Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of April 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Jim Banks. In remarks, President Lai thanked Senator Banks and the 36 other bipartisan members of the US Congress who jointly signed a letter regarding Taiwan’s special defense budget and expressed support for the strengthening of Taiwan’s national defense. President Lai stated that while Taiwan is a peace-loving nation, only through strength can peace be ensured. He added that Taiwan is open to exchanges, but no exchanges should be conducted at the expense of its democracy, freedom, or national interests. Noting that April 10 marks the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, the president said that Taiwan will continue to move forward side by side with the US and like-minded partners to make democracy more resilient and peace more secure, creating a safer and more prosperous future for the next generation.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I sincerely welcome Senator Banks on this visit. I would also like to thank him for his longstanding, firm support for Taiwan. His presence here, especially at this critical moment, demonstrates powerful, concrete support for our nation. Over many years, Senator Banks has paid close heed to the security situation in the Indo-Pacific. During his time in the House of Representatives, he introduced numerous pieces of legislation, including the Taiwan Peace through Strength Act and the Taiwan Weapons Exports Act. Through these actions, he has demonstrated strong support for Taiwan-US security cooperation and the enhancement of Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. For this, I also extend heartfelt gratitude.
Taiwan’s 2026 annual defense budget, as defined by NATO, has surpassed 3 percent of GDP. This figure is expected to increase to 5 percent of GDP by 2030. Our government has also proposed an eight-year, US$40 billion special defense budget. I would like to thank Senator Banks and the 36 other bipartisan members of Congress who jointly signed a letter regarding this special defense budget in February. The letter underlined China’s threats toward Taiwan and expressed clear support for Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its national defense capabilities.
This letter conveyed a very important message – Taiwan is not alone in facing authoritarian expansion and regional security challenges, and we are backed by like-minded partners. Even more importantly, we must also demonstrate the resolve to defend ourselves, maintain stability across the Taiwan Strait, and ensure peace throughout the Indo-Pacific. I hope that members of the Legislative Yuan, regardless of party affiliation, will support the government’s comprehensive special defense budget and be our military’s strongest backers. Together, we can show the international community that Taiwan is determined to continue strengthening its self-defense capabilities and fulfill the responsibility of maintaining regional security.
I want to emphasize that Taiwan is a peace-loving nation. But only through strength can peace be ensured. Taiwan is open to exchanges, but no exchanges should be conducted at the expense of our democracy, freedom, or national interests. This year marks 30 years of direct presidential elections in Taiwan. Three decades ago, we faced the threat of missiles from China. Yet the people of Taiwan did not back down; instead, they resolutely cast their votes. Thirty years on, we are determined to continue upholding the values of freedom and democracy and safeguard Taiwan’s hard-won achievements as a democratic and prosperous nation.
We will not forget how the US took concrete action to safeguard regional peace and stability during the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis. And this Friday, April 10, marks the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Through our joint efforts, Taiwan and the US have become crucial partners in defense and security, trade and economic exchanges, technological development, and upholding regional peace and stability. We look forward to even more exchanges and cooperation in the future.
I once again thank Senator Banks for visiting Taiwan at this meaningful time, as well as for supporting legislation in Congress regarding Taiwan-US double taxation. A resolution to this issue will greatly enhance our economic and trade partnership. Taiwan will continue moving forward side by side with the US and all like-minded partners as we work to make democracy more resilient and peace more secure, creating a safer and more prosperous future for the next generation .
Senator Banks then delivered remarks, stating that it is an honor to meet with President Lai and to visit Taiwan for the first time. He said that Taiwan is a great country that is proud of its democracy and freedom, and that the most important purpose of his visit is to reiterate that the US always has and always will stand with Taiwan. Senator Banks then expressed his appreciation for President Lai’s leadership, saying that both President Lai and US President Donald Trump are great leaders who are clear-eyed about the threats we face, not just from communist China, but from around the world.
Senator Banks stated that no matter how hard the Chinese Communist Party tries, the world will always know the truth. He continued on to say that Taiwan is important because of its democratic legacy, that Taiwan is essential to the modern global economy and our shared prosperity, and that Taiwan is an indispensable partner for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The senator indicated that President Trump and President Lai have worked hard to make US-Taiwan relationships and partnerships advance to new heights. He then cited several examples, noting that December 2025 saw the largest US arms sale to Taiwan in history, and that the two sides signed an MOU on investment in January 2026 promoting US$250 billion of Taiwanese investment in the US, including another US$250 billion in credit guarantees. He added that in February 2026, the US-Taiwan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade opened market access and cut tariffs, noting that this was directly due to President Lai’s leadership.
Senator Banks went on to say that his home state of Indiana has benefited greatly from the Taiwan-US trade relationship, and that Taiwan and Indiana have reached US$1.4 billion in trade. He also noted that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is making critical investments in the workforce of the future at Purdue University. As Taiwan invests more in America, he said, there is no better place to invest in than Indiana.
On the topic of security, Senator Banks pointed out that President Trump is advocating for a US$1.5 trillion defense budget, marking a substantial increase in defense spending in the US, and that President Lai is also providing leadership to grow defense spending to keep Taiwan’s people safe. However, he added, the Legislative Yuan must do its part and pass the special defense budget, which will be a signal to China and to the rest of the world that Taiwan is serious about peace through strength.
Senator Banks said that he has enjoyed his first trip to Taiwan, and has enjoyed Taiwan’s food, has made great new friends, and looks forward to coming back. He added that the American-Taiwanese friendship will last forever, and that he looks forward to playing a big role in that friendship.
The senator indicated that Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana, is a sister city to Taipei. He then expressed hope that he will be able to host President Lai in Indianapolis on his next visit to the US. Senator Banks closed his remarks by stating that he looks forward to further discussion with President Lai, as well as sharing what he learned during his visit with his colleagues in Washington, DC.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 8) instructed the trade to suspend the import of raw oysters from French brand Josephine produced and packed between March 5 and 25, 2026. The trade should also immediately stop using or selling the batches of the product concerned produced and packed during this period should they possess any of them.

A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Commission on suspected gastroenteritis cases in the Netherlands that may be related to consumption of raw oysters from French brand Josephine produced and packed between March 5 and 25, 2026. For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately instructed the trade to temporarily suspend the import into and sale within Hong Kong of the raw oysters concerned. As a precautionary measure, the brand concerned has voluntarily removed from shelves the raw oysters concerned. So far, the CFS has not received any referral cases of food poisoning or food complaint related to ingestion of the raw oysters concerned.”

The spokesman said the trade should also stop selling the raw oysters from French brand Josephine produced and packed during the above-mentioned period if they possess them. The CFS has also stepped up the collection of raw oyster samples for testing.

The spokesman pointed out that as oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater, pathogens can accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Raw or partially cooked oysters are high-risk foods. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating raw oysters.

The CFS has informed the French authorities and also notified the local trade. It will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.

Source: Government of Singapore

The ongoing Middle East conflict has impacted global fuel supply chains, underscoring the importance of energy resilience for Singapore. ​In his video message on the situation in the Middle East on 2 April 2026, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong called for businesses and households to do their part to conserve energy and contribute towards Singapore’s energy resilience. The Government is taking the lead in this national energy conservation effort and will continue to provide support to help save energy.

 Public Sector Takes the Lead

 2            All Ministries, Departments, Organs of State and Statutory Boards have been directed to adopt energy conservation measures to reduce electricity consumption across government facilities where practicable, while balancing operational needs.

 3        These include immediate measures, if not already practised, such as implementing Go 25 measures[1] for air-conditioning, active management of operating times for air-conditioning, lighting and lifts, and unplugging or turning off non-essential equipment and appliances when not in use. Agencies will also accelerate the installation of energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting and smart sensors and replace electrical equipment with more energy-efficient alternatives, such as those with the highest tick ratings.

 4            All public officers are also advised to practise energy conservation habits such as switching off lights, air-conditioning, monitors and other electrical equipment when not in use.

 5            These measures complement existing requirements under GreenGov.SG and demonstrate the Government’s commitment to lead by example in national energy conservation efforts.

 Five simple steps everyone can take to conserve energy

 6        The Government is calling on businesses, households and individuals to take five simple steps to save energy and resources:

1. Stay cool with fans. Use a fan to stay comfortable.
   
2. Go 25. Set air-conditioning temperature to 25°C or higher. Each degree raised reduces energy needs by around 10%. Or switch to a fan after using air conditioning for a short while.
3. Switch off appliances at the power socket when not in use. Devices like TVs, routers and computers on “standby” still consume power when plugged in. Switching off at the power socket avoids unnecessary energy use.
   
4. Choose energy-efficient appliances. Choose appliances with higher tick ratings as they use less electricity, saving its users money over time.
   
5. Choose greener commutes. Walk, Cycle and Ride public transport to reduce fuel and energy consumption.

 Government Support to Help Save Energy

 7            Households and businesses can tap on support measures from the Government to make the switch to more energy efficient appliances and equipment:

1. Eligible households can claim up to $400 in Climate Vouchersunder the enhanced Climate Friendly Households Programme (CFHP) to purchase more energy-efficient household appliances.
2. Businesses can tap on schemes, like the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) and Resource Efficiency Grant for Emissions (REG(E)) to help them invest in energy-efficient equipment and reduce operational costs.

 A Whole-of-Nation Effort

 8            Everyone has a part to play in strengthening our nation’s energy resilience. Through collective action, we can help ensure Singapore remains well-positioned to navigate global energy challenges while building a more sustainable future for all.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets delegation led by US House RSC National Security Task Force Chairman Zach Nunn
On the afternoon of April 7, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Representative Zach Nunn, chairman of the National Security Task Force of the United States House Republican Study Committee (RSC) . In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation for showing support for Taiwan through direct action during this pivotal time. The president emphasized that Taiwan knows full well that peace depends on strength, while strength depends on resilience, and that the government is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing Taiwan-US cooperation, ensuring national security, and maintaining cross-strait stability and regional peace.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
On behalf of the people of Taiwan, it is my pleasure to welcome Congressman Nunn and his delegation. I thank the delegation for showing support for Taiwan through direct action during this pivotal time. In just a few days, it will be April 10, when we will mark the 47th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). The TRA and the Six Assurances form an important cornerstone of Taiwan-US relations and have stood as witnesses to our continually deepening friendship.
The RSC is one of the most prominent groups in the US House of Representatives. The RSC’s National Security Task Force, chaired by Congressman Nunn, honors the principle of peace through strength and monitors threats posed by authoritarian regimes to regional security. I would like to express my deepest respect for the task force’s contributions to regional peace and stability.
In recent years, China has frequently conducted gray-zone operations and military exercises around Taiwan, severely undermining regional peace and stability. Taiwan knows full well that peace depends on strength, while strength depends on resilience. It is the government’s duty to protect our country. Therefore, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities and do its utmost to safeguard regional peace and stability.
Our national defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, has already surpassed 3 percent of GDP this year, and we aim for this figure to reach 5 percent by 2030.  This demonstrates Taiwan’s firm determination to defend itself. At the same time, our government has proposed an eight-year, US$40 billion special defense budget. We will expand investment in our indigenous defense industry, build up asymmetric warfare capabilities, and work with the US and other countries that have advanced military industries to jointly build a robust line of defense to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy.
I especially want to thank the members of Congress here today for their attention to and support for Taiwan’s defense capabilities. I must emphasize that my administration is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing Taiwan-US cooperation, ensuring national security, and maintaining cross-strait stability and regional peace. Furthermore, I want to thank the US Congress for including initiatives in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in recent years that have helped to deepen Taiwan-US cooperation and improve Taiwan’s security. In particular, the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026 includes Taiwan-US drone coproduction and counter-drone provisions . This signals a shift from a “buyer-seller” relationship toward a true defense industry partnership between our two countries. 
In addition to the military industry, Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation has continued to grow in recent years. Last year, Taiwan became the fourth-largest trading partner of the US. The home states of the congresspeople here have close ties with Taiwan. So, I hope that the US Congress will pass legislation for avoidance of double taxation between Taiwan and the US at the earliest possible juncture, so as to further strengthen Taiwan-US economic and trade relations.
In closing, I wish you all a pleasant and rewarding visit and anticipate Taiwan-US cooperation producing even greater outcomes. 
Chairman Nunn then delivered remarks, first expressing his gratitude to President Lai and the Taiwan government for the warm welcome and assistance extended to the delegation. He stated that the delegation travels from Washington to Taiwan with a clear message: American support for Taiwan remains strong. He said that the RSC is the largest caucus in Congress, with 190 members, all of the Republican majority. He added that it has long believed that the first line of defense for America’s national security and the prosperity of both our nations runs through the Indo-Pacific, and that Taiwan is the center of that security picture.
Chairman Nunn noted that President Lai’s personal story resonates deeply with many Americans. Mentioning that he himself grew up in a working-class family as the son of a teacher, the chairman said that President Lai came from humble beginnings in a coal-mining family and was raised by a single mother who cared for six children alone, and that through his own discipline, spirit of service, and determination, President Lai worked his way to become the nation’s highest leader. Over the course of his journey, he said, President Lai built a professional career as a physician and pursued advanced studies at Harvard University in the US; he also served as a legislator and mayor, dedicating many years to serving his constituents. Today, he said, President Lai leads a democracy that has garnered global attention, and his background has shaped a leadership style that is now fully on display on the international stage. The chairman said that under President Lai’s leadership and through the steadfast will of its people, Taiwan has established a vibrant democratic society, a thriving economy, and a community that chooses freedom over authoritarianism. Such a choice, he emphasized, deserves the respect and support of the international community.
Chairman Nunn emphasized that the delegation’s visit is intended not merely as a verbal reaffirmation of support, but as an opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges Taiwan faces, both now and in the future. He noted that such insight ensures that the US and Congress can remain a steadfast partner in the collective pursuit of democracy. He said that the delegation recognizes that the threats to Taiwan’s security are real, and the RSC truly believes in peace through strength, adding that it is included in our economic partnership. He pointed out that our economies are better when we are working together, so deepening trade and investment ties between the US and Taiwan is not just good economic policy, it is a sound strategy for both our nations.
Chairman Nunn said that when the delegation returns to Washington, they will make the case to their colleagues not only that Taiwan matters, but American security and prosperity and the cause of freedom around the world are tied to the future of Taiwan. Following his remarks, Chairman Nunn presented a copy of his remarks in the US Congressional Record  to President Lai in which he expresses admiration for the president’s leadership of Taiwan.
The delegation also included US House of Representatives members Scott Fitzgerald, Julie Fedorchak, and Jefferson Shreve.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     “New Vision Cantonese Opera: ‘To Be or Not To Be’ – The Legendary Story of Lu Wenlong”, jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe, will be staged in Hong Kong this June. With renowned Hong Kong director Fredric Mao serving as artistic director, director and co-playwright, the production brings together talented performers and creative elites from Hong Kong and Shenzhen and reinterprets the classic story of “double-spear general” Lu Wenlong from a contemporary perspective. Peng Qinghua, winner of the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award and the Head of the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe, will lead a group of outstanding performers from the troupe to perform in Hong Kong, demonstrating the collaborative achievement in a high-quality cultural creation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

     “To Be or Not To Be” is co-produced by the LCSD of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Shenzhen Association for International Culture Exchanges, the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, and the Shenzhen Bao’an District People’s Government. This production not only showcases the dedication of the Hong Kong and Shenzhen governments to foster arts, cultural development and talent exchanges in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), but also encourages innovation in Cantonese opera and promotes Chinese culture. With this premise, Mao has innovatively defined this epic opera with the concept of “new vision, new approach, new audience” – using more creative approaches to preserve the artistic essence of traditional Cantonese opera and bring it into a new era.

     Mao selected the newly adapted story of Lu Wenlong, a legendary figure from the Qing dynasty novel “The Story of Yue Fei”. The narrative unfolds after the Jingkang Incident, where the Song general Lu Deng and his wife die in the name of their country, leaving their infant son Lu Wenlong. He is adopted by Jin prince Wuzhu, and raised to become a formidable warrior. Upon learning the truth of his origins, Wenlong is torn between national loyalty and the bond of his upbringing. “To Be or Not To Be” explores this classic story through a contemporary narrative approach. By refining the script, developing characters and pursuing the truth, it brings a modern flair to a Cantonese opera classic while preserving the traditional essence.

     The creative team of “To Be or Not To Be” boasts exceptional talent. Alongside Mao, it features local young Chinese opera performing arts creator Jason Kong as co-playwright; seasoned Cantonese opera music designer Sunny Li for vocal and music design; lighting designer of the National Theatre of China Han Jiang for lighting design; with set and costume design by veteran Hong Kong artists Ricky Chan and Mandy Tam respectively. 

     Leading the cast, Peng, who received the title of “Leading Talent in Sheng Roles in Chinese Traditional Theatre”, will take on the role of Lu Wenlong. Lin Haitao, a fifth-generation inheritor of the Southern School of Cantonese opera, will portray Jin Wuzhu. Other key performers from the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe include Bu Meiling and Huang Hui, alongside outstanding young artist Lin Feng. 

     The collaborative creation on “To Be or Not To Be” fully leverages the complementary strengths of artistic elites from Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Building upon the legacy of traditional Cantonese opera, it infuses modern aesthetics and values, providing a platform to nurture young Cantonese opera talent, as well as enhancing the cohesion and expressive power of culture within the GBA. 

     The two Hong Kong performances will be held at 8pm on June 12 and 13 (Friday and Saturday) at the Auditorium of Kwai Tsing Theatre. Tickets priced at $180, $280, $380 and $480 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. A 30 per cent early bird discount will be offered from now until April 21 for purchasing standard programme tickets. Additionally, a 30 per cent family package discount on standard tickets will be offered for each purchase of two standard tickets and one student or senior citizen concessionary ticket. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2734 2930 or visit www.cxlo.gov.hk/en/gba/page-1712.html.

     This programme features two sharing sessions (in Cantonese). The first session, titled “Defining Heroes on Stage: The Challenges of Chinese Opera Adaptation”, will be held at 7.30pm on May 5 (Tuesday) at Function Room AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers will be Mao and Kong. The second session, titled “Beyond Fan Culture: Promotion Strategies for Performing Arts in Hong Kong and Shenzhen”, will be held at 3.30pm on May 17 (Sunday), at Bar Lemna, Lemna of the Alchemist, G/F, Restaurant Block, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers will be Mao and the artistic producer of Actors’ Family, Mandy Yiu. The General Manager of the International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong), Ms Bernice Chan, will serve as the moderator of both sessions. Admission is free, while online registration (www.iatc.com.hk/doc/107849) is required on a first-come, first-served basis. For the second session, a minimum purchase of one drink per participant is required. 

     Two Shenzhen performances of “To Be or Not To Be” will be held at 8pm on May 23 and 24 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Shenzhen Grand Theatre. Please visit the above-mentioned programme web page for more information.