MIL-OSI – Page 322 – MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Dates announced for second and third rounds of evidential hearings of Independent Committee in relation to fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and online pre-registration for public observation of second round of hearings
     The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today (March 23) that it will hold the second and third rounds of evidential hearings, comprising 13 sessions in total, in April to receive evidence. The evidential hearings will be conducted in Cantonese from 10am to 1pm and from 2.15pm to 4.30pm at the Multi-purpose Hall, 3/F, City Gallery, 3 Edinburgh Place, Central. Simultaneous interpretation in Putonghua and English will be provided in the City Gallery. Members of the public may pre-register for selected hearings that they wish to observe via the online system.

     The Committee will hear evidence in the evidential hearings on matters in accordance with its terms of reference. The Committee aims to clarify the relevant facts through oral evidence, written submissions, and other forms of evidence presented by witnesses. This will provide an important basis for the preparation of its report and recommendations.

     The schedule for the second round of six evidential hearings is as follows:

The schedule for the third round of seven evidential hearings is as follows:

      In the second and third rounds of evidential hearings, the Committee will continue to receive oral evidence from witnesses (including oral evidence from Wang Fuk Court residents and representatives of the involved parties). The Committee will release the list of exact witnesses who will be giving evidence at each date of hearing on its website (www.ic-wangfukcourtfire.gov.hk/eng/timetable.html
     Some seats of the hearings will be reserved for the involved parties, and some seats will be open to the public to observe the proceedings. To allow more members of the public to attend the hearings, the proceedings will be broadcast simultaneously in transmission areas set up on the ground floor of the City Gallery and in the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library. Arrangements will be made for some members of the public to observe the hearings in these two areas. A total of about 360 seats will be available for public observation in the main venue and the two transmission areas. About half of the seats will be set aside for residents of Wang Fuk Court on a priority basis. Separate arrangements will be made for the media.

     To avoid members of the public queuing up outside the venue for a long time, and to allow those who wish to observe the hearings to have certainty of whether seats have been secured before the day of the hearings, for the second round of hearings, individuals (including Wang Fuk Court residents) are required to pre-register online (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ic-hearing/en/
     Successful registrants will receive a “Confirmation of Successful Registration” regarding the second round of hearings issued by the Secretariat of the Committee by April 2. An SMS notification will be sent from the sender name “#IC-hearing”. If an email address is also provided during pre-registration, an email notification will be sent from hearing@ic-wangfukcourtfire.gov.hk
     Online pre-registration arrangements for the third round of hearings will be announced separately in due course.

     According to the current plan, the Committee will continue to hold evidential hearings in May. Details (including the specific dates of the hearings, the witnesses who will be giving evidence, and the pre-registration arrangements for public observation) will be announced separately at a later date.

     The Chief Executive established the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to review the causes of the incident and related issues of the fire, and to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The Committee formally commenced its work on December 19, 2025. The first round of hearings commenced on March 19 and will last till April 2 to hear the opening remarks from the legal teams and oral evidence from witnesses (including oral evidence from Wang Fuk Court residents).
Issued at HKT 19:00

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March 23, 2026

CE to attend Boao Forum for Asia annual conference in Hainan

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will depart for Hainan tomorrow (March 24) to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026.
　　
The theme of this year’s conference is “Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation”. Mr Lee will attend the opening plenary of the annual conference and deliver a keynote speech at the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum.

Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on March 26. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

March 23, 2026

Pending infanticide in Wan Chai

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Pending infanticide in Wan Chai

Police are investigating a pending infanticide case happened in Wan Chai today (March 23) in which a baby boy died.
Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.Issued at HKT 19:49

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March 23, 2026

Remarks by SLW at media session regarding adjustment of Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Remarks by SLW at media session regarding adjustment of Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities
Reporter: Good afternoon. Firstly, how would you assess the monetary impacts on the Government for the revised policy and the impact on beneficiaries who might have to take more expensive or longer routes after the policy takes effect? And secondly, any concrete timetable on when to review the policy and roll out the second phase, which would be the cap on the 240 trips per month? Thank you.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Thank you for your questions. The estimated annual savings arising from the new measure will be around $550 million, so as to save the public monies by putting in place a new measure. If you look at the number of transport routes that will be affected, it will be around 40 per cent. Currently, if you look at the number of routes taking into account all modes of transport, around 60 per cent of them have fares of $10 or below. That means about 40 per cent will be over $10. We will step up our promotion and publicity to put across all the messages to our elderly people and the disabled to make sure that they are fully informed about the new measure.

Of course, when we roll out the new measure, we will keep a very close watch over usage patterns and also all relevant statistics. I am going to share it with the public from time to time. We will also look at what is needed to make sure that all those elderly people and the disabled are fully informed about the new measure. To put it simply, the process is very simple because they do not have to apply. They do not need to do anything by themselves. What they need to know is just look at the fare. If it is $10 or below, no change. It will be $2. If it is over $10, that means they have to pay 20 per cent of the adult fare, and the rest of the 80 per cent will be fully borne by the government. Thank you very much.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Issued at HKT 15:58

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March 23, 2026

Nat’l security practical rules updated

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced that the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region made the 2026 Implementation Rules for Amending the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the National Security Law.

Exercising the power conferred under Article 43 of the law, the Chief Executive and the Committee introduced amendments to refine the enforcement of measures related to safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The amendments were published in the Gazette and took effect today.

Under Article 43, law enforcement authorities investigating national security offences may apply measures used for serious crimes under existing laws, as well as specific measures stipulated in the article.

The article also authorises the Chief Executive in conjunction with the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, to make implementation rules for such measures. The original rules were first enacted on July 7, 2020.

The Government stated that the amendments published today draw on the experience gained safeguarding national security and will help enhance the city’s enforcement capabilities.

Citing a complex and volatile geopolitical climate, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it must remain vigilant and fulfill its constitutional duty to continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security.

The Government stressed that the amendment rules conform with both the Basic Law and the National Security Law. It noted that the amendments incorporate judicial oversight to ensure that while national security threats are effectively prevented and punished, the lawful rights and interests of individuals and organisations are fully protected.

The Government assured that the amendment rules will not affect the lives of the public or the normal operation of organisations, as the offences are clearly defined.

A joint meeting of the Legislative Council’s Panel on Administration of Justice & Legal Services and the Panel on Security has been proposed for tomorrow. Representatives from the Security Bureau and the Department of Justice will brief lawmakers on the amendments.

March 23, 2026

FS concludes Beijing visit

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

On the last day of his visit to Beijing, Financial Secretary Paul Chan co-chaired the eighth meeting of the Mainland & Hong Kong Economic & Trade Co-operation Committee with Assistant Minister of Commerce Yuan Xiaoming.

Marking the committee’s first physical meeting in the capital, the session reviewed progress in the economic and trade sectors and mapped out future co-operation.

Discussion focused on implementing the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and jointly advancing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Members also explored ways to support Hong Kong’s participation in the Belt & Road Initiative and regional economic collaboration.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Commissioner for Belt & Road Nicholas Ho also attended the meeting.

Mr Chan returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.

March 23, 2026

TECO Sydney Facilitates Taiwan–Australia Municipal and Parliamentary Exchanges with New Taipei City Council and Government

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The New Taipei City Council delegation led by Speaker Chiang Ken-huang and a municipal team led by Mayor Hou Yu-ih met in Sydney during their visit to Australia. In addition to engaging with the Taiwanese community, the delegations, with the assistance of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney (TECO Sydney), jointly visited the Parliament of New South Wales to further strengthen bilateral exchanges.
During the visit, the New Taipei City Government delegation conducted exchanges on a wide range of municipal initiatives, including water resources management, policing, tourism, and healthcare. Both sides expressed their commitment to advancing municipal and parliamentary cooperation between Taiwan and Australia, with the aim of delivering greater policy benefits to their respective peoples.

March 23, 2026

Director General Wu Cheng-wei Attends Sydney National Day Committee Meeting Witnessing Handover of Conveners

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General Wu Cheng-wei attended a meeting of the Sydney National Day Celebration Committee, witnessing the handover between the outgoing and incoming conveners for the upcoming celebrations. During the event, sincere appreciation was extended to Mr. Michael Wu, Convener of the 114th ROC National Day Celebration Committee, and his team for their outstanding contributions and dedicated efforts. Their work elevated the Double Ten National Day Gala in Sydney to a historic new height, strengthening community cohesion and encouraging greater participation from the younger generation.
At the meeting, Ms. Kathy Sieh, President of the Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association, was selected as Convener of the 115th National Day Celebration Committee. Building on the strong foundation laid by previous conveners, the Taiwanese community in Sydney looks forward to another successful and vibrant series of Double Ten National Day celebrations this year.

March 23, 2026

$2 Scheme changes effective April 3

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced that the concessionary fare under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly & Eligible Persons with Disabilities, or the $2 Scheme, will be adjusted to a “$2 flat rate or 80% discount” starting April 3.

Under the new arrangement, beneficiaries will continue to pay $2 for trips with an adult fare of $10 or less. For trips with an adult fare above $10, beneficiaries will pay 80% less than the full fare. The adjustment also applies to interchange journeys.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the $2 Scheme aims to build a caring and inclusive society by encouraging the elderly and eligible persons with disabilities to participate more in community activities.

“The ‘$2 flat rate or 80% discount’ adjustment preserves the policy intent of the scheme while striking a balance between enhancing the sustainability of the scheme and minimising impacts on beneficiaries,” he added.

Speaking to the media, Mr Sun said that the new arrangement is expected to save $550 million in public funds annually.

The Government said that the targeted beneficiaries of the $2 Scheme remain unchanged. Eligible beneficiaries can continue to enjoy the concessions using a JoyYou Card or a Personalised Octopus with a valid “Persons with Disabilities Status”.

To ensure the public is well-informed of the new arrangement, the Government will launch a series of promotional activities.

These include Announcements in the Public Interest on television and radio, displaying posters and distributing leaflets at major public transportation networks and through district networks that provide services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, as well as displaying advertisements on public transport.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau will also hold two briefing sessions today for members of the 18 District Councils and District Services & Community Care Teams to explain the changes.

The Government will also deploy service ambassadors at MTR stations and public transport interchanges from April 3 to assist the public and answer their enquiries.

March 23, 2026

Presidential Office thanks US and Japan for commitment to peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

News & activities

News releases

2026-03-20

Presidential Office thanks US and Japan for commitment to peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Following the meeting held on March 19 (US EST) between United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during which they expressed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and their opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo , Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated on March 20 that the government of Taiwan sincerely welcomes the meeting and appreciates the key consensus reached on strengthening the US-Japan alliance and the security of the Indo-Pacific region. Spokesperson Kuo said that the US and Japan once again reaffirmed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to regional security and global prosperity. She also noted that their shared opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion reflects a high degree of consensus within the international community.
Spokesperson Kuo stated that our government will continue to adhere to the principle of peace through strength and that Taiwan remains committed to enhancing its self-defense capabilities and bolstering whole-of-society defense resilience. She also stated that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded countries to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity.