Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

(Unofficial Translation)

My fellow Koreans, Korean and U.S. service members, and distinguished guests from home and abroad,

Today, we gather for a truly meaningful occasion: the first mutual repatriation of the remains of Korean and U.S. soldiers who fell in the Korean War here in the Republic of Korea – the country that our two nations defended together with unwavering resolve, shedding blood and sweat.

More than seventy years ago, these heroes sacrificed their prime years and precious lives to safeguard the Republic of Korea’s freedom and peace. Thanks to their noble sacrifice, we have been able to live in freedom and peace.

Yet even after the armistice, and during the ensuing decades, many of those heroes’ remains could not be returned to their beloved hometowns. Bringing them back to the full embrace of their homeland is our historic duty as survivors.

Today, the remains of thirteen heroes are returning home.

The remains of ten Korean soldiers, which had reposed in the distant and unfamiliar land of Hawaii, have at last returned to the embrace of their homeland.

With the highest honors, we will now send home the remains of three U.S. service members who had been laid to rest in the mountains and fields of the Republic of Korea, a faraway land.

Regrettably, their names could not ultimately be identified. That, however, in no way diminishes the weight of their noble sacrifice.

We will remember them forever by the most honorable name of all: “Heroes of the Republic of Korea.”

To remember and ever honor those who devoted their youth to the nation and sacrificed themselves for freedom and peace, to inscribe their names fully in the nation’s history and to ensure that no individuals who dedicated themselves to the homeland are ever forgotten or overlooked – these are the duties of a state and, indeed, its very raison d’être.

To ensure that the heroes who defended our nation may rest in peace in the embrace of their homeland, we will carry through with our DNA identification and tracking efforts to confirm the identity of every last fallen hero.

We will do everything possible to make sure that those who have sacrificed and devoted themselves to our community receive the honor and respect they deserve.

Today’s repatriation of remains is not just a humanitarian undertaking – it is far more profound and significant.

It is a pledge by both Korea and the United States, together, to forever remember the heroes who devoted themselves to freedom and peace, and it is the highest honor we can bestow to recognize their sacrifice.

Moreover, today’s repatriation is a meaningful milestone that serves to further deepen and strengthen the ROK–U.S. alliance, which was built upon the blood and dedication of our veterans.

The efforts to find and return not only our own fallen heroes’ remains, but those of our ally, to their bereaved families is the most powerful testament to the ROK–U.S. alliance forged in blood.

Delivering on promises made on the battlefield, even decades later – that is the robust bedrock that has sustained the ROK–U.S. alliance.

Drawing on this steadfast alliance, the Republic of Korea is astonishing the world by adding a new chapter to the story of its prosperity.

Since liberation, Korea has accomplished the rare feat of achieving both industrialization and democratization. It is an exemplary democracy – a nation that truly belongs to the people and that is closely watched by the whole world. It has risen to become an economic powerhouse that is in the global top ten, having gone from being an aid recipient to a donor in just half a century.

I am confident that if Korea and the United States join hands and move forward with unwavering resolve, permanent peace can take root in this land and the flower of mutual prosperity will reach full bloom.

We will continue to steadfastly uphold our legacy of noble solidarity in the cause of freedom and peace, together with the younger generations.

Fellow Koreans,

The peace and prosperity we enjoy today are a great legacy built upon the selfless sacrifices of the nameless heroes here before us.

A nation that remembers sacrifices made for all will have a bright future, and a community that repays their dedication will grow stronger.

The government will do everything possible to honor each and every hero and ensure that their noble ideals are faithfully passed on to future generations.

We will build a responsible Republic of Korea that repays extraordinary sacrifices with special honors and memorializes each and every hero. I will repay their sacrifice by building a safe and peaceful nation.

I offer my deepest respect and condolences once more to the heroes who have returned to the embrace of our homeland today, and I pray they rest in peace.

We will forever remember and honor them.

Thank you.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

(Unofficial Translation)

My fellow Koreans, citizens of Busan and maritime and fisheries professionals,

It is a great pleasure to join you in celebrating the 31st National Oceans Day.

National Oceans Day commemorates Admiral Jang Bogo’s establishment of the Cheonghaejin maritime command center. This year, we are holding the commemorative ceremony here in Busan to mark the opening of a new era for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Korea is a shipbuilding and shipping powerhouse with world-leading technological prowess. It is also a trading powerhouse that has set a new all-time export record and is now advancing toward US$1 trillion in exports. Further, Korea has emerged as a global defense industry powerhouse whose products are sought after by countries around the world.

It was upon the sea that the Republic of Korea first set sail, launching its bold journey toward the wider world.

Our seafarers and maritime and fisheries professionals were at the forefront of opening of these vast sea routes.

The foreign currency you earned, risking your lives aboard foreign merchant ships and fishing vessels sailing to distant waters, sustained your families and laid the foundation to revive our national economy.

Just as we honor the dedication of Korean miners and nurses dispatched to Germany during the era of industrialization, we must also proudly remember the quiet toil of our seafarers and maritime and fisheries professionals – a remarkable achievement in the history of Korea’s industrialization.

In 1996, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries was launched under the Kim Young-sam administration. This was a powerful declaration of our determination to enhance the competitiveness of our shipping, ports, shipbuilding, marine industry and fisheries sector, and to establish the Republic of Korea as a maritime powerhouse.

Now, thirty years later, the sea is no longer just a space for logistics and industries. It has become the front line where our nation’s survival and future will be determined.

In this era of uncertainty – a time when the global maritime trade order and supply chains are being reshaped –securing a leading position and maritime safety, the lifeblood of the global economy, has become more important than ever.

Our government, founded on popular sovereignty, will hasten the realization of President Kim Young-sam’s bold vision of the Republic of Korea becoming a maritime powerhouse.

As a bridge between Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific, the Republic of Korea will safeguard the freedom of navigation and an open trade order for regional countries.

Furthermore, we will lead a new maritime order in which all can share the sea and prosper together through it.

The solid foundation for realizing this nation vision lies in the strength and resilience that our shipping and port industries have built over many years.

Recognizing that the shipping industry is not simply a logistics sector, but a key industry that firmly underpins the nation’s economy and security, the government will foster our shipping and port industries as national strategic industries.

First, we will accelerate the recovery of global shipping supply chains, which have yet to regain full momentum, and build new shipping supply chains that we can fully control.

We will also create an ecosystem in which shipping and shipbuilding can grow together and mutually prosper, while broadly fostering marine insurance, ship financing and maritime services to strengthen our shipping industry’s fundamentals.

We will also make every effort to cultivate skilled seafarers.

Joining us here today are students from Korea Maritime & Ocean University who have safely completed their deep-sea training.

These young people are the future of our shipping industry – these pioneers of the Northern Sea Route era will cross the world’s oldest sea lanes to open a new chapter for tomorrow.

We are also joined by the industry leaders who blazed new trails through their bold entrepreneurial spirit and made us a maritime powerhouse by proactively investing in vessels.

The government will fuse the pioneering spirit of our seasoned professionals with the passion of our young mariners, offering unstinting support so that our shipping industry can take the lead on the world’s oceans.

It is right here – in Busan and across Korea’s southeastern region – where we will fulfill the vision of becoming a true maritime power: a nation that brings countries together through the sea, blazes pathways to peace and builds a foundation for shared prosperity.

As the Republic of Korea’s proud Southern Maritime Capital Region, this area will rise higher, extend its reach further and grow stronger still.

My fellow citizens,

Developing the Southern Maritime Capital Region is not merely about developing a specific region. It is both a survival strategy for the Republic of Korea in this era of intense global competition, and a balanced growth strategy that directly translates the vision of becoming a maritime power into jobs and regional vitality.

Our southeastern region possesses the geopolitical potential and capabilities to emerge as a world-leading maritime hub.

It is a grand gateway connecting the Pacific and Eurasia, a comprehensive industrial hub for world-class businesses and the steadfast heart of Korea’s advanced manufacturing industry. When the southeastern region’s unparalleled strengths are united by the sea, the Southern Maritime Capital Region will reveal its value, blossoming fully and astonishing the world.

Building on this extraordinary potential, the government will integrate Busan and the broader southeastern region to create a new economic zone that is filled with possibility and opportunity.

We will expand logistics infrastructure to link our ports, airports, railways and roads, while also creating a marine tourism belt that encompasses the entire southern coast. In doing so, we will develop the region into a maritime economic zone that stands tall on the global stage.

Furthermore, right here in Busan, the new era of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will begin in earnest.

Once relevant deliberations in the National Assembly are concluded, we will move swiftly to complete a maritime cluster that brings together shipping companies and related public institutions, along with the Maritime Court – for which the necessary legislation has already been passed – and the Southeast Investment Corporation.

We are told that following the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, universities across the region – including Korea Maritime & Ocean University – have seen record high numbers of applicants, with a corresponding increase in the proportion of students from the Seoul metropolitan area.

It may not yet represent a major visible transformation, but it is the seed of new and significant change.

Without fail, the government will meet the expectations of our young people who chose the sea in their search for Korea’s future and for new opportunities.

We will develop Busan into the Republic of Korea’s maritime capital in both name and substance, and foster the Southern Maritime Capital Region, thereby fully realizing balanced national development – a vital national mission.

I am confident that all of you – marine and fisheries industry professionals across the country and citizens of the southeastern region – will be constant companions on the Republic of Korea’s journey toward becoming a true maritime power.

Thank you.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

At noon on June 10 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao hosted an appreciation banquet in the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao expressed her gratitude to the Palauan government for its assistance and support during the delegation’s visit, which fully demonstrated the deep friendship between the two countries. The vice president stated that during her visit, she toured many places and witnessed the accomplishments of collaboration in areas such as agriculture, aquaculture, education, construction, and healthcare. She expressed confidence that this exchange will help deepen cooperation, and that the two sides will continue to work together to promote tourism development, foster sustainable economic growth, and create greater opportunities for the peoples of both nations.
A transcript of Vice President Hsiao’s remarks follows:
It’s a great honor to host today’s thank-you luncheon as a small token of appreciation for the warm hospitality and friendship that the people of Palau and government have extended to our delegation throughout the past few days. It’s our fifth day here, but it feels time is so short. But thank you for a very productive trip. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to President [Surangel S.] Whipps, [Jr.] and his administration, and also to the National Congress and all of those who have worked so hard behind the scenes to make this visit productive. As this is my first official overseas visit to a diplomatic ally since assuming office as vice president, Palau will always hold a very special place in my heart.
During my stay, I’ve had the opportunity to experience some of Palau’s most remarkable treasures, from the breathtaking waters of the German Channel and Shark City to the historic island of Peleliu. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for Palau’s extraordinary natural beauty, rich culture, and resilient spirit. I sincerely hope that more people from Taiwan will have the same opportunity to visit Palau and experience its unique charm for themselves.
I was also honored during this trip to visit the National Congress, attend the construction ceremony for the interstate road project, visit with members of the Taiwan Technical Mission, and witness the accomplishments from collaboration in agriculture, aquaculture, education, and digital assistance. We were also briefed by [CECI Engineering Consultants] on proposed projects to improve the landmark Long Island Park and the quality of biking and pedestrian walking paths in the state of Koror. We also appreciated Vice President [Raynold] Oilouch’s arrangements to tour Belau National Hospital and hear about Taiwan’s public health contributions to Palau in a briefing from the Shin Kong Hospital medical professionals. But of course, our public health collaboration extends way beyond the hospital-to-hospital partnerships. Even in my walks and roaming around this hotel, I have run into a number of Taiwanese medical doctors who are here on volunteer medical missions. And I’m so pleased that members of Taiwan society, experts in all walks of life, are able to contribute and take part in the strength of the Taiwan-Palau relationship.
Furthermore, throughout this trip, we have had extended conversations, including with some traditional leaders, but also with the people of Palau, about our shared Austronesian and indigenous cultural connections between us. Each of these engagements reflected the strength of our partnership and demonstrated how cooperation between Taiwan and Palau continues to deliver and develop tangible benefits for both our peoples. I’m confident that this visit will help further deepen our cooperation as we work together to support President Whipps’ vision for tourism development, promote sustainable economic growth, and create greater opportunities for our people.
For today’s luncheon, we have brought some Taiwan-grown taro and invited the hotel’s talented chefs to prepare a Taiwanese-flavor dish, and others of course. I understand that taro holds a special place in Palauan and Pacific culture and daily life. I’ve had a taste of different versions of taro leaf soup during my stay here. But I hope that our friends can enjoy a Taiwanese-flavored taro dish too, among the many dishes that we are offering today.
In closing, please allow me to once again express my sincere appreciation to President Whipps and his team for their exceptional hospitality, leadership, and friendship. I wish all of you good health, happiness, and continued success in your endeavors. And may the friendship between Taiwan and Palau continue to grow stronger for generations. Thank you. Mesulang.
President Whipps then delivered remarks, expressing his gratitude to Vice President Hsiao on behalf of the Palauan government and people for choosing Palau as the destination for her first official overseas visit. He mentioned that Vice President Hsiao visited many places during this trip and introduced Palau through the media, encouraging more Taiwanese tourists to visit and further deepening the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
President Whipps pointed out that Vice President Hsiao’s visit and address to the Palau National Congress once again demonstrated the firm commitment of Taiwan and Palau to jointly create prosperity and defend freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. He also reaffirmed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and other international agencies, allowing Taiwan to contribute to the international community. Expressing his gratitude, he noted that Taiwan has contributed greatly to improving the lives of the Palauan people, including delivering medicines and saving lives with drones, as well as providing long-term assistance in improving Palau’s infrastructure for roads, water conservancy, healthcare, education, and fishing ports.
President Whipps stated that both Palau and Taiwan are islands of resilience, standing united in the face of various challenges such as war and the pandemic. Noting that both sides belong to the Austronesian family, he said they will continue to work together and develop jointly in the future, deepening the diplomatic ties and partnership between the two countries, and safeguarding peace and prosperity in this beautiful Pacific region. In closing, he once again thanked Vice President Hsiao for her visit and asked her to convey his greetings and regards to President Lai Ching-te.
Also in attendance at the banquet were First Lady Valerie Whipps, Vice President Oilouch, Queen Bilung Gloria Salii, Speaker of the House of Delegates Gibson Kanai, Vice President of the Senate Stevenson Kuartei, Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil, and Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee

I am pleased to join you today for the Alatau City Round Table meeting.

I am delighted to have this welcome opportunity to return the warm hospitality my delegation and I received throughout our visit, last week, in Kazakhstan.

My thanks to the Deputy Prime Minister, here in Hong Kong leading a delegation of Kazakhstan government officials and business leaders. They cover a wide variety of sectors, from transport and infrastructure, to finance and digital development.

And I am pleased you are with us to know more about Hong Kong, and to share with us the vast opportunities of Kazakhstan and the innovative, high-tech Alatau City, fast rising at the crossroads of Europe, Central Asia and China.

The emerging smart city, with its preferential taxation and customs regulations, and administrative support for high-tech industries, is destined to become a new economic hub – for Kazakhstan, Central Asia and the wide world beyond.

Kazakhstan’s impressive economy – contributing some 60% of Central Asia’s collective gross domestic product (GDP) – will see to that. Last year, Kazakhstan’s economy rose 6.5%, supported by strong domestic demand and abundant natural resources. Then there is your ambitious target – to double the size of Kazakhstan’s economy by 2030, from 2023 levels.

I know that Kazakhstan has long been a bridge of culture and commerce on the ancient Silk Road, and that today it is a business and logistics hub with the promise of long-term, sustainable growth.

I know because I have seen Kazakhstan’s dynamism for myself. The high-level business delegation I led to Kazakhstan – 75 business and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland – represented industries spanning finance, logistics, energy, professional services and innovation and technology.

It was an honour to meet His Excellency President Tokayev (President of Kazakhstan, Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev) and His Excellency Prime Minister Bektenov (Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Olzhas Bektenov) during our visit, to learn from them of your country’s determination to rise as the economic powerhouse of Central Asia and the wider region beyond.

My delegation held substantive talks with Kazakhstan’s business leaders, and I am pleased to say that the visit resulted in eight memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and co-operation agreements between the governments of Kazakhstan and Hong Kong. 

As for our respective companies, organisations and institutions, they reached 53 accords, covering investment, green finance, logistics, innovation and more. So the total number of MOUs and agreements reached in Kazakhstan was 61 altogether; that is an outstanding result for a three-day visit.

Kazakhstan’s ambitious reforms and its open, welcoming attitude towards international partners were both welcome and impressive. And Hong Kong is eager to build on this momentum, to explore wide-ranging business and investment co-operation with Kazakhstan – Alatau City very much included.

I can tell you Hong Kong shares your commitment to openness and connectivity. Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, we are the only world city to combine the China advantage and the global advantage.

Hong Kong is built on the rule of law and a common law system similar to most global financial centres. We maintain a low and simple tax regime, with no sales or capital gains tax and no estate duty. We enjoy the free flow of information, capital, goods and talent. Our workforce is multi-talented, multi-lingual and well versed in the business practices of Asia and the wider world.

Hong Kong is ranked No.1, globally, in economic freedom. The Global Financial Centres Index ranks Hong Kong third in the world and first in Asia, while last year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook placed us third, globally – up two places over the previous year.

Let me give you a recent example of what that means in practice. Last September, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan raised 2 billion renminbi on Hong Kong’s offshore market through a “dim sum” bond issuance – the first issuance of its kind by a Central Asian entity.

Today, some 500 Kazakhstani students are studying in our publicly funded universities, making them one of the largest groups in our Belt & Road student community. And I am pleased to add that many of them are here on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Belt & Road Scholarship, which covers tuition fees for outstanding students from Belt & Road countries studying in our institutions.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan can develop a hub-to-hub working relationship, with Hong Kong as a hub to East Asia, South Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, and Kazakhstan as a hub to Central Asia. And Hong Kong can contribute to the future success of Alatau City in three concrete ways.

First, Hong Kong can become your gateway to global capital. Our stock exchange is one of the world’s largest, and our asset management sector is underpinned by deep liquidity. Earlier this year, we were recognised as the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth-management centre.

Kazakhstani companies and funds can confidently issue bonds, raise equity or launch initial public offerings in Hong Kong. And, thanks to our world-class professional services, you will find it easy to do so. We are well positioned to help Kazakhstan fund high-potential infrastructure and innovation projects. We speak the language of global finance – and we look forward to doing so with Kazakhstan – with you.

Second, Hong Kong is your gateway to China, our country. I know your delegation visited our neighbouring city of Shenzhen and have seen, first-hand, the city’s remarkable rise in innovation and technology.

Hong Kong and Shenzhen are two of the 11 cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a cluster-city development counting more than 88 million people and a combined GDP similar to the world’s 10th-largest economy.

Hong Kong has unparalleled access to the Mainland market. Last year, we set up the dedicated GoGlobal Task Force to help Mainland enterprises build overseas markets, Kazakhstan included.

Through our professional services, in law, accounting, finance and much more, Kazakhstani enterprises can partner with Hong Kong, accessing supply chains throughout the Mainland, the rest of Asia and the world beyond.

Third, Hong Kong is your partner in talent and technology. Hong Kong is the only city in the world with five universities in the global top 100. The innovation cluster formed by Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, which brings together Hong Kong’s research strengths and the Mainland cities’ innovation and manufacturing capabilities, was ranked No.1, globally, last year by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

And I am delighted to add that Hong Kong has its own Alatau – the Northern Metropolis. Spanning one-third of our city’s geographic area, and close to the Mainland boundary, the Northern Metropolis is designed to become Hong Kong’s fast-beating I&T heart, as well as an urban centre and university town.

We are now streamlining procedures and drawing up preferential policy packages to help businesses, and a world of investors, settle smoothly into the Northern Metropolis. And we will formulate dedicated legislation to fast-track the Northern Metropolis’ development.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong builds connectivity. We share a development vision with Alatau City and Kazakhstan. Today, right here, right now, is a golden opportunity to bring our two economies closer together.

I wish you all a rewarding round table session, and the best of business today and a memorable stay in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. Thank you.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Alatau City Investment Round Table on June 11.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions for Shipping-related Activities and Physical Commodity Trading) Bill 2026 will be published in the Gazette this Friday (June 12) to amend the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to enhance the existing tax concessions for shipping-related activities and to introduce a new half-rate tax concession regime for physical commodity trading.

To facilitate the compliance of in-scope multinational enterprise groups with the BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) 2.0 requirements – a new tax reform package formulated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – the Government proposes to introduce an additional option of a 15 per cent concessionary tax rate in the preferential tax regimes for shipping-related companies to elect on an annual basis, which will help save their compliance costs in completing the complex tax calculations under BEPS 2.0 regarding their operations in Hong Kong.

In addition, to attract commodity traders to Hong Kong to propel the maritime services sector towards a more vibrant trajectory, the Bill proposes to provide a new half-rate profits tax concession for physical commodity trading, echoing the industry’s calls to strengthen the local maritime services ecosystem. The aforementioned 15 per cent concessionary tax rate option also applies to the half-rate tax concession regime for physical commodity trading.

A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “A favourable tax regime is a key factor in attracting shipping-related companies to Hong Kong. In light of changes in international tax rules, the Government has reviewed the existing tax concessions for shipping-related activities and proposed making enhancements in compliance with international tax rules, including the introduction of tax deduction arrangements in line with international standards, while ensuring that Hong Kong’s preferential tax regimes for shipping-related activities maintain their competitiveness after the implementation of BEPS 2.0, thereby sustaining the development momentum of the high value-added maritime services industry in Hong Kong.

“Commodity traders form an integral part of the maritime services ecosystem and are key users of maritime services. The proposed new tax concession regime for commodity trading will give Hong Kong a distinct advantage in attracting commodity traders to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong, thereby injecting demand and impetus into the maritime services industry, and unlocking substantial new growth opportunities for our city in forging ahead with the vision of becoming a global maritime capital,” the spokesperson added.

Since 2020, the Government has launched and been actively promoting a series of tax concessions to encourage more shipping-related companies to establish or expand their presence in Hong Kong, yielding tangible results. For the years of assessment 2020/21 to 2023/24, the number of qualifying ship lessors benefiting from the tax concessions has soared by five times.

Since the introduction of the aforementioned tax concessions, there have been new changes in the international tax landscape. In response to base erosion and profit-shifting risks arising from the digitalisation of the economy, the OECD has formulated BEPS 2.0. To implement this new tax reform package, Hong Kong has introduced the Hong Kong Minimum Top-up-Tax under the Inland Revenue Ordinance to require an in-scope multinational enterprise group to pay a top-up tax as from 2025 if the effective tax rate of the tax paid by its constituent entities in Hong Kong is less than 15 per cent.

The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on June 24.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region