MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in a joint press release issued by PRC foreign minister and AU

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in a joint press release issued by PRC foreign minister and AU

January 9, 2026

During a visit to Ethiopia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a joint press release with the African Union (AU) on January 8 following the China-African Union Strategic Dialogue. The joint press release blatantly disregarded objective historical facts and contained false statements, including the claim that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.” 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and protests the Chinese government’s continued efforts to spread lies and falsehoods in the international community so as to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty. It also expresses deep regret at the AU’s submission to and parroting of China’s political position, which deviates from international reality.
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. Taiwan has long played an active role in the international community and has made substantive and constructive contributions to its African and global partners. MOFA calls on the AU, an important regional organization, to adhere to objective facts and exercise independent judgement in its public remarks and statements. 
 
China continues to repeatedly disseminate false narratives on international occasions, engaging in political suppression and discourse manipulation. Such actions, which contradict facts and undermine the international order, are not just absurd; they expose China’s attempts at authoritarian interference.
 
The sovereignty of the ROC (Taiwan) belongs to the people of Taiwan. Only they can decide Taiwan’s future. As a force for good in the international community, Taiwan will continue to defend the values of freedom and democracy and strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries to firmly defend the nation’s sovereignty, curb authoritarian expansionism, uphold the values of freedom and democracy, and further contribute to the international community.

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

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.

Speech by CE at reception in celebration of 29th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the translation of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the reception in celebration of the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (July 1):

Distinguished guests, fellow citizens,

Today marks the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China and the fourth anniversary of the current-term Government.

Four years ago, President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the inaugural ceremony of the current term of the HKSAR Government. In it, he put forward “four musts” and “four proposals” for Hong Kong. These have become the heart of my governance blueprint. Over the past four years, I have changed the culture of the Government and formed a “result-oriented” Government, focusing on tackling long-standing issues. We have built a safe and stable Hong Kong by fulfilling the historic task of enacting local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law and strengthening the shield of national security. We have improved the electoral system and strengthened district governance, fully implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. We have deepened the reform of governance systems, and are steadily seeing results.

We have rationalised traffic among the three road harbour crossings to alleviate the long-standing congestion common to the crossings. We have formulated the Basic Housing Units Ordinance with the aim of eradicating, in an orderly manner, substandard subdivided units that have emerged over the past ten years or so. We have made much effort to shorten the waiting time for public rental housing, including expediting and increasing public housing production, and filling the supply gap during construction stage with the innovative Light Public Housing. The Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing has reduced by 1.5 years, down from 6.1 years to 4.7 years, the shortest time recorded in over 8 years. In addition, through cracking down on public rental housing tenancy abuse, we have recovered about 10 000 units. That’s equivalent to a medium-sized housing estate, enabling earlier flat allocations for some 10 000 families while saving about $10 billion in public rental housing construction costs.

As for the economy, it has shifted from a negative growth of 3.7 per cent, when the current-term government took office, to a positive growth of 3.6 per cent in 2025. The economic growth momentum has continued over the year, with a significant rise of 5.9 per cent in the first quarter, the strongest quarterly growth in five years. Hong Kong has secured third place in the Global Financial Centres Index. In the latest World Competitiveness Ranking, Hong Kong’s position has risen one spot further to rank second globally. And in the World Talent Ranking, Hong Kong has moved up 10 places to rank the fourth globally. Hong Kong also continues to come first as the world’s freest economy.

​Faced with a competitive external environment and rapid technology changes, it is imperative that we drive reform and innovation from a longer-term perspective, coupled with more systematic planning. I am leading the HKSAR Government in formulating Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, the public consultation for which has begun. Consultation for my Policy Address also commenced this week. Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan is a strategic, forward-looking and directional guiding document providing clear directions for Hong Kong’s economic and social development. In line with the directions and requirements of the Plan, the annual Policy Address of the Chief Executive will establish a number of specific targets, report on progress, and introduce policy measures having regard to the actual situation of the year. Hong Kong will seize the opportunities brought by national development, and leverage its advantage of being connected to both the Mainland and to the world, as well as its international prospects, to bolster economic development and enable the public to better share the benefits of development.

Looking ahead, we will focus our efforts in three main areas:

First, we will press ahead with the formulation of Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan is taken as a vital step towards ensuring economic and social advancement. As an important vehicle for pursuing the vision of “people-oriented” governance, it covers a wide range of areas concerning people’s livelihood and well-being, including the economy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing and so on. We will actively integrate into and serve the overall national development through further reinforcing and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as a premier international hub in finance, shipping, trade, and innovation and technology; promoting the development of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub; strengthening Hong Kong’s functions as a global offshore Renminbi business hub; fostering the establishment of a commodity trading ecosystem; developing Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent; deepening international exchanges and co-operation; and opening up new markets to consistently promote Hong Kong’s competitiveness.

Second, we will fast-track the development of the Northern Metropolis with the vision of incorporating industries, technology and a university town, and creating an environment ideal for living, working and travelling — marking a breakthrough in Hong Kong’s development. The Northern Metropolis development has progressed from the blueprint phase to maturity. The Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone was officially opened last year, with two wet laboratory buildings already completed and fully leased. Construction of five other buildings will be completed within the year, and the Government will put up the remaining land for tender. University Town, another key component of the Northern Metropolis, will comprise university town areas bearing five major elements: education, technology, talent, industries and urban development. The University Town development has expanded in scale and vision from campus sites of just 100 hectares to university town areas spanning over 1 000 hectares. This will further promote the integrated development of industry, academic and research sectors, while bringing together more high-calibre talent.

Third, we will further improve people’s livelihood. My vision for governance has all along focused on enhancing people’s well-being, particularly in such areas as housing, transport, healthcare, education, welfare, youth development and so on, aiming to provide a better living environment for our citizens, greater prospects for young people, and enhanced care for the elderly as we work towards building an inclusive and caring community where everybody can enjoy social harmony and stability.

July 1st this year also carries another significance — for today marks the special occasion of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. As stated in the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, leadership by the Communist Party of China is the overriding principle of the political system of the People’s Republic of China. The HKSAR, established under the Constitution, has maintained the previous capitalist system and way of life. Our common law system continues to operate, and we enjoy the free flow of people, capital, data, goods and more. The vibrancy and prosperity of our country has always been Hong Kong’s strongest backing. Later this morning, the HKSAR Government will host the Launch ceremony of activities in celebration of the 105th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China, celebrating this extraordinary and meaningful occasion with all sectors of our community.

Distinguished guests, fellow citizens, we have long been braving the strong winds and waves together, and today we will set sail for new horizons. I believe that, with our unique advantages under “one country, two systems”, coupled with the resilience and drive to succeed of our citizens, Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient, will ride the wave of flourishing national development and sail with the wind, steering towards a brighter and more prosperous future!

Thank you.

Ends/Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Issued at HKT 9:50
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Chief Executive appoints District Council Eligibility Review Committee member

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (July 1) the Chief Executive has, pursuant to section 10A of the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547) (the Ordinance), appointed the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa, as an official member of the District Council Eligibility Review Committee (DCERC) commencing on July 1, 2026.

Pursuant to section 10A of the Ordinance, the DCERC is to consist of the Chairperson; at least 2 but not more than 4 official members; and at least 1 but not more than 3 non-official members. Section 10A(4) of the Ordinance further provides that only a principal official appointed pursuant to a nomination under Article 48(5) of the Basic Law is eligible for appointment as the chairperson or an official member.
 
The appointment has been published in the Gazette today and reported to the Central People’s Government for the record. The current membership list of the DCERC is as follows:

Chairperson
————–
Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki

Official members
——————-
Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa

Non-official members
————————
Miss Maria Tam Wai-chu
Professor Wong Yuk-shan
Mr Johnny Mok Shiu-luen

Fatal traffic accident in Tsuen Wan

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tsuen Wan last night (June 30) in which a man died and a woman was injured.

     At 9.37pm, a 69-year-old man reportedly collapsed while driving a coach along Castle Peak Road – Ting Kau westbound. The coach suspectedly lost control and rammed into a kerb.

     Sustaining no superficial injury, the coach driver was rushed to Yan Chai Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 10.35pm on the same day. Sustaining head injuries, a 23-year-old mainland female coach passenger was sent to Yan Chai Hospital in conscious state. 

     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories South is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 1346.

DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather      ​In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:
      ​The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.

     Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:
      ​If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
     
     ​For more health information, the public may visit the CHP’s heat strokeIssued at HKT 7:46

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LD reminds employers and employees to take heat stroke preventive measures in times of Heat Stress at Work Warning

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
      
     Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
      
     The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
      
     A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work” to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees’ risk of heat stroke.
      
     Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
      
     The LD issued the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work”, detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers’ and employees’ reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department’s thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.

Chief Executive appoints Candidate Eligibility Review Committee member

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (July 1) the Chief Executive has, pursuant to section 9A of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance (Cap. 569) (the Ordinance), appointed the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa, as an official member of the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee (CERC) commencing on July 1, 2026.
 
     Pursuant to section 9A(2) of the Ordinance, the CERC is to consist of the chairperson; at least 2 but not more than 4 official members; and at least 1 but not more than 3 non-official members. Section 9A(4) of the Ordinance further provides that only a principal official appointed pursuant to a nomination under Article 48(5) of the Basic Law is eligible for appointment as the chairperson or an official member.
       
     The appointment has been published in the Gazette today and reported to the Central People’s Government for the record. The current membership list of the CERC is as follows:
 
Chairperson
————–
Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki
 
Official members
——————-
Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa

Non-official members
————————
Miss Elsie Leung Oi-sie
Mrs Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai
Professor Lawrence Lau Juen-yee

HAD opens temporary heat shelters

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HAD opens temporary heat shelters 
     For further information, please call the department’s hotline before midnight on 2572 8427.
 
     The heat shelters are located at:
 
Hong Kong Island:
———————
 
Central and Western –
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall
3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex
2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun
 
Eastern –
Causeway Bay Community Centre
3/F, 7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay
 
Southern –
Lei Tung Community Hall
Lei Tung Estate, Ap Lei Chau
 
Wan Chai –
Leighton Hill Community Hall
133 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley——————
 
Kowloon City –
Hung Hom Community Hall
1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices
42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom
 
Kwun Tong –
Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre
71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin
 
Sham Shui Po –
Shek Kip Mei Community Hall
G/F, Block 42, Shek Kip Mei Estate
 
Wong Tai Sin –
Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre
45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan
 
Yau Tsim Mong –
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre
60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei
 
New Territories:
————————–
 
Islands –
Tung Chung Community Hall
G/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, 39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung
 
Kwai Tsing –
Kwai Shing Community Hall
Podium, Block 6, Kwai Shing West Estate, Kwai ChungCheung Wah Community Hall
Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling
 
Sai Kung –
Hang Hau Community Hall
G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O
 
Sha Tin –
Lung Hang Estate Community Centre
Lung Hang Estate, Sha Tin
 
Tai Po –
Tai Po Community Centre
2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po
 
Tsuen Wan –
Lei Muk Shue Community Hall
G/F, Hong Shue House, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan
 
Tuen Mun –
Wu Shan Road Community Hall
101 Wu Shan Road, Tuen MunLong Ping Community Hall
Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long
 
Yuen Long –
Tin Yiu Community Centre
Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai
 
    In addition to the above heat shelters, a number of community halls/community centres can also be used for taking refuge from the heat during their operating hours. For their address details, please browse the following document: www.had.gov.hk/file_manager/en/documents/public_services/emergency_services/List_CH_CC_Day_E.pdfIssued at HKT 17:00

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SEMICON Taiwan 2026 Officially Launches: Showcasing Landmark Pavilions in Quantum Technology, Smart Fab, AI Semiconductors, and Chip Startups

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The premier annual event of the global semiconductor industry SEMICON Taiwan 2026 is set to take center stage from September 2nd to 4th at TaiNEX 1 & 2! Register now to secure your spot: https://www.semicontaiwan.org/en/about/register
Why Attend This Milestone Event?

Cutting-Edge Technology Showcase: Gather with world-leading tech giants as they unveil the latest advancements in advanced packaging (Chiplet), heterogeneous integration, and green smart fab solutions.
Four Heavyweight Theme Pavilions: Witness the debut of the “Quantum Technology Zone” and “Smart Fab Zone,” alongside the “AI Semiconductor” and “Chip Startup” pavilions organized in partnership with the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to ignite new waves of innovation.
Expand Elite Global Networks: Connect face-to-face with over 100,000 industry professionals and key decision-makers from 65 countries to unlock precise business opportunities.
22+ International Tech Forums: Gain strategic insights from over 200 industry titans addressing critical topics to help you navigate global geopolitics and sustainability trends.

Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has long established its global competitive edge through advanced manufacturing capabilities, positioning itself as a core engine driving worldwide technological evolution. Amid the rapid growth of AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and emerging applications, Taiwan is fully extending its profound strengths in advanced manufacturing and supply chain collaboration into critical domains such as advanced packaging, smart manufacturing, and quantum technology. This strategic expansion is driving the industry’s transition from a foundry-centric model to comprehensive ecosystem integration and full value-chain competition.
This transformative momentum serves as the core catalyst propelling SEMICON Taiwan 2026 to achieve record-breaking scale once again. The exhibition will kick off on August 31st with a comprehensive series of international forums, followed by the physical exposition running from September 2nd to 4th. This year’s event is projected to gather over 1,300 exhibitors and occupy 4,300 booths—both figures marking historic highs—and is expected to attract more than 100,000 industry professionals from 65 countries worldwide.