Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (May 30) that the red flags at Stanley Main Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District have been lowered.

The red flags were hoisted at the beaches earlier due to big waves.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Highways Department (HyD) held its 40th Anniversary celebration ceremony today (June 1). The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Vic Yau; and the Director of Highways, Mr Tony Yau, officiated at the ceremony. Over 300 distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including representatives from the Liaison Office, Executive Council members, over 30 Legislative Council members, heads of bureaux and departments, as well as leaders of the construction industry.

     Officiating at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that over the past four decades, the HyD has been both a participant in and a contributor to Hong Kong’s development. With the concerted and unremitting efforts of the department as well as other government bureaux and departments, Hong Kong has developed an extensive road and railway network spanning the territory and connecting with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This network has facilitated public mobility, supported economic development, and promoted regional integration. He noted that colleagues have remained steadfast at their posts, monitoring the conditions of roads, bridges, tunnels and street lighting to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of the transport system. He added that the Government will increase investment in public works in the coming years, in particular by expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis so as to pursue infrastructure-led development and create capacity. This will not only lay a more solid foundation for Hong Kong’s long-term development but also open up broader opportunities for the relevant trades. He remarked that enhancing the quality and efficiency of infrastructure development requires technology empowerment to continuously elevate standards in design, construction and maintenance. He expressed the hope that the HyD, together with other works departments, would continue to actively explore the adoption of high-quality Mainland standards and technologies so as to enhance project quality while enabling Hong Kong to act as a “super connector” and “super value‑adder” in aligning national standards, or Guobiao, with international standards and rules, and that the department would continue to uphold its “pioneering” spirit, strive for excellence and work in concert with all sectors of the community to build a more liveable, efficient and convenient city for the public.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Chan remarked that roads and railways are the vital arteries that connect a city, and over the past forty years, the HyD team has quietly contributed to the everyday steps people take towards a better life. She pointed out that Hong Kong’s road network has expanded significantly from about 1,323 kilometres when the department was established in 1986 to more than 2,200 kilometres today, representing an increase of 70 per cent. Looking back at the many milestones the HyD has achieved, from the early Island Eastern Corridor, to the Tsing Ma Bridge, the Tung Chung Line, the Airport Express, and Stonecutters Bridge, and more recently completed East Rail Line Cross-Harbour Extension and Central Kowloon Route (Yau Ma Tei Section), as well as the formulation of the Hong Kong Railway Standards, all of these reflect the professional dedication of generations of HyD colleagues and industry partners in their pursuit of excellence. She expressed hope that colleagues of the HyD will continue to adopt a “policy innovation” and “technological innovation” dual-innovation mindset, and play a more active role in integrating into the national development strategy. Through the advancement of strategic projects including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, the Northern Link, Tsing Lung Bridge, and the Northern Metropolis Highway, the Government will build a broad network of roads and railways under the “Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal” layout, fully unlocking Hong Kong’s future development potential, deepening connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, and leveraging today’s planning to achieve Hong Kong’s long-term development.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 1) released the sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 19 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	May 2026
		First PhaseGravidtrap Index	First PhaseDensity Index
Central and Western	Central and Admiralty	13.2%	1.4
Southern	Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay	13.3%	1.5
Kowloon City	Kai Tak	14.9%	1.1
Wong Tai Sin	Diamond Hill and Tsz Wan Shan	18.3%	1.0
Sha Tin	Sha Tin East	20.3%	1.2
Kwai Tsing	Kwai Chung East	9.5%	2.0
	Kwai Chung West	17.8%	1.0
	Lai King	27.8%	1.5
	Tsing Yi North	33.3%	1.3
Tsuen Wan	Tsuen Wan West	37.7%	1.2
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun West	18.8%	1.3

 

District	Survey Area	May 2026
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Central and Western	Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun	20.5%	1.9
Kowloon City	Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan	17.2%	1.7
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	28.9%	1.8
Wong Tai Sin	Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong	14.7%	1.9
Sai Kung	Sai Kung Town	22.1%	1.4
Tai Po	Tai Po East	10.2%	1.1
Tuen Mun	So Kwun Wat	20.5%	1.3
Yuen Long	Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan	14.3%	1.3

With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The indexes are higher from April to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.

For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD has initiated four prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractor, estate management companies and a property management company following the discovery of mosquito breeding at a construction site, two public housing estates and a private housing estate in Central and Western District, Kwun Tong District, Sai Kung District and Tsuen Wan District. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in six parks, four construction sites, 15 public housing estates, eight private housing estates and four private premises in Central and Western District, Kowloon City District, Kwun Tong District, Wong Tai Sin District, Sai Kung District, Sha Tin District, Tai Po District, Kwai Tsing District, Tsuen Wan District and Yuen Long District, the FEHD has issued 37 statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
• scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (June 1) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. One suspected illegally imported live cat with an estimated market value of about $20,000 was seized.
 
Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 66-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, one live cat was seized from his rucksack, and he was subsequently arrested. The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
 
Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
 
Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to China’s claims concerning Japan-Philippines negotiations on maritime boundary

May 31, 2026
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes assertions made on May 29 by the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning negotiations between Japan and the Philippines on maritime boundaries between the two countries. The spokesperson said that these negotiations would cover maritime territory of Taiwan and claimed that China enjoyed sovereign rights over such territory in accordance with its domestic laws. MOFA reiterates that China has no right to comment on the territory and appertaining waters of the Republic of China (Taiwan). 
 
In a joint statement issued after their May 28 summit, Japan and the Philippines announced that they had decided to launch formal negotiations to delimit the maritime boundary of the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf between the two countries in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 
 
MOFA commends Japan and the Philippines for working to resolve maritime differences through peaceful dialogue and based on respect for international law. This is in line with Taiwan’s consistent approach on such matters. Taiwan looks forward to cooperating with Japan and the Philippines to jointly make concrete contributions to regional peace and stability and the preservation of marine ecology.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has consistently held to the principle of shelving disputes and seeking joint development with regard to settling maritime disputes. Taiwan is willing to work with Japan and the Philippines on the basis of respective bilateral fisheries agreements to advance discussions on sharing maritime resources, maintaining the maritime security of the Indo-Pacific region, and ensuring the sustainable development of marine ecosystems.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to transit of Canadian naval vessel through Taiwan Strait

May 30, 2026

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes the transit of HMCS Charlottetown, a Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy, through the Taiwan Strait from May 22 to 23 and commends Canada for taking concrete action to uphold freedom, peace, and openness in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrate its firm stance that the Taiwan Strait is indeed international waters.
 
The passage of HMCS Charlottetown marked the first time a Canadian warship had transited the Taiwan Strait this year and the eighth time since Canada published its Indo-Pacific Strategy in November 2022.
 
The government of Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and deepen exchanges and cooperation with democratic partners to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and maintain peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to joint statement by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Philippine President Marcos

May 29, 2026  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung commends and welcomes the joint statement issued following a summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. in Tokyo on the evening of May 28.

The statement emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through dialogue. It marked the first time that the leaders of Japan and the Philippines used a joint statement to express their keen attention to Taiwan Strait issues, showing that safeguarding Taiwan Strait peace and stability is a matter of common consensus among the international community.

In addition to expressing serious concern over the situation in the East and South China Seas and strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, the joint statement announced that Japan and the Philippines, as maritime democracies, would elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and further deepen cooperation in such areas as security, maritime affairs, economic development, critical minerals, and supply chain resilience.

Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are crucial to security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region. As it pursues integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with like-minded nations in all areas, working together to uphold the rules-based international order and jointly advance democracy, peace, and prosperous development throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today led a joint Hong Kong-Mainland business delegation to Kazakhstan, kicking off an official visit aimed at deepening economic co-operation.  

Mr Lee began the morning by meeting Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.

During the meeting, Mr Lee highlighted Kazakhstan’s rapid economic growth driven by its ongoing structural reforms. He noted that Hong Kong, as a leading international financial centre, the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre and a premier offshore renminbi business hub is uniquely positioned to support these reforms. The city can provide flexible, diversified capital and asset allocation solutions to fuel Kazakhstan’s infrastructure and economic projects. 

The Chief Executive welcomed Kazakhstan’s government and local enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s financial advantages. He encouraged them to list, issue bonds and secure project financing in the city to connect with global investors, raise international funds and add value to local development initiatives.

Mr Lee then met Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at noon to discuss deepening bilateral relations, before attending an official luncheon hosted by the President. 

The Chief Executive highlighted Kazakhstan’s significance as the birthplace of the Belt & Road Initiative, where President Xi Jinping first proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013. The country is currently Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, with strong economic and trade ties and broad prospects for future co-operation.

As vital regional trade gateways, both economies are actively driving diversification. Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong, as one of the world’s most competitive economies, bridges the Chinese Mainland and global markets, making it a perfect partner for Kazakhstan’s industrial transformation. 

This visit marks the first overseas trip led by Mr Lee since the formation of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global. It is also his largest delegation to date, comprising more than 70 business leaders and professionals from Hong Kong and the Mainland. 

The Chief Executive said that he looks forward to reaching multiple co-operation agreements during this mission. The pacts will span trade, investment promotion, financial services, innovation and technology (I&T) and culture and tourism, as well as further exploring emerging markets and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Mr Lee emphasised that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys strong support from the central government alongside global connectivity. This unique pairing positions the city as a crucial functional platform for the Belt & Road Initiative. 

He added that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, as it deepens international exchanges and accelerates the growth of new economic sectors. 

He expressed his desire to strengthen two-way co-operation between the two regions. He  encouraged enterprises in Kazakhstan to leverage Hong Kong’s professional services and business advantages to enter the Chinese Mainland and Asian markets. Concurrently, this partnership enables Hong Kong and Mainland firms to go global, capture opportunities from Kazakhstan’s economic reforms and build a corporate presence in Central Asia.

The Chief Executive noted that these joint commercial efforts will inject fresh momentum into the high-quality development of the Belt & Road Initiative.

In addition, Mr Lee visited the Astana Hub, a local technology and innovation park, to learn about Kazakhstan’s latest milestones in artificial intelligence. He met Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister & the Minister of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev. 

Mr Lee introduced Hong Kong’s developments in I&T and welcomed Kazakhstan’s technology and innovation enterprises to set up operations in Hong Kong.

He then visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to learn about Kazakhstan’s experience in promoting the development of the non-bank financial sector, and met the AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov. 

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.