Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government today (May 26) launched a one-month public consultation on the proposed amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance (FSO) (Cap. 95) and its related subsidiary legislation. The amendments aim to ensure that the existing fire safety-related legislative framework keeps pace with the times, enhancing public safety, regulatory coherence, enforcement effectiveness and accountability, while responding to public expectations for enhanced fire safety.
 
Following the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Government established the Task Force on Strengthening Fire Safety Governance chaired by the Secretary for Security, and immediately implemented targeted measures and put in place medium-to-long-term initiatives to comprehensively enhance fire safety governance efficacy. One of the important measures is a comprehensive review of the FSO and its subsidiary legislation, including the fire safety-related statutory regulatory regimes and the responsibilities of various stakeholders, with a view to proposing amendments.
 
A spokesman for the Security Bureau said, “The Government attaches great importance to fire safety standards and the protection of the lives and property of citizens. To further consolidate Hong Kong’s fire safety regulatory regime, we consider it necessary to amend the FSO and three pieces of related subsidiary legislation under the Ordinance, namely the Fire Service (Installation Contractors) Regulations (Cap. 95A), the Fire Service (Installations and Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 95B), and the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation (Cap. 95F). These amendments will comprehensively strengthen the regulation of the registration regime for Registered Fire Service Installation Contractors (RFSICs), the maintenance and inspection of building fire service installations (FSI) and equipment, and the abatement of fire hazards. We will also take this opportunity to appropriately enhance the enforcement powers of the Fire Services Department (FSD) in specific areas and combat illicit fuelling activities, among others.”
 
The spokesman added that, in view of the public’s pressing aspiration for enhanced fire safety, the Government will finalise the legislative proposal as soon as possible upon completion of the public consultation, and will strive to introduce the Bill for the Legislative Council’s consideration within 2026.

The proposed legislative amendments cover six pillars:

• Strengthening the regulatory regime for FSIs;
• Introducing the FSI responsible persons regime;
• Reforming the RFSIC registration and disciplinary regime;
• Enhancing penalties and criminal accountability;
• Introducing a fixed penalty regime and streamlined abatement of fire hazards workflow; and
• Expanding the FSD’s enforcement powers and combating illicit fuelling.

For details, please refer to the consultation document available on the websites of the Security Bureau (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/pub/consultation/pafso.html) and the Fire Services Department (www.hkfsd.gov.hk/eng/fire_protection/pc_cap95/). Members of the public may submit views in writing by email (fsab_consultation@hkfsd.gov.hk) or by mail to the Legislation Amendment Working Group, South Wing, 5/F, Fire Services Department Headquarters Building, 1 Hong Chong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, on or before June 25.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) announced today (May 26) that the pilot enhancement measures of the Incentive Scheme to Encourage Provision of Residential Care Home for the Elderly (RCHE) Premises in New Private Developments (RCHE Incentive Scheme) will be made permanent starting from June 20. All existing arrangements of the Scheme will remain unchanged. 

A spokesperson for the LWB said, “The pilot enhancement measures have been welcomed and supported by the industry.  The number of applications received by the Government has significantly increased from eight before the enhancement measures were introduced in 2023 to 25 by the end of March this year, achieving remarkable results. In view of this, the Government will make the enhancement measures permanent under the RCHE Incentive Scheme starting from June 20 to keep on driving the market to provide high-quality residential care service places. We hope to create favourable conditions for the market and continue to encourage private developers to construct RCHEs in their development projects, thereby increasing the overall supply of elderly residential care service places in Hong Kong.” 

The Lands Department and Social Welfare Department (SWD) will update their Practice Note and Guidance Note respectively to facilitate the industry’s compliance. 

To leverage market forces in developing high-quality RCHEs to meet the community’s acute demand for elderly residential care service places, the Government launched the RCHE Incentive Scheme in 2003, allowing developers to be exempted from payment of land premiums for eligible RCHEs when undertaking lease modifications, land exchanges or private treaty grants, on condition that they comply with specific lease conditions and obtain support from the SWD.

     In June 2023, the Government introduced the three-year pilot enhancement measures, including:

(a) relaxing the number, and maximum total gross floor area (GFA), of RCHE premises eligible for premium payment exemption in each site from one RCHE premises not exceeding 5 400 square metres to more than one RCHE premises with maximum total GFA of 12 000 sq m or 10 per cent of the total GFA permissible under lease, whichever is the greater; and

(b) when calculating the total GFA of the entire project, the total GFA of the eligible RCHE premises in the private development project will be exempted from being counted in the total GFA of the entire project under lease, thus enabling developers to use the original permissible GFA for other purposes. 

     The measures concerned aim at enhancing incentives for private developers to build RCHEs in their new development projects.

     According to the Scheme, developers are required to bear the construction cost of the RCHE premises which will be owned by the developers upon completion. As long as the premises are to be used as RCHEs, developers may lease or sell each RCHE as one whole unit, or operate the RCHEs on the premises by themselves or by engaging an organisation whereby they may set the fees on their own with regard to the market situation.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Co-developed with ITRI, earned a gold award for addressing long-standing limitations of conventional artificial ligaments, including poor biocompatibility, inflammation and rejection risks, and material degradation that can lead to breakage. Combining polymer-bioceramic composite fibers with a porous bionic textile structure, the technology delivers up to three times the strength of commercially available products while promoting bone regeneration and tissue adherence. Through collaboration with traditional textile manufacturers, ITRI transformed a textile material originally worth less than US$1 into an artificial ligament commanding a unit price of US$2,500.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A Mainland telecommunications operator that is engaged in digital development in Central Asia will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to provide services for a logistics centre during Chief Executive John Lee’s visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan next month.

 

Mr Lee will lead a delegation to the two countries early in June.

 

The operator’s Head of Carrier Business Kevin Chan said he believes the Government’s official visit can help to deepen economic and trade exchanges with Central Asian countries.

 

“The local 5G development focuses on traditional consumer markets, while the enterprise service ecosystem is still evolving. We are going to give them our smart solutions through our logistics platform. On top of that, because we also have other projects happening in Central Asia, especially in the Kazakhstan region, they will be providing us with a logistics capability that they will make sure all the equipment and all our construction of these satellite base stations will be seamless.”

 

In March, the company established its Global Intelligence Center in Hong Kong.

 

Mr Chan said that Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” provides unique strategic advantages for the firm’s expansion into Central Asia.

 

“Central Asian countries lack direct physical access to undersea cables. While Hong Kong has the world’s highest density network of submarine cable landing stations and international data exchange centres, the company utilises this advantage to seamlessly connect Central Asia’s terrestrial optical cable system to Hong Kong. This allows Central Asian data to reach major global economies via the shortest route.”

 

He also highlighted the region’s young population and explosive demand for information, observing that these signal immense potential. For Central Asia, digital services also contribute to local development.

 

In addition to making specific local investments, the operator also works with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s GoGlobal Task Force to facilitate the globalisation of Mainland telecoms equipment, technical standards and service solutions.

 

Mr Chan pointed out that Central Asia only launched 5G in 2023, while the 5G market in the Chinese Mainland is relatively mature.

 

“As the Central Asian region has more mining industries, the company hopes to drive local enterprises to utilise 5G services with the Mainland’s smart mining solutions.”

 

Moreover, the company hopes to link the Greater Bay Area, Central Asia and Europe by constructing cross-border digital economy and logistics networks and developing opportunities along Belt & Road Initiative countries and regions.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, a move the investment industry believes will open new markets for Hong Kong businesses and boost regional economic links.

 

Asset management company representative Cliff Zhang, who is part of the delegation, has previously accompanied the Chief Executive on two visits to the Middle East. His company signed an agreement with Oman last September to launch that country’s first energy transition fund.

 

Mr Zhang said several collaborations are expected to be announced during the Central Asia trip, including joint investments with the Oman Investment Authority.

 

He noted that Middle Eastern governments and institutions are optimistic about the vast potential of the Central Asian market. He emphasised that Hong Kong can serve as a vital bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland, the Middle East and Central Asia.

 

“It is essentially leveraging the capital from the Middle East which has the desire and the interest to invest more in Central Asia which has the market and the market opportunities,” Mr  Zhang said.

 

“Countries of the Middle East need the Chinese and the Asian companies to bring their products, their technology, their services to those markets,” he added.

 

“That is where Hong Kong plays a role in connecting the dots, being a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” in bringing everybody together.”

 

Mr Zhang highlighted Central Asia’s unique economic advantages, emphasising its young population, abundant natural resources and strategic position between Asia and Europe.

 

While noting that the distinct strengths and investment landscapes of Central Asia and the Middle East cannot be directly compared, he sees significant opportunities ahead.

 

Mr Zhang said that Central Asia offers greater scope for co-operation, particularly across the real estate, energy and infrastructure sectors.

 

“I think Central Asia is a gold mine that is at its early stage of development and opening up,” he said.

 

Mr Zhang added that Central Asia requires more technology and investment from partners in infrastructure and property development, for example.

 

“I definitely see that the demand in the property space is a very real one,” he noted. “That is also one of the areas where we think Hong Kong enterprises have a very strong capability, given Hong Kong is also one of the major property markets globally.”

 

Beyond housing, Central Asia’s demand for hotels, office buildings and shopping malls is rising rapidly.

 

Mr Zhang pointed out that major expanding cities such as Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, and Tashkent in Uzbekistan, are all keen to leverage Hong Kong’s expertise in urban planning and public transport management.

 

He added that Central Asia faces enormous investment needs for mineral and natural gas processing facilities while actively developing renewable energy sources.

 

At the same time, local demand for professional services such as finance and healthcare continues to grow.

 

Asked how to draw lessons from the Middle East, Mr Zhang observed that Central Asia’s predominantly Muslim population shares cultural ties with the Middle East.

 

He also stressed that establishing a local team is essential when entering new markets to accurately gauge policy directions and foster mutual trust. Having already set up an office in the Middle East, his company plans to adopt a similar model in Central Asia.

 

He added that this Central Asian delegation is the largest organised by the current-term Government, surpassing last year’s Middle East mission, and features an increased presence of representatives from Chinese Mainland companies.

 

“This symbolises the further deepening of joint efforts to venture into the global market between the two,” Mr Zhang said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (May 25) that it has received notification from the health authorities of the Chinese Mainland of two confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) cases who had high-risk contact in Hong Kong under the joint prevention and control mechanism. The CHP has immediately carried out follow-up actions and epidemiological investigation. The CHP urged the public to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccination. 

According to the investigation results from the health authorities of the Chinese Mainland, the first case involved a 28-year-old male who developed a fever and painful swelling in the groin area on May 8. During his incubation period, he visited a premises called “Hutong” on Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, on May 3, and had high-risk contacts there. The second case involved a 30-year-old male who developed a rash over his bilateral lower limbs on May 15. During his incubation period, he visited the above-mentioned premises on May 1 and May 3 respectively and had high-risk contacts there. Although the two patients did not know each other, they both stayed for several hours at this premises during the same period on May 3. Their samples collected after the onset of symptoms tested positive for Mpox. Both patients are now receiving medical treatment in stable condition in the Chinese Mainland.

The CHP considers that the two patients may have been infected through high‑risk contact with a person infected with Mpox at the premises. The CHP has visited the premises for an on‑site inspection and commenced contact tracing. The CHP has attempted to obtain a list of customers who had visited the premises on that day, but the person-in-charge of the premises was unable to provide the relevant customer information. The CHP already has provided health education to the staff of the premises. To date, all staff members remain asymptomatic. 

The CHP has set up a telephone hotline (2125 2373), which operates from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). The CHP appeals to the members of the public who have visited the concerned premises on Shanghai Street since May 1, especially those who have had sexual contact with strangers there, to call the Mpox telephone hotline as soon as possible, to facilitate the CHP to provide health assessments and advice. The CHP will arrange persons with relevant symptoms to have testing. The CHP has also reminded healthcare professionals of the Hospital Authority and the Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) under the CHP that, if a patient is found to have compatible symptoms and has visited the concerned premises, arrangements should be made for the patient to undergo testing. 

The CHP’s contact tracing and investigation into the source of infection are still ongoing. It will maintain close liaison with the health authorities of the Chinese Mainland, and exchange information on the relevant epidemiological investigations and contact‑tracing work.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 86 Mpox cases (69 local cases and 17 imported cases), including the two above-mentioned cases. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had history of high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms. 

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 infection. 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.

     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 SocHS (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.

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.

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

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US President Trump’s comments to media regarding Taiwan

May 15, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted US President Donald Trump’s media interview and comments aboard Air Force One regarding Taiwan. 
 
It is readily apparent that since the Trump administration assumed office, President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other high-level officials have reiterated on numerous occasions that the long-standing and consistent policy of the United States regarding Taiwan remains unchanged. They have also emphasized the importance that the United States attaches to regional peace and stability and to maintaining the status quo. To date, the Trump administration has approved two arms sales to Taiwan and continues to work with Taiwan and regional partners to jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. 
 
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent democratic country. It is widely acknowledged that military threats from China are the only source of regional instability. China has engaged in relentless and substantial military expansionism and attempted to project power globally. People’s Liberation Army aircraft and vessels frequently conduct exercises around the Taiwan Strait—including a variety of gray-zone and military harassment tactics. The key to preserving regional peace and stability is an effective, joint deterrence against Beijing, which is currently the greatest danger to regional peace and stability. Therefore, Taiwan’s primary and overriding mission is to strive to uphold the status quo and demonstrate its resolve for self-defense, protecting the freedom and democracy of its 23 million people and ensuring that cross-strait security and stability are not threatened or undermined. 
 
US arms sales to Taiwan are not only an explicitly stated US security commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act, but they are also a joint deterrent against regional threats. Taiwan thanks President Trump for supporting security across the Taiwan Strait since his first term. The value of the most recently announced arms sale package was the highest ever. Close Taiwan-US cooperation has always been the cornerstone of cross-strait peace. 
 
Taiwan is the most important nexus of defense in the first island chain and a key driver of global economic prosperity. Taiwan will continue to staunchly defend the regional status quo and bolster cooperation with the United States and other democratic partners worldwide to establish effective deterrent capabilities and collectively address the risks that authoritarian regimes pose to geopolitical security, the international order, and global stability.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to media inquiries regarding comments on Taiwan attributed to Chinese leader Xi

May 14, 2026  According to Chinese state media reports on the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Xi Jinping said that the Taiwan question was the most important issue in China-US relations, and that if not handled properly, there would be clashes and even conflicts between the two countries, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy. He further stated that safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait was the biggest common denominator between China and the United States.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs solemnly states that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China are subordinate to the other. China has no right to make any pronouncements on behalf of Taiwan on the international stage.

China has consistently engaged in various forms of gray-zone harassment and military threats in the East and South China Seas, the Taiwan Strait, and areas around Taiwan. Even as the leaders of the United States and China were meeting, the People’s Liberation Army continued to dispatch military aircraft and vessels in areas around the Taiwan Strait. China currently poses the only risk to regional peace and stability.

As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to closely cooperate with the United States and other like-minded countries to jointly maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and uphold freedom, openness, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Region  1/F, 8 Chai Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan 2560 0211 3157 0077 Wan Chai Violet Peel Family Medicine Clinic LG, Tang Shiu Kin Hospital Community Ambulatory Care Centre, 282 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai 3553 3116 3157 0000 Kowloon Kwun Tong Family Medicine Integrated Centre UG/F, 60 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong 2389 0331 3157 0687 Nam Cheong Family Medicine Clinic G/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan 3742 3876 3543 5795 Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital Family Medicine Clinic G/F, Out-patient Block, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, 118 Shatin Pass Road, Wong Tai Sin 2354 2267 3157 0118 San Po Kong Robert Black Family Medicine Clinic 600 Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong 2383 3311 3157 0113 Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic 1/F, 145 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei 2272 2400 3157 0880 New  Territories Lek Yuen Family Medicine Clinic G/F, 9 Lek Yuen Street, Sha Tin 2692 8730 3157 0972 North District Family Medicine Integrated Centre 3/F, North District Community Health Centre Building, 3 Wai Wo Street, Sheung Shui 2957 5186 3157 0965 Tai Po Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic G/F, 37 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po 2664 2039 3157 0906 Tseung Kwan O (Po Ning Road) Family Medicine Clinic G/F, 28 Po Ning Road, Tseung Kwan O 2191 1083 3157 0660 Tsuen Wan Lady Trench Family Medicine Clinic 213 Sha Tsui Road, Tsuen Wan 2614 4789 3157 0107 Tuen Mun Family Medicine Clinic 11 Tsing Yin Street, San Hui, Tuen Mun 2452 9111 3543 0886 Yuen Long Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic 269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long 2443 8511 3543 5007