Category: MIL-OSI

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MOFA to hold Taiwan Gender Equality Week in New York

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

March 3, 2026  
No. 001  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), in collaboration with Taiwanese nongovernmental organizations, will hold Taiwan Gender Equality Week (TGEW) in New York to coincide with the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) from March 9 to 19. Through TGEW events, Taiwan will showcase to the world its achievements and progress in advancing gender equality, demonstrating Taiwan’s robust institutional capabilities and deep cultural resilience.
 
The highlight of this year’s TGEW will be Taiwan Women’s Power and Cultural Night, to be held at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York at 18:00 on March 13. In line with this year’s CSW priority theme, “ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls,” a number of distinguished speakers will be invited to share Taiwan’s judicial reforms, policies, and institutional achievements under the framework of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The evening will include a jazz performance by Taiwanese marimbist Su Yu-han and Taiwanese-American drummer Wu Wen-ting. It will be live streamed on MOFA’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
 
In addition, an exhibition will be held at the event. Featuring orchids as the main visual motif, the exhibition conveys flexibility, diversity, and cultural connectedness, highlighting Taiwan’s significant progress in gender equality, judicial reform, and international cooperation. 
 
To further deepen engagement with the United Nations community, MOFA and the Foundation for Women’s Rights Promotion and Development have partnered with the STUF United Fund—an organization holding special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council—to convene the Taiwan Forum at 13:00 on March 12 at the STUF New York headquarters. The forum will focus on women leaders’ practical experiences in driving institutional innovation, strengthening governance resilience, and advancing inclusive participation.
 
This year, over 60 representatives from about 40 Taiwanese NGOs and local governments will hold more than 30 parallel events during the NGO CSW Forum. They will share Taiwan’s experiences and achievements in implementing gender equality initiatives with the international community.
 
A major highlight of this year’s initiative is MOFA’s first-ever film clip promotional campaign in New York during the CSW session. Beginning March 6, advertisements featuring the orchid motif, Taiwan imagery, and the slogan “Her Rights, Our Pride” will appear on top of New York City taxis, at bus stops, on linkNYC kiosks, and on subway station billboards. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness of Taiwan’s commitment to advancing gender equality, contribute to the celebration of women’s empowerment in New York, and put the spotlight on Taiwan.
 
MOFA will continue to encourage civil society to make Taiwan’s voice heard on the world stage by leveraging Taiwan’s strengths in gender equality. During the TGEW, everyone is welcome to use the hashtags #HerRightsOurPride and #TaiwanEmpoweringWomen and engage with MOFA’s Facebook page and X account so as to jointly raise awareness about Taiwan’s gender equality achievements and call for global sustainable development in areas including gender equality. (E)

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MOFA response to French Minister Delegate for Europe Haddad reiterating France’s commitment to upholding freedom of navigation in Taiwan Strait

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to French Minister Delegate for Europe Haddad reiterating France’s commitment to upholding freedom of navigation in Taiwan Strait

Date：2026-02-27
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

February 27, 2026  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that on February 25 Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for Europe of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, stated that France was an active and engaged power in the Indo-Pacific and had conducted joint patrols in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea with the navies of the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries to uphold freedom of navigation. He added that France would continue to coordinate with its European partners to make safeguarding collective security and peace in the region a top priority. Minister Delegate Haddad made the remarks in response to questions about cross-strait security raised by Brigitte Devésa, Deputy Chair of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group.
 
In her remarks, Deputy Chair Devésa pointed out that Taiwan had long been subjected to a wide range of threats from China. She added that a major crisis in the Taiwan Strait would have a severe impact on the European economy. Deputy Chair Devésa stressed that with democratic Taiwan under constant pressure from China, Europe should carefully consider a prudent response. She urged the French government and the European Union to assist Taiwan in countering China’s imperialism.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks France for its continued attention to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan and France are like-minded partners that share the universal values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. They play key roles in maintaining a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan will continue to work closely with France and other democratic countries in taking concrete actions to uphold cross-strait peace and stability, defend the rules-based international order, and jointly promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and the world.

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Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases by air of suspected precious metals worth about $233 million

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases by air of suspected precious metals worth about $233 million.    ​
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:30

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CE attends opening meeting of NPC annual session in Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (March 5) attended the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC).

     The fourth session of the 14th NPC commenced in Beijing this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report. Mr Lee attended the opening meeting in his capacity as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

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Statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the fourth quarter of 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (March 5) released the statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the fourth quarter of 2025.

     In the fourth quarter of 2025, total port cargo throughput increased by 1.1% to 44.8 million tonnes over a year earlier. Within this total, inward port cargo decreased by 6.0% to 25.6 million tonnes, while outward port cargo increased by 12.3% to 19.2 million tonnes.

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Regulators launch GenA.I. Sandbox++ to foster AI innovation across financial services

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Regulators launch GenA.I. Sandbox++ to foster AI innovation across financial services      
     Building on the success of the GenA.I. Sandbox initiative launched in 2024, regulators jointly expand the GenA.I. Sandbox++ to cover multiple financial sectors including banking, securities and capital markets, asset and wealth management, insurance, mandatory provident fund (MPF) and stored value facilities.
      
     The initiative maintains its focus on three high-impact areas – risk management, anti-fraud, and customer experience – while continuing to advance “AI vs AI” strategies by leveraging AI to manage the risks associated with AI adoption. Participating financial institutions will receive targeted supervisory guidance, technical support, and complimentary access to graphics processing unit computing resources at Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre, enabling them to develop, pilot, and refine their use cases in a risk-controlled environment, thereby accelerating responsible AI adoption across Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem.
      
     By fostering collaboration among regulators, financial institutions, and technology firms, the initiative aims to spark new ideas and cultivate deeper cross-sector and cross-boundary partnerships. The initiative encourages the development of both sector-specific and cross-sector AI applications, including AI-driven insurance underwriting and claims processing, suitability requirements compliance assessment during investment products distribution, AI-powered tools for handling MPF and industry-wide use cases such as intelligent customer chatbots and advanced fraud detection systems.
      
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, stated, “The launch of the GenA.I. Sandbox++ marks a significant milestone under our ‘Fintech 2030’ strategy, reinforcing our commitment to building a vibrant ecosystem for responsible innovation. By bringing together regulators, financial institutions, and the tech community, we aim to unlock AI’s full potential to drive growth, efficiency, and customer-centricity across financial services, further strengthening Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a leading international financial centre.”
      
     The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, said, “Expanding the GenA.I. Sandbox to broader capital market participants is a true testament to our collective resolve to drive responsible market innovation and a tech-enabled and future-proof financial market. We encourage licensed corporations to actively participate in this Sandbox to harness the boundless potential of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, bolstering resilience and unlocking growth.”
      
     The Chief Executive Officer of the IA, Mr Clement Cheung, said, “The GenA.I. Sandbox++ is a collective drive made by the financial regulators to nurture an environment conducive to AI innovation anchored upon accountability, inclusiveness and prudence. This thinking aligns with our AI Cohort Programme which has generated interest in knowledge sharing and use case deployment, while attracting an inflow of talents that should help to strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong as a regional AI hub.”
      
     The Managing Director of the MPFA, Mr Cheng Yan-chee, said, “To further support the healthy and innovative development of AI in the MPF industry, the MPFA strongly encourages the MPF trustees and intermediaries to actively explore the adoption of advanced financial technology solutions. By leveraging AI, MPF trustees and intermediaries can enhance operational efficiency and elevate the quality of services, thus bringing more value to benefit MPF scheme members.”
Issued at HKT 16:30

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Tender results of re-opening of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender results of re-opening of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds      
     A total of RMB1.0 billion 1-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB11.400 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 11.40. The average price accepted is 100.18, implying an annualised yield of 1.358 per cent. 
     Tender results of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Tender Date* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
 
Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields. For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.353 per cent, 1.424 per cent, and 1.499 per cent respectively.
Issued at HKT 16:30

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Company fined $66,500 for contravening Employment Ordinance

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Company fined $66,500 for contravening Employment Ordinance 
     The company wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened the requirements of the EO, failing to pay an employee’s wages and payment in lieu of notice within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and termination of the employment contract, as well as the end-of-year payment and annual leave pay within the statutory time limit, totalling about $1,122,000. The company also failed to pay the awarded sum of about $1,198,000 in total to the employee within 14 days after the date set by the Labour Tribunal (LT).
 
     “The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers that they have to pay wages and termination payments to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO, as well as the sums awarded by the LT or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board,” a spokesman for the LD said.
 
     “The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees’ statutory rights,” the spokesman added.
 
Issued at HKT 17:03

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Food voucher rumours clarified

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour & Welfare Bureau today clarified that information circulating online alleging that the Government would distribute half-price food vouchers to the elderly is completely false. 

Noting that such fake information is circulating online, the bureau said it has reported the matter to the relevant social media platform and reserves the right to pursue legal action.

The bureau also urged senior citizens not to trust any suspicious websites or believe unknown and misleading messages.

Those who suspect that they have fallen victim to any fraudulent acts should contact Police. 

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CE attends NPC session in Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee attended the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing today, in his capacity as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The fourth session of the 14th NPC opened this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report for 2025. He elaborated on the economic and social achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan period and outlined the country’s main development goals and major tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The Premier also stated the overall requirements and policy directions for economic and social development this year, as well as the key tasks of the work of the government.

The government work report highlighted the successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan with major achievements. Noting that this year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the report unveiled a draft outline setting out 20 major indicators and key strategic missions.

The plan focuses on four key areas: pursuing high-quality development, strengthening domestic circulation, promoting common prosperity and co-ordinating development and security.

The report stressed the unwavering commitment to fully implement the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy. It underscored the importance of putting the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle into practice and ensuring effective governance in accordance with the law.

These efforts aim to promote Hong Kong’s economic and social development, support its integration into the nation’s overall development and leverage the city’s unique role as a bridge between the Mainland and the world to ensure long-term prosperity and stability.

The government work report also noted the importance of deepening the integration of innovation in technology and industry. It highlighted the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology hub and a world-class city cluster.

The Chief Executive said he was most encouraged and inspired by the report. Noting that this year marks the launch of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and a crucial phase for comprehensively deepening reform, Mr Lee remarked that the period is of great significance to the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will earnestly fulfil its primary responsibility for governance and steadfastly implement the “one country, two systems” principle, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy.

He pledged to unite all sectors to comprehensively deepen reform and leverage Hong Kong’s unique institutional and international advantages. He added that the Government remains dedicated to opening new horizons for development, boosting the economy and improving livelihoods while exploring new growth areas.

The Chief Executive also noted that he will lead the Hong Kong SAR Government in formulating a systematic policy framework to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will formulate more comprehensive and precise strategic initiatives for key development areas. For the first time, it will also draw up a macroscopic and forward-looking five-year plan for Hong Kong to provide a strategic blueprint for the city’s future.

Mr Lee highlighted that, following his earlier instructions, all Hong Kong SAR Government bureaus have established preparatory groups and commenced relevant work. These groups will be converted into formulation teams to align with the 15th Five-Year Plan and work at full speed to complete Hong Kong’s own five-year plan within this year.

The plan will outline the city’s development vision, core objectives and major initiatives, providing a clear roadmap and timetable for Hong Kong’s economic and social progress. This strategic blueprint aims to facilitate Hong Kong’s integration into national development and give full play to its unique role in serving the country.

The Chief Executive noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. He pledged to develop the city into an international innovation and technology hub and a premier centre for high-calibre talent.

Furthermore, the Government will promote the establishment of more high value-added enterprises in the Northern Metropolis. While consolidating ties with traditional economies, Hong Kong will proactively explore emerging markets.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has established the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global to connect the Mainland’s robust productivity with Hong Kong’s world-class professional services to meet the diverse demands of global buyers.

 

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will facilitate the efforts of quality enterprises in going global and bringing in international capital to advance the high-quality development of the economy. He added that it will also redouble its efforts to improve livelihoods while creating broader opportunities for the upward mobility of Hong Kong’s youth.

He said that Hong Kong will continue to enhance its international competitiveness, and deepen international exchanges and co-operation. By strengthening its role as a bridge between the Mainland and the world, the city aims to achieve better development and contribute more significantly to the country’s building and national rejuvenation.