulent SMS messages purporting to be from its “eTraffic Ticket Platform”.

The messages contain hyperlinks that lead to fake websites posing as the official platform’s “Verify/Pay Ticket” page, and are clearly an attempt to deceive citizens into providing their credit card details and personal information.

The force clarified that the fraudulent URLs included in the SMS messages, namely https://etraffictickot.top/hk/ and https://etrafticket.one/hk, are not official platforms. Members of the public are urged not to click on the hyperlinks.

The genuine web address of the Police Force’s “eTraffic Ticket Platform” is https://www.etrafficticket.gov.hk.

The force emphasised that SMS messages about electronic Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) are only ever issued under the sender name “#HKPF-eTT”, and that FPNs, whether issued via SMS messages or email, will never contain any hyperlinks.

Anyone who has submitted personal information via the fraudulent websites should report the matter to the force by calling 18222.

Call 181 181 for enquiries about the platform.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Overall consumer prices rose 1.4% year on year in December, a bigger increase than the corresponding 1.2% recorded in the previous month, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.2% in December, also larger than that seen in November.

Compared with December 2024 before, price increases were recorded in the following categories: transport; miscellaneous services; alcoholic drinks and tobacco; housing; miscellaneous goods; meals out and takeaway food; and basic food.

Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were logged for durable goods; clothing and footwear; and electricity, gas and water.

The Government said consumer price inflation stayed modest in December, with the underlying Composite CPI for 2025 increasing by 1.1% annually.

It added that it expects overall inflation to stay modest in the near term, as domestic costs and external price pressures remain mild.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Lands Department today posted land resumption notices in accordance with the Lands Resumption Ordinance to resume land at Kau Pui Lung Road/Chi Kiang Street in Kowloon City for an urban renewal project. Affected interests will be reverted to the Government on April 23.

The project site, with an area of 16,473 sq m, will be redeveloped for residential use with retail/commercial facilities, ancillary parking and loading/unloading facilities. The project will also provide a public open space of at least 400 sq m, a public vehicle park, as well as government, institution or community facilities.

A total of 466 property interests will be resumed by the Government. Apart from statutory compensation, eligible owners of domestic properties will also be offered an ex-gratia home purchase allowance or a supplementary allowance. Eligible domestic tenants will be offered rehousing or an ex-gratia allowance.

If statutory claims made by the affected owners and tenants under the Lands Resumption Ordinance cannot be settled by agreement, the owners and tenants may apply to the Lands Tribunal for adjudication. Professional fees reasonably incurred by the claimants in making such claims may be reimbursed by the Government.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of January 21, President Lai Ching-te met with a transatlantic delegation from the German Marshall Fund (GMF). In remarks, President Lai expressed thanks to partners in the United States and Europe for their long-time support of Taiwan, which highlights the joint commitment to facing global challenges. The president pointed out that Taiwan is continuing to increase its defense spending and enhance its self-defense capabilities, and that it is building the T-Dome advanced air defense system and adopting AI and high tech to bolster its defense industry. He also expressed hope for continuing to deepen Taiwan-US and Taiwan-Europe cooperation in such areas as security, trade and the economy, and technology to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the region.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to GMF President Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer as she leads this transatlantic delegation to Taiwan. Our guests today are good friends who have long followed Taiwan-related issues. I thank you all for visiting. Your presence demonstrates support for Taiwan among our partners in the US and Europe and highlights our joint commitment to facing global challenges. I also want to thank the GMF for its long-term efforts in facilitating transatlantic cooperation, for its staunch backing of democratic values, and for continuing to deepen understanding of Taiwan’s security situation and international participation throughout the US and Europe. Just this month, the GMF released a major report detailing the massive price China would pay – economically, militarily, socially, and internationally – if it were to start a war with Taiwan. The report also emphasized that the international community must show its ability and determination to counter China’s military actions.
I believe that democracies must unite and work together, harnessing their collective wisdom and strength, to resist the expansion of authoritarianism and jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. For this reason, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities and step up cooperation with democratic partners as it seeks to maintain regional peace and stability.
Taiwan’s defense spending will surpass 3 percent of GDP this year, and that figure will reach 5 percent by 2030. We have also proposed a US$40 billion special defense budget which will be put toward building the T-Dome advanced air defense system and adopting AI and high tech to bolster Taiwan’s defense industry.
At the end of last year, US President Donald Trump’s administration announced the sale to Taiwan of a US$11.1 billion military package. And its latest National Security Strategy notes that the US is taking as its goal preserving military overmatch to deter conflict across the Taiwan Strait. The European Union’s European External Action Service also released a statement after China’s military exercises around Taiwan at the end of last year, reiterating the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for regional and global security and prosperity. I am sincerely grateful for all of these actions.
I would also like to point out that in addition to military cooperation, tariff negotiations between Taiwan and the US have concluded. We look forward to continuing to utilize the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue and other mechanisms to deepen Taiwan-US cooperation in such fields as supply chains, digital trade, and science and technology. In addition, Taiwan’s investments in Europe over the past four years have already surpassed our total investments over the previous four decades. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to expand collaboration with European countries in such industries as semiconductors, AI, and information and communications technology, while also boosting cooperation on supply chain resilience. I hope that our guests will continue to support Taiwan in deepening connections with European nations.
Lastly, I want to thank you all once again for visiting Taiwan. I hope that, going forward, we can join hands in advancing democracy, peace, and prosperity around the world. I wish you a successful and rewarding visit.
President de Hoop Scheffer then delivered remarks, saying that they have an exceptional delegation comprising American, French, German, and British members – all steadfast allies of Taiwan. She stated that this year in particular, their focus is on security, defense, and tech innovation, because these are the areas in which the US, European allies, and Taiwan need to boost their cooperation and partnership.
President de Hoop Scheffer stated that they are here for two main purposes: the first is that many of the delegation members, being in Taiwan for the first time, want to better understand the dynamics that are shaping and reshaping Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region; and the second is to strengthen transatlantic cooperation on and with Taiwan, which is in the GMF’s DNA and mission. 
President de Hoop Scheffer also indicated that they pay much attention to all of the issues just mentioned by President Lai in his remarks, saying that they think of those issues in terms of intersections, including intersections across sectors – because one cannot dissociate national security from economic security and even tech innovation. And Taiwan, she emphasized, crystallizes many of these intersections.
President de Hoop Scheffer elaborated, saying that it is also the intersections across geographies. The Euro-Atlantic theater cannot be dissociated from the Indo-Pacific theater, she said, and so what they have been doing with their Indo-Pacific transatlantic programs is also thinking of the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine for this part of the world. Finally, she noted, it is the intersections between domestic politics and foreign policy, explaining that this is being carried out in the connection among societal resilience, defense, and security. She added that the connection between societal resilience and defense is something that many European countries have been experiencing within the context of the war in Ukraine, because at the end of the day, deterrence will rely on societal resilience.
President de Hoop Scheffer then concluded with three short remarks. The first, she said, is that the security of the Indo-Pacific and the stability of the Taiwan Strait are absolutely central to transatlantic security and global security, adding that it is about economic resilience, global supply chains, and deterrence. She said that what we have seen over recent years is an increasing commitment from the US and European allies. The second is that there is a deep understanding that this is not just a regional issue; it is a global issue, and it is a question also of credibility of our alliance and alliances as a whole. And the third, she said, is how to strengthen our partnership on key issues – economic security, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, and tech-defense innovation. In closing, she said they very much look forward to strengthening the partnership with Taiwan.
The delegation also included former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Denis Mercier, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe General James Everard, University of Texas at Austin Senior Fellow for National Security Law Marik A. String, GMF Senior Vice President for Global Power Shifts Daniel Kliman, and Managing Director of the GMF Indo-Pacific Program Bonnie Glaser.
 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department announced today that schools, environmental groups and non-governmental organisations are invited to apply for this year’s “Give the Flowers a New Home!” Jockey Club Flower Re-planting Scheme, part of the Hong Kong Flower Show, by February 27.

Each year, flowers suitable for replanting are identified at the end of the showground exhibition and sent to the department’s parks for replanting.

Since it began in 2014, the scheme has encouraged replanting in the community and raised environmental awareness among the public.

Organisations and schools who successfully apply may receive potted plants by either collecting them at the showground site or by free delivery from the organiser.

Themed “A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong”, this year’s flower show will be held from March 20 to 29 at Victoria Park, featuring the stock as its theme flower.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Environment & Ecology Bureau today released the 2024 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventory for Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s total GHG emissions in 2024 amounted to about 33.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), representing a decline of about 3.6% compared with 2023 levels and a decrease of about 27% from the peak emissions in 2014.

Per capita GHG emissions reached a new low of 4.41 tonnes in 2024, 3.5% lower than the previous year. The emissions were about one-quarter of the US level and 60% of the European Union amount.

Carbon intensity in 2024 was 0.011kg CO2-e per Hong Kong dollar of GDP, about 6% lower than in 2023.

Electricity generation continued to be the largest source of emissions, generating 61% of total emissions in 2024. Other major emission sources were transport, accounting for 18% of the total, and waste management, which accounted for 8%.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC). From its origins in sugarcane cultivation and sugar production, TSC has evolved into a diversified enterprise spanning green energy pig farming, Phalaenopsis orchid cultivation, biotechnology, petroleum supply, retail, and tourism. Embracing an open and innovative mindset, TSC is committed to enhancing its products and services while deepening international collaborations to ensure a sustainable future.

On the 12th, TSC Chairman Wu Ming-chang hosted a media reception to unveil the official 80th anniversary logo. Featuring the slogan “TSC 80: Powering Sustainability,” the logo uses a golden, upward curving font resembling a smile to cradle TSC’s classic three ring trademark. This sleek design symbolizes TSC’s unwavering spirit over the past eight decades and its aspirations for the future.

To celebrate TSC’s birthday on May 1st, the company will organize a large scale event where over 500 participants will arrange sugarcane to spell out celebratory slogans. The celebration will also feature a mini orchid show (showcasing past gold-medal winners) and a BBQ event at the Jianshanpi Resort in Liuying, highlighting TSC’s core elements of orchids and pork.

Furthermore, TSC’s hospitality branches including Jianshanpi Resort, Evergreen Plaza Hotel (Tainan), Chinshang Pastoral Farm Resort, Taisugar Hotel.Taipei, and Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory Hotel will offer a 10% reward program on qualifying accommodation bookings, sharing the joy with travelers nationwide.

“TSC’s birthday is a celebration for everyone,” Chairman Wu announced. Starting soon, TSC will launch a three-month lucky draw. Customers who spend NT 80 worth of TSC products at retail malls can register their invoices to win prizes, including limited-edition “TSC 80th Anniversary” iPASS cards,fuel vouchers, meat products, biotech gift sets, and accommodation vouchers, etc.

During the TSC’s birthday month, Million Store (TSC’s supermarket) will offer a 50% discount to customers born in the same month. Additionally, the historic sugar trains will offer “buy one, get one free” tickets, with free rides for seniors aged 80 and above. Visitors enjoying ice cream at TSC parlors can also participate in a “guaranteed win” lucky draw, with the grand prize being a “free all-you-can-eat” ice cream treat.

TSC is also focusing on external partnerships, including a planned collaboration with a renowned brand to launch a commemorative beer. In a move to promote railway culture, TSC will invite railway organizations from Wakasa, Japan, and Wales, UK, to Taiwan for cultural exchanges and the signing of reciprocal cooperation agreements.

In September, TSC will inaugurate the Taiwan-Japan Cultural Exchange Hall at the Qiaotou Sugar Refinery, Taiwan’s first modern sugar factory. The hall will showcase the evolution of the industry from the Japanese colonial period to the present, marking a new milestone in TSC’s century long history and its sustainable journey ahead.

TSC News Contact Person:
Chang Mu-Jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to statements by China’s Foreign Ministry concerning Taiwan-US tariff consensus

Date：2026-01-16
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

January 16, 2026  

At a regular press conference on January 16, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its firm opposition to the consensus reached between Taiwan and the United States on trade tariffs and related details.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, that its sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan, and that the People’s Republic of China has never governed Taiwan. These are objective facts and the internationally recognized status quo. China has no right to comment on or interfere in the sovereign actions of other nations. China’s remarks underscore its hegemonic mindset and how, as a troublemaker, it attempts to unilaterally change the international order.
 
MOFA is pleased that Taiwan’s negotiation team, led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and Minister without Portfolio Yang Jen-ni, successfully reached a consensus with the United States and concluded talks on trade tariffs and related details. On the basis of this foundation and under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te and the Executive Yuan, MOFA will continue to implement its core strategy of integrated diplomacy, working with relevant ministries to promote economic diplomacy and expand cooperation with the private sector. By encouraging large businesses to lead smaller ones, combining tangible and intangible assets, furthering public-private collaboration, and advancing foreign engagement through domestic business models, MOFA is building an economic and trade joint fleet with the United States and continuing to steadily foster a comprehensive economic and technological bilateral partnership.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by member of Japanese House of Representatives and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato

Date：2026-01-15
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

January 15, 2026  
No. 016  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on January 15 met with member of the Japanese House of Representatives and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato. The delegation also included Representative Kosaburo Nishime, who formerly served as minister of reconstruction, and Representative Junji Fukuhara. The two sides engaged in exchanges on such issues as the regional situation, economic security and resilience, and Taiwan-Japan interactions.
 
In his remarks during the meeting, Minister Lin began by welcoming Representative Kato and the delegation. Thanking Mr. Kato for helping facilitate Japan’s donation of vaccines to Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic during his tenure as chief cabinet secretary, Minister Lin said that the Taiwanese people remained deeply grateful for this gesture. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government of Japan for having emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at key international forums on numerous occasions.
 
Minister Lin went on to state that he looked forward to Taiwan and Japan signing a free trade agreement and economic partnership agreement at the earliest possible juncture, as well as Japan assisting in Taiwan’s timely accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which he said would deepen the two countries’ economic partnership and help them jointly advance regional prosperity. Adding that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s focus on the growth of 17 strategic sectors enjoyed many similarities with President Lai Ching-te’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors, he said he hoped that Taiwan and Japan would continue to deepen cooperation and exchanges in related fields.
 
During his remarks, Representative Kato observed that Taiwan and Japan were important partners that shared universal values. Noting that true friendship is demonstrated in times of adversity, Mr. Kato thanked Taiwan for its assistance following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes and for providing Japan with medical masks, pulse oximeters, oxygen concentrators, and other medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that he had been delighted to learn that more than six million visits had been made to Japan by Taiwanese travelers in 2024 and that this number had risen further by 10 percent in 2025. He said he believed that personal and economic exchanges between Taiwan and Japan would grow even closer moving forward.
 
This is Representative Kato’s first visit to Taiwan. Mr. Kato is an influential figure who has long occupied a central role in Japanese politics. In addition to previously serving as chief cabinet secretary under Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, he has also held such posts as minister of health, labour and welfare and minister of finance. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts luncheon to welcome Canadian parliamentary delegation

Date：2026-01-14
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

January 14, 2026  
No. 014  

On behalf of the government, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on January 13 to warmly welcome a five-member delegation of Canadian parliamentarians. During the luncheon, the two sides exchanged views on regional developments and the deepening of bilateral economic and trade exchanges and various forms of cooperation.
 
In his remarks, Minister Lin noted that this was the first time a Canadian parliamentary delegation had traveled to Taiwan since Canada’s federal election last year and that the timing of the visit demonstrated the enduring friendship between the two countries. He also reiterated that Taiwan welcomed Canada’s expression of concern over China’s recent large-scale military exercises, as well as Canada’s repeated dispatch of naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait over the past three years, demonstrating Canada’s firm commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Minister Lin declared that Taiwan, standing on the front line against the expansion of authoritarianism, would continue to collaborate with Canada and other democratic allies to jointly defend their shared values and way of life.
 
In addition, Minister Lin emphasized that Taiwan and Canada were natural partners due to their shared values and highly complementary economic structures. He then conveyed the hope that the two countries would advance hand in hand as they moved toward an era of AI-driven innovation.
 
Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, pointed out that Taiwan was a trustworthy partner in the areas of democracy and innovation and that the visit aimed to convey the strong support of the Canadian parliament and to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, supply chain resilience, and innovation. She added that Canada backed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and looked forward to the two countries jointly addressing the challenges of transnational repression and disinformation. 
 
Moreover, Ms. Lantsman asserted that, in facing the growing severity of authoritarian pressure, building economic and social resilience grounded in democratic values would be the best course of action. She also remarked that this visit highlighted the importance of bilateral interaction, dialogue, and consistency and that her country hoped that Taiwan and Canada would continue bolstering mutually beneficial bilateral relations in the future.
 
MOFA thanks the Canadian parliament for its long-standing, concrete, and staunch support for Taiwan. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to promote interaction and exchange with Canada and work with it to strengthen the international order based on democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. (E)