Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA announces it will resume accepting visa applications from Moroccan nationals

Date：2026-10-12
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

October 12, 2026  
No. 499  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announces that it will start accepting visa applications from Moroccan nationals again on October 12. The measure is in recognition of the Moroccan government’s decision to resume processing visa confirmation letter (VCL) applications from Taiwan nationals on September 21. Effective today, Moroccan nationals may submit visa applications at Taiwan’s overseas missions in accordance with the relevant regulations.
 
Previously, the Moroccan government had made a sudden announcement on July 23 that it would temporarily stop accepting requests for VCLs from Taiwan nationals. Based on the principle of reciprocity, MOFA subsequently announced on July 30 that it would cease accepting visa applications from Moroccan nationals. (E) 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

October 2, 2026  
No. 477  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has produced a short film entitled “The Album of a Nation” to celebrate this year’s National Day.

With 2026 marking the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election, MOFA has turned to AI for the first time to help recount the story of Taiwan’s democratic development. Combining archive material and an interview, the production portrays a journey in which adversity is overcome to achieve freedom, diversity, and glory.

“This is our family album. Its pages tell the story of Taiwan’s journey to the present day.” After opening with this voice-over, the film leads the audience through Taiwan’s history from the perspective of Mr. Chang Yung-cheng, a military veteran.  

In the 1970s, Taiwan withdrew from the United Nations, resulting in a wave of upheavals in Taiwan’s diplomatic relations. Taiwan’s isolation from the international community sparked public anger. Mr. Chang, who was young at the time, chose to serve and defend Taiwan at one of its most difficult moments. 

Following the lifting of martial law, Taiwan experienced such social movements as the Wild Lily student protests, setting Taiwan firmly on the path toward democratization. A series of constitutional amendments in the 1990s established a system of direct presidential elections, the first of which was held in 1996. 

However, in the days running up to the vote, Taiwan was tested by the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis. At that time, Mr. Chang was serving as a company commander at Gaodeng in Matsu. Even while posted on the front line, where tensions were high, he never forgot to urge his family to defend Taiwan by taking democratic action and casting their ballots.

The film interweaves the story of Taiwan’s national development and Mr. Chang’s life experiences, demonstrating that Taiwan never gave up hope but instead developed a stronger and more resilient sense of collective will in the face of adversity. 

The film goes on to highlight Taiwan’s confident presence on the international stage in recent years, including President Lai Ching-te’s interactions with the heads of state of Taiwan’s allies, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao’s speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China summit, and Taiwan’s first hosting of the Taiwan Smart Medical and HealthTech Expo during the World Health Assembly. These examples demonstrate that as a force for good, Taiwan has bravely and confidently strengthened its links with global democratic partners. 

The film concludes with a retrospective look at critical moments in Taiwan’s history through a cross-generational lens. Highlights include Yang Chuan-kuang, the “Iron Man of Asia,” winning Taiwan’s first Olympic medal in 1960; the lifting of martial law in 1987; the 1999 Jiji earthquake; Taiwan becoming the first Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019; Taiwan’s role as a positive force during the COVID-19 pandemic; and the vital part that Taiwan continues to play in 2026 through the global AI industry and semiconductor supply chains.  

The people of Taiwan have persistently marched forward amid crises and challenges. Marked by both suffering and glory, the pages of history have forged Taiwan’s national identity and nurtured the unique spirit of Team Taiwan. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to contribute to the world in such areas as technology, democracy, and economics.

The five-minute National Day video has been released in 13 languages, including Chinese, English, Spanish, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese, and launched on MOFA’s website and social media platforms. People in Taiwan and overseas are encouraged to view, repost, and share the video and join MOFA in wishing a happy birthday to Taiwan—a nation that continues to be passionately safeguarded by its people. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

September 19, 2026  
No. 448  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), and the National Fire Agency (NFA) have jointly established the World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM). Following a comprehensive assessment, it was launched to proactively expand Taiwan’s international participation and leverage Taiwan’s long-standing expertise and practical experience in disaster prevention and response. 

The WADM comprises 13 member states, 17 observers, and 11 partners. Moving forward, it will bolster cross-border cooperation on disaster prevention and response through joint training, joint exercises, joint operations, and information sharing, advancing integrated diplomacy and President Lai Ching-te’s directive to transform the NFA Training Center in Zhushan Township, Nantou County, into a major disaster prevention training base in the Indo-Pacific. 

The WADM founding ceremony was held on September 19 in Taipei, and the inaugural assembly will take place from September 19 to 21. A total of 91 guests from 21 countries are attending. Palau Vice President Raynold Oilouch and Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla are personally leading delegations to participate, fully demonstrating the importance that they attach to the establishment of the WADM and their staunch support for Taiwan.

The WADM founding ceremony and the opening ceremonies of the Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum and the International Disaster Education and Action (IDEA) Forum were held as a joint event on the morning of September 19. 

President Lai presided over the event, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang. In his remarks, President Lai affirmed that the establishment of the WADM represented a major breakthrough for Taiwan after over half a century of efforts to take part in international organizations. He expressed hope that the WADM would harness Taiwan’s strengths in disaster prevention and response and technological applications to deepen international cooperation, making Taiwan a key cross-border hub for disaster prevention and response coordination.

Minister Lin and Minister Liu jointly hosted a welcome dinner on September 18 for the foreign delegations attending the event. Minister Lin said that disasters knew no borders and that, in the face of climate change and other common compound challenges, countries could only improve disaster resilience and response capabilities by working together. He stated that Taiwan had decades of practical experience in disaster prevention and management and that it continued to learn from experience, adapt, and refine its capabilities. He noted that while Taiwan was steadily bolstering resilience against disasters and risks, it was also sharing its expertise with global partners through international exchanges and cooperation.

Minister Lin added that he had been directly involved in disaster response and emergency coordination. He mentioned that he had witnessed firsthand the enhancement of Taiwan’s disaster response capabilities and appreciated the importance of relevant agencies building close ties with global partners through exchanges and mutual support. He pointed out that the establishment of the WADM exemplified Taiwan’s policies of integrated diplomacy and value-added diplomacy. He emphasized that Taiwan would capitalize on its advantages in artificial intelligence, satellite applications, unmanned vehicles, communications technology, and smart manufacturing to collaborate with international partners and jointly elevate global disaster management capabilities.

Minister Liu highlighted Taiwan’s extensive experience in disaster resilience and emergency response, noting that Taiwan was located in the heart of the Asia-Pacific, where extreme weather and compound disasters frequently occur. She said that Taiwan had long faced threats posed by such disasters as typhoons, earthquakes, torrential rain, and landslides and that it was committed to increasing its warning, response, and recovery capabilities. She also observed that Taiwan conducted unscripted and semi-announced drills every September 21, which is National Disaster Prevention Day. This year, search and rescue and medical teams from 11 countries had traveled to Taiwan to participate in the drills and engage in exchanges. Minister Liu added that, moving forward, Taiwan would continue to strengthen international collaboration, share expertise, conduct joint training, and assist global partners to enhance comprehensive resilience against disaster and climate risks. Minister Lin and Minister Liu both thanked the participating countries for supporting the establishment of the WADM and working to jointly boost disaster resilience.

In addition, Vice President Oilouch and Deputy Prime Minister Dladla delivered remarks. Vice President Oilouch stated that Taiwan and Palau had coordinated closely across domains during the Pacific Islands Forum, firmly supporting each other and fully demonstrating the solid and cordial ties between the two countries. He also sincerely thanked Taiwan for extending a helping hand to Palau in times of need.

Vice President Oilouch explained that given the potential impacts of extreme weather, Palau was proactively planning response measures and was honored to be a founding member of the WADM. He anticipated that the alliance would provide resources and support for future global disaster management and expressed confidence that it would help Palau respond to severe droughts by facilitating professional cooperation and sharing best practices.

Deputy Prime Minister Dladla proposed three guiding principles for the WADM’s future work in her speech—namely inclusive disaster preparedness, people-centered technological development, and solidarity through concrete action. She underscored that the establishment of the WADM opened a new chapter in global disaster risk collaboration, pointing out that no country could face the challenges alone and that every country could contribute to global disaster management cooperation. She added that Taiwan had proven through experience that steadfast leadership, robust systems, advanced technology, thorough preparedness, and rigorous coordination could reduce the loss of life and property.

During the delegations’ stay in Taiwan, they will visit the NFA Training Center to deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s strong capabilities in disaster preparedness, disaster response, and professional training. The center is the largest compound disaster training base in Asia and the third-largest worldwide. Under the WADM framework, it will provide disaster prevention training and assistance to member nations as it steadily develops into a major disaster training hub in the Asia-Pacific.

The WADM is the first intergovernmental organization initiated and established by Taiwan. It is also the third intergovernmental organization headquartered in Taiwan—following the founding of the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region in 1970 and the World Vegetable Center in 1971—highlighting its significance.

Taiwan will continue to uphold the spirit of Taiwan can help and Taiwan can lead, leveraging its strengths in disaster prevention and response and working hand in hand with the international community to jointly elevate global disaster resilience and ensure that no one is left behind. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

September 14, 2026  
No. 430  
 
On September 11, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung accompanied Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao as she visited the Italian island of Ventotene to attend the Second European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy at the invitation of Vice-President of the European Parliament Pina Picierno and Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Italy Carlo Corazza. Their visit was made with the full support of President Lai Ching-te and in accordance with his guidance for diplomatic policy toward Europe.
 
In the evening, Vice President Hsiao joined Vice-President Picierno, columnist and former Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Gianni Vernetti, and Italian media figure Antonio Talia for a panel entitled “From the Indo-Pacific to the Mediterranean: for freedom and against totalitarianism.” The conference was attended by over 100 guests, including members of the European Parliament, prominent political figures from like-minded countries, key civil society activists, media figures, and academics.
 
As they arrived at the venue for the event, Vice President Hsiao and Minister Lin were welcomed on behalf of the organizers by Vice-President Picierno, who expressed appreciation to Vice President Hsiao for accepting the invitation and attending in person. In her remarks, Vice President Hsiao said that Ventotene held important symbolic significance in Europe’s fight against totalitarianism, its pursuit of freedom, and its promotion of European integration. Observing that Taiwan had also experienced an era of authoritarian rule and a challenging period of democratization, she said that this year marked 30 years since Taiwan’s first direct presidential election and that Taiwan deeply appreciated that freedom and democracy were not easily won. Vice President Hsiao added that, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and faced with growing military intimidation, gray-zone tactics, economic coercion, and other challenges, Taiwan continued to bolster national defense, economic security, and whole-of-society resilience while strengthening its response capabilities in such areas as communications, energy, and critical infrastructure.
 
Vice President Hsiao went on to emphasize that no island was too small to have a voice, and that no island or society were too small to deserve respect. She said that Taiwan would continue to work with Europe and global democratic partners to defend freedom, human dignity, and democracy. Later, she exchanged views with other panelists on the lessons of the Russia-Ukraine war for Taiwan, Taiwan-US-China relations, Taiwan’s international participation, Taiwan-Europe cooperation and related prospects, and other issues.
 
Following the panel, Vice President Hsiao and Minister Lin attended a dinner hosted by Vice-President Picierno. During the meal, they engaged in warm and cordial interactions and exchanges with Mr. Corazza, Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly Sandro Gozi, Mayor of Ventotene Carmine Caputo, and other prominent political figures.
 
During a conversation with Vice-President Picierno, Minister Lin mentioned that this trip to accompany Vice President Hsiao was his third visit to Italy since assuming office. He explained that during last visit, he had visited the northern Italian industrial powerhouse of Milan, which had attracted significant investment from Taiwanese businesses such as GlobalWafers, TCC, and HIWIN Technologies, advancing substantive economic relations between Taiwan and Italy.
 
During their stay in Ventotene, Vice President Hsiao and Minister Lin also met with Chair of the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament Valérie Hayer. They exchanged views on the shared challenges facing Taiwan and Europe, including security issues, economic coercion, and fostering whole-of-society resilience. Minister Lin and Chair Hayer, who is a French national, also discussed Taiwan-France semiconductor cooperation, Taiwan’s ability to support Europe’s reindustrialization efforts, and other matters.
 
The Second European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy was organized with the guidance of the European Parliament and the support of the local government in Ventotene. The event sought to harness the collective strength of the international community to safeguard such universal values as freedom, democracy, and human rights in the face of challenges currently being posed by authoritarianism around the world.
 
The island of Ventotene is celebrated as the birthplace of European federalism. With this year marking the 40th anniversary of the death of European parliamentarian Altiero Spinelli—a prominent advocate of European federalism—the organizers used this year’s conference to commemorate Mr. Spinelli’s contributions to European integration.
 
During her trip, Vice President Hsiao also visited two historically significant sites—the Cisterne Romane and the Museo Storico Archeologico—with a view to promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between Taiwan and Italy. (E) 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (October 13) continued his visit to Nanjing with a delegation, meeting with Jiangsu provincial leaders and business representatives, attending a promotion conference on supporting enterprises in going global, and visiting a platform for the commercialisation of research outcomes. The visit seeks to deepen co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, and support Mainland enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong to expand their global business.

     In the morning, Mr Chan attended a promotion conference on supporting Mainland enterprises in going global, themed “Jiangsu-Hong Kong Partnership: Setting Sail Together”. In his address, he said that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Through closer co-operation, Jiangsu and Hong Kong can seize the opportunities arising from the country’s pursuit of high-level opening up and translate them into tangible results for enterprises expanding into international markets. He encouraged Jiangsu enterprises to use Hong Kong as a base for their long-term development when planning their global operations.

     Mr Chan noted that Jiangsu and Hong Kong enjoy a solid foundation of co-operation. Hong Kong is both Jiangsu’s largest source of foreign investment and its largest destination for outward investment. As at the end of September this year, 129 Jiangsu enterprises were listed in Hong Kong, with a combined market capitalisation of about HK$1.44 trillion. He said that the two places have a sound basis for co-operation, with ample scope for further collaboration in innovation-driven development and expansion into international markets.

     He said that Hong Kong’s strengths extend beyond stock market listings and fundraising to its high concentration of international capital, financial institutions and professional talent. Last year, Hong Kong recorded 119 new listings, raising over HK$280 billion and ranking first globally in initial public offering fundraising. In the first nine months of this year, Hong Kong recorded over 110 new listings, raising more than HK$380 billion, more than double the amount raised in the same period last year. More than 70 of the world’s top 100 banks operate in Hong Kong. Enterprises can connect with international investors and partners through Hong Kong, broadening their financing channels to support business development at different stages.

     On talent and innovation and technology (I&T), Mr Chan said that Hong Kong’s free, open and international environment helps enterprises attract research, engineering and management talent from the Mainland and overseas. Hong Kong has more than 50 international schools offering a diverse range of curricula. Together with its convenient transport network and vibrant lifestyle, these provide a favourable environment for talent and their families to settle and pursue long-term development in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and university towns, bringing together quality education and research resources from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas to foster the co-ordinated development of education, technology, talent and industries, and accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes. He invited Jiangsu enterprises to visit Hong Kong and the Northern Metropolis to explore co-operation opportunities.

     Mr Chan also pointed out that, in attracting enterprises and nurturing industries, the HKSAR Government looks not only at the scale of investment, but also at enterprises’ technological capabilities, capacity for innovation, and long-term contributions to Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and talent development. The Government is willing to explore investment co-operation with promising enterprises aligned with Hong Kong’s future development priorities, and offer support in areas including land, taxation and other complementary measures. He expressed the hope of building long-term partnerships with Jiangsu enterprises and supporting more Mainland enterprises in becoming multinational corporations with global influence, bringing Chinese technologies, products and solutions to markets around the world.

     Mr Chan also had breakfast with a group of young Jiangsu entrepreneurs in the morning, exchanging views on business development and co-operation opportunities between the two places. He also attended a sharing session with Hong Kong business people and enterprises in Jiangsu to learn about their business development in the province.

     In the afternoon, the delegation visited the National Regional Technology Transfer and Transformation Centre for Higher Education Institutions (Jiangsu) to learn about its work in promoting the transfer and commercialisation of university research outcomes, matching them with enterprises’ needs, and fostering industry-academia-research collaboration. Focusing on areas including biomedicine, information and communications, and advanced materials, the centre provides support covering technology research and development, proof of concept and pilot testing. It promotes the deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation, helps nurture emerging and future industries, and advances the integrated development of education, technology and talent.

     The delegation subsequently met with officials and representatives of Nanjing’s Jiangbei New Area and the centre, as well as representatives of local industries and enterprises. They exchanged views on promoting two-way co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, and between Nanjing and Hong Kong, as well as establishing more regular mechanisms for I&T collaboration.

     At the meeting, Mr Chan proposed strengthening two-way collaboration in three areas to deepen co-operation and deliver more concrete results. First, Jiangsu enterprises can make good use of Hong Kong’s financing and treasury management platforms to support their international business expansion. Second, they can leverage Hong Kong’s professional services to align with international standards, creating favourable conditions for their products and services to enter overseas markets. Third, enterprises can capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international data resources and talent to drive product and service innovation, and better respond to the evolving needs of international markets. He also encouraged the two places to strengthen connections among science and technology parks, universities, enterprises, investment institutions and the professional services sector, facilitate talent exchanges, and bring more promising research projects to fruition.

     In the evening, Mr Chan called on the Governor of Jiangsu Province, Mr Liu Xiaotao. They exchanged views on deepening economic and trade co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, strengthening connections between innovation and industrial resources, and jointly supporting enterprises in expanding into overseas markets. Mr Chan said he looked forward to further broadening co-operation in youth development, talent and cultural exchanges, alongside economic, trade and I&T collaboration, to provide fresh impetus for the long-term partnership between Jiangsu and Hong Kong.

     Mr Chan and the delegation will continue their visit to Nanjing tomorrow morning and depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded higher than normal air pollution levels since this afternoon (October 13), and the health risk category of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations has reached the “Serious” level.

     Winds are weak over Hong Kong this afternoon, which are unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.

     According to the Hong Kong Observatory, a fresh easterly airstream is expected to reach the coast of Guangdong later tomorrow (October 14). It is expected that air quality in Hong Kong will improve by then.

     With a health risk category in the “Very High” range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.

     The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students’ health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows: www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.

     When the air quality health risk category is at the “Very High” level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the “Serious” level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.

     Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings on the EPD’s website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     The Judiciary today (October 13) reiterated its call for the public to stay alert to suspicious emails and avoid opening them or following any instructions or requests from them.
 
     The Judiciary recently received public enquiries about a number of emails sent from the domain “@pt.lu”. Each email falsely claims that it was issued by the Registrar of the District Court, and has a fraudulent summons attached, purportedly issued by the Judiciary.
 
     The Judiciary solemnly points out that a summons issued by the Judiciary is served either by post or by hand. The Judiciary does not serve summonses by electronic means. The suspicious emails and summonses were not issued by the Judiciary, and the case has been reported to the Police.
 
     Anyone who has provided information to the email senders should contact the Police immediately.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region