Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar in a media interview

Date：2026-08-18
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

August 18, 2026  No. 389  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and categorically refutes comments made by Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, in a media interview with Al Jazeera on August 16. In his remarks, Prime Minister Anwar erroneously and absurdly implied that Taiwan was a separatist province of China and openly justified China’s position on the use of force to annex Taiwan. These statements seriously jeopardized regional peace and stability.
 
MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent country and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. These facts cannot be changed by anyone making false claims.
 
Malaysia is a democratic nation, and Prime Minister Anwar has long cast himself as a defender of democracy and human rights. MOFA urges him to uphold the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law and respect and defend the will of the people. Political rhetoric that endorses the threat of force to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait serves to alienate the Taiwanese people, who are committed to safeguarding their democracy. It also severely damages political mutual trust between Taiwan and Malaysia, and goes against the aspirations of the people of Malaysia, who cherish peace and democracy.
 
MOFA notes that Taiwan and Malaysia have long enjoyed close economic and trade ties. Given the strong correlation between national sovereignty and economic security, Prime Minister Anwar’s partisan support for China may have a negative impact on the confidence of Taiwanese businesses planning to invest in Malaysia.
 
Taiwan will continue to firmly uphold the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. It will further collaborate with like-minded countries to jointly resist authoritarianism and maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Civil Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering & Development Department (CEDD) has launched “Connection”, a new community liaison centre that stands as Hong Kong’s first structure built using a circular design concept.

Located at the Ma Liu Shui promenade, the facility opened its doors to the public on July 28 to showcase sustainable infrastructure and promote the civil engineering profession through interactive exhibits.

Designed to eliminate carbon emission and to keep resources in use for as long as possible, the building serves as a live demonstration of low-carbon architecture. It incorporates innovative materials, including CarbonCure concrete, biochar concrete and engineered bamboo.

Sustainable infrastructure

CEDD Senior Engineer Cathy Cheng explained that the circular building design is mainly reflected in two fundamental cycles.

“The first is the biological loop. It pursues the principle that building materials should be taken from and returned to nature. For example, we used renewable and biodegradable engineered bamboo to replace conventional building materials as the building’s structural framework,” Miss Cheng said.

She said that once the building serves its purpose, the bamboo framework will safely decompose back into nature. 

“The second cycle is the technical loop, which leaves the possibility of giving each primary structural component a second life. This allows the building’s life cycle to extend beyond a single location, enabling resources to circulate continuously.”

Miss Cheng added that the department hopes the project will serve as a model for scaling innovative materials and technologies across other local and regional  developments.

Interactive exhibits

Since its official opening, “Connection” has drawn visitors to explore four distinct exhibition zones: the Interactive Corridor, the Immersive Cinema, the Interactive Area and the Souvenir Area.

CEDD Project Co-ordinator Sam Chu highlighted the Interactive Area as the facility’s hallmark experience. Featuring large screens in front and underfoot, the space uses interactive storytelling to make civil engineering concepts accessible.

“‘Connection’ aims to help the public learn more about the Civil Engineering Office in a more engaging, relaxed and simple way. It also seeks to promote the civil engineering profession to the public,” Mr Chu said.

Community liaison

Building on that public engagement focus, Miss Cheng noted that this accessible approach ties directly into the centre’s broader mission: fostering community connection, driving industry innovation and supporting eco-tourism.

“We hope to strengthen our connection with the public and promote engineering development through innovative thinking,” she explained. 

“The Civil Engineering Office has always been committed to improving and maintaining public piers so that the public can access Hong Kong’s various natural attractions more safely and comfortably to enjoy eco-tourism.” 

She added that the facility’s location near two public piers serves a principal purpose as a gathering point for local eco-tourism. This aligns with the department’s ongoing efforts to upgrade public pier infrastructure, ensuring safer, more comfortable access to Hong Kong’s natural attractions.

Visitor information

“Connection” is open six days a week, closing only on Mondays for regular maintenance. The centre offers extended operating hours on Fridays, weekends and public holidays. Admission is free to all members of the public.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Mainland Civil & Commercial Legal Practice Training Course 2026, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, concluded today, attracting over 400 registrations.

This two-day course was designed for local legal and dispute resolution practitioners. It aims to deepen the local sector’s understanding of the Mainland’s civil and commercial legal system, practical operations and latest developments, while fostering cross-boundary professional exchanges.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam noted that the country’s continuous high-level opening up has substantially increased the demand for cross-boundary legal services. He said that Hong Kong needs more talent equipped with practical knowledge of cross-boundary civil and commercial law, adding that the course directly addresses this pressing need.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan said in his closing remarks that rapid arbitration development allows Hong Kong to fully leverage its institutional strengths. He noted that Hong Kong will support the Mainland and overseas arbitration institutions in establishing branches locally to attract high-calibre professionals and boost the city’s status as a dispute resolution services centre.

First held in 2025, the training course this year focused on a range of key areas of Mainland civil and commercial law. Topics covered mutual legal assistance arrangements, Mainland arbitration and investment protection agreements.

Two thematic panel discussions examined international investment arbitration and the challenges Chinese enterprises face in overseas development. Speakers included senior judges from the Supreme People’s Court and other Mainland courts, representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Commerce, and various legal and arbitration experts.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Information Services Department (ISD) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation (MOU) with the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) to strengthen media collaboration and showcase Hong Kong’s achievements globally.

The Director of Information Services John Tse, and ABU Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem signed the agreement. This marks the first MOU that the ISD has signed with a regional broadcasting union.

Under the agreement, both parties will seek to establish a dedicated communication mechanism to exchange views on media co-operation and collaborate on hosting joint events in Hong Kong. The partnership will leverage ABU platforms to present compelling stories of Hong Kong and facilitate visits by media professionals from ABU member organisations to promote reciprocal dialogue and mutual understanding.

Mr Tse said the ABU’s expansive global footprint aligns closely with the ISD’s objective of engaging international media. He noted that the ISD can support ABU members by sharing Hong Kong’s accurate, up-to-date news stories to build a long-term partnership.

The ISD will initiate discussions to invite senior and mid-level editorial staff from ABU member organisations to visit Hong Kong at the end of this year. The department will also support the ABU in hosting media events in Hong Kong next year.

“As we prepare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region next year, we will also make good use of the ABU’s international network and platforms to share information on Hong Kong’s celebratory activities and achievements over the past three decades with wide audiences around the world.

“It will also help global audiences to keep abreast of the latest developments in Hong Kong, and learn about the emerging opportunities in areas ranging from business and investment, to education, arts, culture and much more,” Mr Tse added.

Established in 1964, the ABU is a not-for-profit, non-governmental professional association dedicated to advancing broadcasting and regional media co-operation. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ABU is the world’s largest broadcasting union, spanning over 220 member organisations across 66 countries and serving more than half the world’s population.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to China’s unilateral announcement of joint exercises with Indonesian navy in waters off Taiwan’s east coast

Date：2026-08-12
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

August 12, 2026  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns China’s unilateral announcement on August 11 that it would conduct so-called “joint operations” and “navigation exercises” with the Indonesian navy in waters off the east coast of Taiwan. China’s reckless and irresponsible behavior in repeatedly disregarding international norms and responsibilities continues to escalate regional tensions.

Following China’s claim that Indonesia would participate in the so-called “exercises,” Taiwan immediately sought clarification from the relevant parties and requested further details from the Indonesian government. Nevertheless, among all stakeholders near the first island chain, only the Beijing authorities have engaged in such malicious, provocative, and irresponsible unilateral actions, which seek to destabilize and threaten the region.

MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the region, will uphold its consistent stance of safeguarding its territory, actively protect its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the waters off its east coast, and work with all parties in the region to jointly ensure freedom of navigation and regional security and stability.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today conducted the first stress test of passenger and vehicular flows with Shenzhen authorities at the Huanggang Port.

More than 10,000 civil servants participated in the exercise. They took various modes of public transport to the port and practised immigration procedures before departure.

Cyclical trials involving more than 400 departures using vehicles dispatched by public transport operators simulated the flow of people and vehicles arriving and departing from the port.

The drill marked the first trial of the “collaborative inspection” automated channels for passenger clearance. Participants departed through the automated channels or manual counters at the departure hall.

The stress test also included a “crowd concentrated-flow test”. Participants were held on designated floors and released in several major batches within a short period. This simulated peak-hour conditions where a large number of arriving passengers proceed to the public transport interchange simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the drill conducted a vehicle-flow stress test involving nearly 1,000 vehicle trips on the joint one-stop vehicle lane level. Participating vehicles entered the port through the new connecting road in batches.

The drill simulated the risk assessment process by the Customs & Excise Department, queuing for joint one-stop vehicle lanes for inspection and clearance or routing to the inspection area for further checks.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, alongside Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung and Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, inspected the drill.

Mr Chan said the drill was conducted smoothly, with a large number of passengers and vehicles entering and leaving the port building in an orderly manner and a public transport interchange capable of absorbing substantial passenger flows within a short period of time.

He noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will work closely with the Shenzhen side to press ahead with various preparatory tasks at full steam. Once both sides confirm the port is ready for safe and smooth operation, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will finalise and announce the official opening date of the Huanggang Port.

Representatives from various bureaus, departments and organisations participated in the drill, including the Security Bureau, the Transport & Logistics Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Transport Department, the Highways Department, the Immigration Department, the Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department, the Department of Health and the Fire Services Department.

Also participating were the Architectural Services Department, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, the Government Property Agency, the Digital Policy Office, the Office of the Communications Authority, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service and various public transport operators.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will lead a 40-member cross-professional delegation to Xinjiang, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan tomorrow to strengthen legal and professional service co-operation.

Co-organised with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the visit aims to promote Hong Kong’s roles as a bridge between the Chinese Mainland and the global market, showcasing its professional services.

The delegation includes Commissioner for Belt & Road Nicholas Ho, alongside representatives from the HKTDC, Invest Hong Kong, the Financial Services Development Council, the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, and local and international law firms. Financial and accounting professionals are also part of the group.

In Urumqi, Xinjiang, on August 24, Mr Lam will attend the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Common Law and Dispute Resolution Practical Training Course, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy. He will also meet local officials.

The delegation will then visit Almaty, Kazakhstan, from August 25 to 26 to attend the “Collaborate2Win” seminar, co-organised by the HKTDC and the Department of Justice, to network with local legal and business representatives.

Afterwards, the delegation will depart for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to meet local officials and study the development of the local legal services industry.

Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on August 30. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary for Justice during his absence.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned and opposed baseless slanders and smears against Hong Kong by Western countries, anti-China media, organisations and politicians regarding yesterday’s court verdict on the “Hong Kong Alliance” incitement to subversion case.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that the constitution forms the foundation of Hong Kong’s constitutional order. Under the Preamble to the Constitution, the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the core and foundation of the constitutional order of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

No country allows citizens to subvert its constitutionally established order. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the court’s verdict clearly emphasised that the defendants were tried based strictly on law and evidence, not for their political views.

The court noted that the defendants remained hostile toward the CPC and the central government. Following the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), they refused to back down and pursued the Alliance’s resistance line. The defendants ignored the fact that their actions exceeded lawful boundaries of free speech.

The courts earlier clarified the boundaries of exercising freedoms and rights.

The Court of Appeal’s judgment in another case affirmed that criticising the Government, the administration of justice including judgments of courts, or engaging in debates about or raising objections to government policies or decisions, however strong, vigorous or critical that may be, does not constitute a seditious intention. The crucial issue is whether there is intent to incite hatred or subversion.

In this case, the defendants intended to undermine the fundamental system of the PRC by stirring up hostility against the CPC and causing division. The conspiracy was clear and required judicial action.

The Hong Kong SAR Government added that many rights and freedoms are not absolute. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights allows legal restrictions on free speech to protect national security, public safety and public order. The public must distinguish between this subversion case and the lawful exercise of the freedoms of association, assembly and speech.

Hong Kong is a society ruled by law. The HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance guarantee the principle of the rule of law. Defendants receive a fair trial by an independent judiciary, as guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

The court’s well-reasoned verdict meticulously detailed the legal principles and evidence supporting the conviction.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and the territorial integrity of the PRC is the common duty of all Chinese citizens, including Hong Kong compatriots. Hong Kong residents must clearly recognise that incitement to subversion is a severe offence, and the Government will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur (HKETO Kuala Lumpur), the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund (FDF) jointly supported the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Kuala Lumpur organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy. The film gala opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today (August 21), showcasing six acclaimed Hong Kong films alongside a dedicated cinematic exhibition.
 
     Speaking at the gala opening ceremony, the Director of the HKETO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Owin Fung, emphasised the importance of cinema in strengthening regional and cultural connectivity. “Our collaboration leverages the unique soft power of Hong Kong cinema to strengthen people-to-people ties across Malaysia and the broader ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) community. This event goes beyond screenings. It serves as a premier platform for filmmakers and producers from both places to exchange concepts and cultivate robust co-production opportunities,” Mr Fung said.
 
     The Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, also attended the opening ceremony. She said that this is the fifth consecutive year that the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation has been organised in Kuala Lumpur. Over the years, the Presentation has become a signature film event for the CCIDA in Malaysia, reflecting the growing popularity of Hong Kong films among audiences from Malaysia and other member states of ASEAN. She added that the line-up this year features an array of Hong Kong films of different genres in the hope of maximising the viewing experience of the audiences, including some that were supported by the FDF under the CCIDA, and have achieved both box office success and international acclaim.
 
     The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2026 opened with the compelling drama “Afterpiece”. Over the subsequent days, the event will screen five other notable films, including “Wakesurf Lovers”, “Unidentified Murder”, “Bird of Paradise”, “Palimpsest: The story of a name”, and “Dog Day Evening”.
 
     More than 150 guests attended the event, including filmmakers, actors, and cinema representatives from Hong Kong and Malaysia.
 
     In tandem with the screenings, an immersive exhibition titled “Prisms Pulse: Hong Kong Cinema in Full Color” is being held at Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX, showcasing the visual aesthetics and dynamic energy of contemporary Hong Kong cinema. Admission is free.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

An incoming male passenger was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (August 21) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as possessing poison included in Part I of the Poisons List in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (PPO).

Customs officers intercepted a 24-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on June 24 and seized 41 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $209,000 and a duty potential of about $138,000, as well as two pieces of pharmaceutical injections containing Part I poisons, with an estimated market value of about $5,000, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the PPO, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en/).