Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US President Trump’s comments to the media following the Trump-Xi summit

May 16, 2026  
 
We note that the United States has repeatedly stressed that its long-standing policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. This position has been reaffirmed by President Donald Trump.
 
Our position is clear: Taiwan will continue to contribute to regional peace and stability. We are determined to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. This has consistently been the stance of President Lai Ching-te and the firm commitment of the 23 million people of Taiwan. It is self-evident that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign democratic country. Beijing has no right to claim jurisdiction over Taiwan. The government of Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the United States, maintain peace through strength, and ensure that the security and stability of the Taiwan Strait are not threatened or undermined. This serves the shared interests of Taiwan, the United States, and democracies around the world.
 
China’s military threat remains the primary source of regional instability, driving countries in the first island chain to strengthen their defense capabilities in coordination with the United States. US arms sales to Taiwan are both part of US security commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act and a key element of collective deterrence against regional threats. We are grateful for President Trump’s continued support for cross-strait security since his first term, including announcements of weapons sales that have reached record highs. Taiwan-US cooperation has always been demonstrated through concrete actions and we look forward to the United States continuing to fulfill its commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act. Taiwan will further work with the United States and other democratic partners worldwide to address the risks that authoritarian regimes pose to geopolitical security and global order and stability.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the welcoming speech by the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, at the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2026 today (May 18):

(Chief Engineer of the National Energy Administration, Mr Liu Deshun);  (Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Department (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office) of the State Administration for Market Regulation, Mr Zhu Zhongliang);  (Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Ye Shuiqiu); Deputy Minister Mr Jeong Eui-kyung (Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea), honourable speakers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

Good morning. It is my great honour to welcome you all to the International Hydrogen Development Symposium in Hong Kong.

This Symposium is a flagship event of the Hydrogen Week 2026 and gathers over 1 000 guests, experts, and participants locally, from the Chinese Mainland and abroad. Co-organised with the China Hydrogen Alliance, this mega event provides an interactive platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing experience, leveraging innovations, and shaping the future. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), I wish to extend my warmest greetings to every participant joining us from near and far.

Tackling climate change is an urgent global priority. A rapid and effective green transition is essential for our future, and hydrogen represents one of the most promising pathways towards a sustainable energy landscape. Around the world, governments and industries are ramping up efforts to advance hydrogen technologies and infrastructure, recognising them as a key enabler of this clean energy transition.

Our country is committed to reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. To align with our country’s “dual carbon” goals, the HKSAR Government has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by half from the 2005 level before 2035, and to achieve full carbon neutrality before 2050.

In Chapter 2 of our country’s 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, it states that forward-looking plans should be put in place for industries of the future. We need to explore diverse technology roadmaps, typical application scenarios, feasible business models and market regulation rules and work to foster new drivers of economic growth. Hydrogen is mentioned as one of the examples.

The challenges ahead are significant. In preparation for the opportunities presented by hydrogen development, the HKSAR Government set up in mid-2022 the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel to remove barriers and facilitate the commencement of local hydrogen applications. By now, 37 hydrogen energy trial projects are under way or under preparation. These projects cover, among other things, hydrogen fuel cell double-decker buses and street washing vehicles, a public hydrogen refilling station in the New Territories, hydrogen fuel cell gensets for use in construction sites and a hydrogen-powered generator used at the 15th National Games. More trial projects are expected to commence progressively, including hydrogen fuel cell coaches and goods vehicles and production of hydrogen through landfill gas. You are cordially invited to visit the booths showcasing these trial projects in our exhibition hall.

Also, through the Green Tech Fund and the New Energy Transport Fund, we are actively promoting and encouraging the trial of innovations in hydrogen-related technologies, products, applications and business models, with a view to achieving breakthroughs in the bottlenecks in the technology and the market, and strengthening the competitiveness of the supply chain of the hydrogen industry as a whole.

“The Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong” was released in June 2024. The Strategy sets out four major strategies, namely “Improving legislation”, “Establishing standards”, “Aligning with the market” and “Advancing with prudence”, with a view to creating a local environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in a prudent and orderly manner.

The Gas Safety (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 was enacted in July 2025. Hydrogen used as fuel will be brought under the safety regulatory framework of the Gas Safety Ordinance. New subsidiary legislation on the regulation of hydrogen will be introduced into the Legislative Council for negative vetting within 2026, covering the importation, manufacture, storage, transport, supply and use of hydrogen as fuel. Our target is that the Ordinance and the subsidiary legislation will come into effect on the same day.

We are actively advancing green hydrogen standards, including the introduction of a hydrogen standard certification scheme. The HKSAR Government commenced a dedicated study in August 2024, with a view to proposing a preliminary green hydrogen certification framework that is backed by our country’s standards, aligned with global practices, and tailored to Hong Kong’s actual circumstances. Green hydrogen and low-carbon hydrogen have been included in the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance Phase 2A published by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in January 2026. We are also collaborating with relevant stakeholders, such as the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, with the target of establishing the relevant certification system by 2027.

In support of our country’s policy directive to build a clean and low-carbon energy system, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the State Administration for Market Regulation signed the Memorandum of Co-operation in December 2024 for establishing a platform to accelerate hydrogen development through (i) collaborative alignment with national and international hydrogen standards; (ii) cross-boundary data sharing and mutual recognition of hydrogen pressure vessel approvals; and (iii) formulation of a green hydrogen certification framework suitable for Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the world, bridging regional and global practices.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has also been working with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China for (i) establishing the “Green Corridor” for the transport of hydrogen samples from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland for hydrogen quality testing and certification; and (ii) simplifying customs clearance arrangements for hydrogen conveyance vehicles to facilitate cross-boundary transportation of hydrogen from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong.

To strengthen cross-boundary collaboration, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, and the Foshan Municipal Government plan to sign a memorandum to establish a collaborative framework on hydrogen development. Our aim is to capitalise on opportunities and enhance competitive advantages, with a view to promoting green and low-carbon transformation of the energy system. We are also working closely with Guangdong Province on the development of the Greater Bay Area Hydrogen Corridor.

I am happy to note that, later this week, many of you will participate in a technical visit to the Yangtze River Delta Region. This visit will help showcase the cutting-edge technologies emerging on the Chinese Mainland and facilitate deeper co-operation among industry players. These initiatives broaden our engagement with the Chinese Mainland and the world, deeply integrating Hong Kong into the country’s overall development.

Today, I am particularly delighted to witness further collaboration between the Republic of Korea and Hong Kong, through the signing of three key Memoranda of Understanding. These include government-level agreements between our Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and both the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Gas Safety Corporation, alongside a strategic business-to-business Memorandum of Understanding uniting enterprises from Korea and Hong Kong. Together, these agreements relating to hydrogen mark a significant milestone that demonstrates our shared vision and paves the way for tangible, on-the-ground co-operation for accelerating the green transition towards carbon neutrality. Through these partnerships, we will actively exchange expertise on hydrogen policies, safety standards, and green certification. We also look forward to sharing emerging technologies across the entire hydrogen value chain (from production to refuelling infrastructure), while fostering joint ventures, facilitating the launch of demonstration projects, and driving capacity building.

Hong Kong offers an exceptional and rigorous testing ground for advanced hydrogen infrastructure and mobility solutions. We firmly believe that if cutting-edge green technologies can be applied and scaled up successfully in Hong Kong’s densely populated environment, it could serve as a positive model and avail choices of highly viable options for reference by modern cities worldwide. By combining Korea’s world-class technological capabilities and Hong Kong’s strategic urban context, I am confident that we can create a powerful synergy that advances the green transition for both of our economies.

Technology and policy cannot succeed without capital. I am highly encouraged by the participation of guests and experts from the financial sector today. Looking ahead, with our roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Hong Kong will position itself as a demonstration base for hydrogen technologies, facilitating the export of innovations developed on the Chinese Mainland. Crucially, we will leverage our strengths as an international financial centre to provide the green financing and professional services required to scale up these hydrogen initiatives regionally and globally. Governments, innovators, and the financial sector must all work together to make this transition a reality.

Ladies and gentlemen, the development of hydrogen and other new energy in Hong Kong is not only a vital step towards achieving carbon neutrality, but also a treasured opportunity to reshape our energy landscape. Building a truly sustainable future is an ongoing mission – one that requires a continuous injection of talent and fresh perspectives. For this reason, engaging our youth is a core focus of this week’s agenda. Through the H2Future for Good and HydroRace Challenges, we are empowering students to interact directly with green technologies, sparking their curiosity and equipping them to be the future drivers of our green transition.

This Symposium is designed for you to share your success stories, discuss the lessons learned, and forge new partnerships and networking. Please make the best use of this gathering to promote collaboration across borders and disciplines. Together, let us inspire one another and push the boundaries of what is possible. Thank you, and I wish you all a highly fruitful Symposium, as well as an enjoyable week in Hong Kong.

Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, will depart for Geneva, Switzerland, this evening (May 16) to attend the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) of the World Health Organization (WHO).

     Professor Lo will attend the 79th WHA on May 18 (Geneva time) as a member of the Chinese delegation. The theme of this year’s Assembly is “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility”. The key discussions will cover universal health coverage, prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, health emergency preparedness and response, mental health and social connection, standardisation of medical devices nomenclature and the International Health Regulations.

     During his visit in Geneva, Professor Lo will take the opportunity to exchange views with senior officials of the WHO and other member states on public health-related issues.

     After attending the WHA, Professor Lo will depart for Zurich to meet with medical and pharmaceutical sectors of Switzerland to introduce them to the measures put forward by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to develop into an international health and medical innovation hub, enhance the drug evaluation and registration mechanism, and foster clinical trial development.

     The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui; and the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Libby Lee, will accompany Professor Lo to attend the Assembly. The delegation will return to Hong Kong on May 22. During Professor Lo’s absence, the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan, will be the Acting Secretary for Health.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) today (May 16) held a launch ceremony for the Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for a puppy-naming competition at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Kwai Chung). With the theme “Caring for animals, zero tolerance for pet smuggling”, the event aimed to promote animal welfare and anti-pet smuggling through public engagement and educational initiatives.

Apart from combating various smuggling activities at the forefront, including animal smuggling, Hong Kong Customs also attaches great importance to professional training and public education. The department therefore has partnered with the VTC to launch a one-year co-operation plan in areas of professional exchange and community promotion, with the core philosophy of “entering the campus, reaching the community”. The collaboration covers areas including basic canine handling training, pet medical care, and grooming training with the Health and Life Sciences Discipline of the VTC. Customs detector dogs will also work alongside VTC VCare Ambassadors to visit the community to promote anti-smuggling and animal protection messages.

​Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, said that while Customs is committed to combating animal smuggling with determination, the department also places strong emphasis on public education. He hoped that the event would help raise public awareness of animal protection and preventing pet smuggling. He also appeals to the public to report any suspected pet smuggling activities to Hong Kong Customs. The Chairman of the VTC, Mr Jeffrey Lam, welcomed the co-operation plan, noting that it embodies the VTC’s dedication to connecting vocational and professional education and training with the community. He looked forward to further collaboration between both parties in the future to benefit students and the community.

Another highlight of the event was the prize presentation ceremony for the puppy-naming competition. Following the birth of the Customs detector dog puppies, “EXCELSIOR”, in November last year, Hong Kong Customs organised the naming competition to promote the messages of animal protection and welfare. The naming was based on the letters of “EXCELSIOR”, representing the hope that these nine new puppies will pursue excellence in training and law enforcement. The competition received an enthusiastic response with a total of 130 entries from the public.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     In support of the World Family Doctor Day, the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) under the Health Bureau (HHB) and the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) jointly organised the World Family Doctor Day Carnival 2026 event for two consecutive days (May 16 and 17) at the Central Atrium, Olympian City 2, Kowloon, with an aim to promote the concept of “Family Doctor for All” and services under the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network to members of the public. The PHC Commission also held a commendation ceremony today to acknowledge the contributions of 30 family doctors who have actively participated in the Co-care Network to advance primary healthcare development.

     Officiating at the commendation ceremony today, the Acting Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan, said, “This year’s World Family Doctor Day is themed ‘Compassionate Care in a Digital World’. Leveraging the opportunities brought by the rapid advancement of technology, we hope family doctors, members of the public and community stakeholders can jointly make good use of digital technology and AI, driving technology to serve as a key force in strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and building a healthy life together.”

     Dr Fan also remarked that the Government has launched the Co-care Network. Citizens can use the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong as the service entry point, and pair with a family doctor of their own choice. Determined by citizens’ personal health conditions and risks, they can receive a series of preventive services, as well as screening and management services for high-risk diseases. Under the Co-care Network, family doctors, alongside cross-disciplinary primary healthcare service providers, will deliver continuous and comprehensive healthcare services to the citizens at different stages of their life. 

     At the commendation ceremony, Dr Fan presented certificates of appreciation to family doctors who have actively participated in the services under the Co-care Network, in recognition of their efforts and valuable contributions in assisting citizens to prevent and manage chronic diseases, advancing primary healthcare development in Hong Kong, and promoting community health. 

     This year’s World Family Doctor Day event in Hong Kong was moved to the community and held in the form of a carnival. Through participating in relaxed and interesting activities, members of the public could further understand the role of family doctors, the latest developments in primary healthcare in Hong Kong, and the services provided under the Co-care Network and by the DHCs. Activities of the carnival also included free health check services (such as body composition analysis) and health talks on chronic diseases (including diabetes, hypertension and hepatitis B). Interactive projection installations were also featured at the venue, allowing citizens to experience first-hand the application of digital technology in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

     The Commissioner for Primary Healthcare of the HHB, Dr Pang Fei-chau; Vice-President of the HKCFP Dr Lau Ho-lim; Assistant Director of Health Dr Jackie Leung; and the Chief Manager (Primary and Community Services) of the Hospital Authority, Dr Maria Leung, also attended the carnival event and commendation ceremony today.

     The DHCs across all 18 districts in Hong Kong will continue to organise a series of community activities focusing on family doctors this month, aiming to encourage more citizens to enrol as DHC members, pair with family doctors to establish a long-term doctor-patient relationship with mutual trust, and participate in services under the Co-care Network, with a view to achieving the goals of prevention-oriented and “early identification and early treatment”.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region