Category: MIL-OSI

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

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 Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, and the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Patrick Li, led the youth volunteer interns participating in the HYAB – United Nations Volunteer Internship Programme to visit the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA) today (July 9), and met with Deputy Commissioner of the OCMFA Mr Li Yongsheng. The Chairman of the Agency for Volunteer Service (co-organiser of the Programme), Ms Melissa Pang, also joined the visit.
 
In the 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced the launch of the Young Talent Training Programme to provide more opportunities for young people to participate in the internships of international organisations and attend international conferences, thereby enabling them to broaden their international horizons and cultivate a holistic outlook. The Government launched the Programme in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Volunteers and provides full funding support to local university students to undertake six-month volunteer placements in different UN agencies. It aims to help young people develop their personal capacities and gain a deeper understanding of the operations of international organisations, and also to provide an opportunity for them to contribute to the international community in the capacity of Chinese youth volunteers.
 
Miss Mak expressed her gratitude to the OCMFA for its support for youth development work in Hong Kong, especially the arrangements of today’s visit, which would help young people understand the country’s pivotal role in international affairs. She encouraged the interns this year to seize this volunteer internship opportunity to showcase the vitality, capability and potential of Hong Kong youth to the world, and also to tell good stories of the country and Hong Kong.
 
This year, the Programme offers a total of 20 internship placements in different UN agencies located in Kazakhstan, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Uzbekistan. The youth volunteer interns will undertake volunteer placements in UN agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Development Bureau (DEVB) today (July 9) announced that the contract for the development of the Advanced Construction Industry Building (ACIB) in Tsing Yi has been awarded to Hong Kong Smart Construction Industry Park Limited (HKSCIP), whose holding company is China State Construction International Holdings Limited. The contract signing ceremony was held today.

With a site area of about three hectares and a contract period of 30 years, the ACIB is Hong Kong’s first advanced construction industry park. It aims to support the industry in enhancing productivity, quality, safety and sustainability levels, while providing more stable support for the long-term infrastructure and housing development of Hong Kong.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the ACIB development project is a landmark project, playing a leading role in the development of the construction industry in Hong Kong. The ACIB, positioned as an integrated advanced manufacturing base, brings together steel reinforcing bar (rebar) prefabrication, production of Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) modules, and the provision of other advanced manufacturing facilities, while simultaneously conducting research and development and training, among others, thereby generating synergistic effects to more effectively promote the development of advanced construction technologies. The project adopts a public-private partnership model of “Build, Operate, and Transfer” (BOT), under which the successful tenderer is responsible for the financing, design, construction and operation of the ACIB in accordance with the specifications and service requirements designated by the Government. In addition to introducing market technologies, operational experience, and innovation capabilities, this model helps the Government and the industry jointly drive the upgrading and transformation of the construction sector, creating a showcase of sustainable advanced construction development.

The DEVB earlier launched an open tender for the project under a two-envelope approach, with the weighting of 70 per cent and 30 per cent allocated to the assessment of the technical proposal and the fee proposal respectively. The Tender Assessment Panel evaluated the two tenders received in accordance with the criteria set out in the tender documents. HKSCIP achieved higher combined scores in both technical and fee proposals, and its tender price is $808 million.

In accordance with the requirements set out in the tender documents, HKSCIP will provide in the ACIB (1) not less than 15 000 square metres of floor area for steel rebar prefabrication yards; (2) not less than 5 000 sq m of floor area for MiMEP processing sites; and (3) not less than 5 000 sq m of floor area for lease to the industry for operating steel rebar prefabrication yards or MiMEP processing sites. The successful tenderer shall be responsible for operating (1) and (2), which must possess a minimum annual production capacity of 300 000 tonnes of prefabricated steel rebar and 6 000 MiMEP modules. 

HKSCIP also proposed a substantial increase in the total gross floor area of the building facilities to about 40 000 sq m, which exceeds the basic requirement by nearly 15 000 sq m. It also proposed the adoption of advanced machinery and equipment, artificial intelligence, Building Information Modelling and smart management systems, among others, to further enhance the production capacity of the steel reinforcing bar prefabrication yards and the MiMEP processing yards.

In addition, HKSCIP proposed to provide a concrete batching plant for producing innovative materials such as ultra-high-performance concrete and low-carbon concrete, in order to support the industry in adopting more efficient and environmentally friendly construction materials. Training, research and development facilities will also be provided.

The Government will monitor the implementation by HKSCIP of its technical proposal and operational commitments in accordance with the contract requirements. Upon expiry of the contract, the whole building, including all production facilities and equipment, shall be transferred to the Government. Construction works are expected to commence in the second half of 2026 for commissioning at the end of 2028.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (July 9) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and strongly urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations. Meanwhile, the public is advised to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with individuals suspected of contracting Mpox.
 
     The case involves a 41-year-old male. He developed a fever and a rash over his genital area on July 2, followed by swelling of lymph nodes in his groin area on July 7. He sought medical treatment at the DH’s Male Social Hygiene Clinic (SocHS) and was subsequently admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation treatment. He is currently in stable condition.
 
    According to information provided by the patient, he had not received Mpox vaccination before the onset of symptoms. During the incubation period, he travelled to Taiwan alone and had high-risk exposure during his stay there. It cannot be ruled out that he was infected as a result. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier could be identified so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigation of the case and will report the case to the World Health Organization and the health authority in Taiwan.
 
     Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 93 Mpox cases (74 local cases and 19 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
 
The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high‑risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
 

1. individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s Social Hygiene Service Clinics (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, without prior appointments.
　　
Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.
　
Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

For more details, please visit the CHP’s page on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Government today (July 9) announced the latest progress on the Pak Shek Kok (PSK) Station integrated development project, and will consult the Tai Po District Council tomorrow (July 10).

The PSK development project encompasses multiple policy objectives. These include building the PSK Station to enhance commuting convenience for residents and the working population at the Science Park, as well as boosting the overall attractiveness of the Science Park; reprovisioning the existing Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Sports Centre to a site adjacent to EdUHK’s main campus to facilitate students’ use of it, releasing the development potential of land in the vicinity including the EdUHK Sports Centre site in PSK to be freed up after reprovisioning; and upgrading the infrastructure required for the proposed development in the district.

A Development Bureau (DEVB) spokesman said, “As the project itself involves constructing a station on running tracks, as well as the reprovisioning of the EdUHK Sports Centre and the upgrading of infrastructure, it faces considerable engineering and financing challenges. Following detailed studies with the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), we have finalised the development proposal that will benefit various sectors of the community. This includes not only the building of PSK Station to facilitate commuting convenience for the working population at the Science Park and nearby residents, but also the reprovisioning of the EdUHK Sports Centre to enhance students’ learning and campus life experience, which also aligns with the Government’s policy to promote Hong Kong as an international higher education hub. We will also finance the relevant integrated development by granting the property development rights for private residential development.”

     The spokesman continued, “At present, the residential and working population in PSK and the Science Park rely primarily on road transport. As the district becomes increasingly mature, there has been a strong local demand for enhancing the external transport infrastructure of PSK. We will adopt a ‘station first, residential development later’ approach to take forward the project, with a view to enhancing the attractiveness of the Science Park and improving commuting convenience for the residents as soon as possible through strengthened transport infrastructure.”

The proposed PSK Station will be located roughly mid-way between the Science Park and the existing EdUHK Sports Centre site. The selection of the station site aims to facilitate the vast majority of the current and future residential and working populations. The proposed works also include the provision of a barrier-free elevated footbridge spanning across the Tolo Highway to connect the station with Chong San Road (near the Science Park), with a view to strengthening the connectivity between the developments on both sides of the highway.

The Chief Executive in Council has approved the Government to invite the MTRCL to proceed with the detailed planning and design for the PSK Station project, and agreed in principle to grant the property development rights of two sites to the MTRCL to finance the construction of PSK Station, the reprovisioning of the EdUHK Sports Centre, and the construction of relevant infrastructure. The two sites are located at PSK (“Site 1”) and Ma On Shan (“Site 2”).

The MTRCL will commence the detailed design and relevant assessments for the proposed integrated development, while the Government will continue to scrutinise the technical and financial assessments submitted by the MTRCL to further refine the project arrangements. Among others, the MTRCL will conduct detailed assessments including the traffic impact and will co-ordinate with relevant parties to implement appropriate mitigation measures. According to preliminary estimates by Government departments, the current capacity of the East Rail Line (EAL) is still sufficient to cater for the forecast passenger demand arising from the addition of the PSK Station. The Government and the MTRCL will continue to closely monitor the passenger demand on the EAL, and having regard to community development, population growth in the area, and changes in community planning, review the actual operational situation, as well as passenger distribution patterns and changes in a timely manner. Consideration will be given to the procurement of additional trains to increase train frequencies as necessary to meet the passenger demand and maintain the service levels of the EAL.

Subject to the smooth progress of subsequent works, the construction works for proposed PSK Station are expected to commence in the second half of 2028, with a target for commissioning the station by 2033. Following the resumption and clearance of private land involved at the Tung Tsz site at Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, the reprovisioning works for the EdUHK Sports Centre will commence in the second half of 2028 and is expected to be completed in 2031. To ensure a seamless transition, Site 1 will only be released after the new sports centre is commissioned. The residential developments at Site 1 and Site 2 are expected to commence progressively from 2031 at the earliest.

The paper (Chinese only) to be discussed by the Tai Po District Council tomorrow has been uploaded onto the website of the District Council (www.districtcouncils.gov.hk/tp/doc/2024_2027/tc/committee_meetings_doc/SHDC/32180/SHD_33_2026.pdf), which includes the location plans of the proposed PSK Station and relevant residential sites.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today hailed a new policy allowing the public to bring dogs into permitted restaurants as a remarkable breakthrough.

The measure takes effect today, granting customers access with their dogs to an initial batch of more than 940 permitted food premises across Hong Kong.

Mr Tse visited a permitted restaurant in the West Kowloon Cultural District this afternoon to observe the implementation of the policy and exchange views with operators and customers. 

“The restaurant has made thorough preparations in terms of hygiene facilities and seating arrangements, and we can see customers bringing dogs were co-operative,” Mr Tse said. “Everyone was beaming, feeling that this is a remarkable breakthrough.” 

He noted that permitted food premises are expected to demonstrate professionalism and self-discipline by strictly abiding by the laws and licensing conditions. Customers must also properly control their dogs and respect other diners to maintain a comfortable and harmonious dining environment.

To assist operators in adapting to the changes, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has deployed a dedicated 90-member team to visit each permitted establishment. The team provides managers with detailed explanations on statutory requirements, licensing conditions and other compliance arrangements. 

The department will step up visits over the coming month to monitor the implementation and assist the catering industry in complying with the regulations.