Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 30) seized about 2.4 kilograms of suspected ketamine, about 1.4kg of suspected crack cocaine and 104 tablets of suspected nimetazepam with a total estimated market value of about $2.6 million in Sham Tseng. A man and a woman suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
Through intelligence analysis and a detailed investigation, Customs targeted a man who was suspected of controlling a drug repacking centre in Sham Tseng. Customs officers conducted a premises search in a residential flat in Sham Tseng yesterday evening and seized the batch of suspected drugs and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. A 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were arrested therein.
The two arrestees have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 1).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to new term of Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “I am very pleased that the Chairman and the other eight non-official members have accepted the appointments. They all possess rich experience and expertise in their respective sectors, and will continue to inject impetus into the work of the HKCPEC in promoting regional economic co-operation. I would also like to thank the outgoing member, Ms Edith Law, for her valuable advice and contribution to the work of the HKCPEC during her tenure.”
The HKCPEC is a tripartite forum, comprising members from the academic, business and government sectors, to co-ordinate Hong Kong, China’s participation in the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), a non-profit, policy-oriented regional organisation with 21 member economies dedicated to the promotion of regional economic development. Over the years, apart from contributing actively to discussions on the PECC front, the HKCPEC has also been promoting locally the importance of regional trade and economic co-operation through a series of internship and youth programmes.
The new membership list of the HKCPEC is as follows:
Chairman Professor Tam Kar-yan
Vice Chairman Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry
Members Ms Emily Cheung Ms Suki Cheung Mr Dickson Kwok Mr Nicholas Lai Ms Sophia Lee Professor Miranda Lou Professor Lui Hon-kwong Professor Raymond Wong Government Economist or his/her representative Director of Research of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council or his/her representative Issued at HKT 16:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The new measures under the Housing (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 to combat abuse of public rental housing (PRH) have come into effect today (March 31). The measures include: (i) introducing new offences of “serious tenancy abuse of PRH flats”; (ii) empowering authorised officers to demand personal information from suspicious individuals; and (iii) extending the prosecution time limit for offences involving false statements, refusal to furnish information and unlawful alienations.
The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said, ”The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) keeps on enhancing its policies to ensure that public housing resources are targeted to those in greatest need. The Housing (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 demonstrates the steadfast commitment of the Government and the HA to making good use of public housing resources, combining legislative and administrative measures to tackle serious abuse.”
The HA has stepped up its publicity efforts through television programmes, newspapers, social media, leaflets, posters and other channels, and has organised exchange sessions with district councillors to ensure PRH tenants and members of the public fully understand the strengthened measures against abuse of PRH.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tender awarded for operation of Geospatial Lab A two-envelope approach was adopted in the open tender exercise, under which the weighting for the technical proposal was 70 per cent and price proposal 30 per cent. Two tenders were received. After the tenderers’ execution plans, innovative suggestions, qualifications and relevant experience were assessed, the tender was awarded to the TWGHs and the SCC, which attained the highest combined score on their technical and price proposals.
Leveraging their extensive experience in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, start-up support, and Geographic Information Systems activities, as well as their established network for promoting AI on campuses, the TWGHs and the SCC will bring more innovative spatial data promotion initiatives to the GeoLab, connecting communities across age groups and business sectors. At the same time, the GeoLab will also strengthen collaboration with the innovation and technology sector to organise creative and inspiring events that enhance daily convenience for citizens and foster the commercial application of spatial data.
The Spatial Data Office of the DEVB looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the TWGHs and the SCC, reaching out to schools and communities, and further promoting and advocating the use of spatial data, with a particular focus on applications that integrate spatial data and AI in the next two years. Issued at HKT 16:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Executive in Council today (March 31) authorised the railway scheme of the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak (SGMTS-KT) in accordance with the Railways Ordinance (Cap. 519).
The SGMTS-KT is approximately 3.5-kilometre long with six stations. The termini will be connected to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the MTR Kai Tak Station respectively. It will provide a convenient feeder transport service connecting the former runway area of Kai Tak to the MTR Kai Tak Station to strengthen connectivity among residential and commercial developments, tourism, culture and recreation, sports and community facilities within the area. Tenders for the contract of the SGMTS-KT were invited in October 2025, with the system targeted to be commissioned in 2031.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Government has collected public views on the SGMTS-KT project through various channels earlier, including consulting the Legislative Council (LegCo)’s Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways, the Transport Advisory Committee, the Kowloon City District Council and the Task Force on Kai Tak Harbourfront Development of the Harbourfront Commission, and exchanging views with relevant LegCo Members and stakeholders. The public is generally supportive of the SGMTS-KT project.”
The scheme of the SGMTS-KT was gazetted on July 25, 2025, and August 1, 2025. In respect of the objections received, the Government has carefully studied the grounds of each opinion and met with the objectors to explain the railway scheme and address their concerns. All of the unwithdrawn objections have been submitted to the Executive Council for consideration.
“During the implementation of the SGMTS-KT project, the franchisee will maintain close communication with the relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, the franchisee is required to comply with the conditions set out in the environmental permit issued by the Director of Environmental Protection to mitigate the environmental impacts of the works,” the spokesman added.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government’s financial results for 11 months ended February 28, 2026 Expenditure and revenue from April 2025 to February 2026 amounted to HK$691.5 billion and HK$654.8 billion respectively, resulting in a surplus of HK$62.6 billion after taking into account HK$148.9 billion received from issuance of Government Bonds and repayment of HK$49.6 billion principal on Government Bonds. The fiscal reserves stood at HK$716.9 billion as at February 28, 2026.
According to the 2026-27 Budget announced in end-February 2026, the revised estimate for the current financial year will record a surplus of HK$2.9 billion and the fiscal reserves are estimated to be HK$657.2 billion as at the end of March 2026.
Detailed figures are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
TABLE 1. CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT (Note 1)
February 28, 2026 HK$ millionFebruary 28, 2026 HK$ millionand repayment of Government Bondsissuance of Government BondsGovernment Bonds*and repayment of Government BondsGovernment Debts as at February 28, 2026 (Note 3) HK$407,176 million Debts Guaranteed by Government as at February 28, 2026 (Note 4) HK$111,597 million
TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
February 28, 2026 HK$ millionFebruary 28, 2026 HK$ million(Note 5)Notes:
1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at February 28, 2026, was HK$153,602 million.
2. Includes transactions with the Exchange Fund and resident banks. (ii) the Infrastructure Bonds (equivalent to HK$109,640 million as at February 28, 2026) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. They were denominated in Renminbi (RMB38,500 million with maturity from March 2026 to June 2055) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$65,730 million with maturity from May 2026 to June 2055); and
(iii) the Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$109,050 million (with maturity in October 2027 and October 2028 and may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme.
They do not include the outstanding bonds with nominal value of HK$100,615 million and alternative bonds with nominal value of US$1,000 million (equivalent to HK$7,823 million as at February 28, 2026) issued under the Government Bond Programme with proceeds credited to the Bond Fund. Of these bonds under the Government Bond Programme (including Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$53,515 million, which may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders), bonds with nominal value of HK$53,515 million will mature within the period from March 2026 to February 2027, and the rest within the period from March 2027 to May 2042.
4. Includes guarantees provided under the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2001, the Special Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2008, the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme launched in 2012, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Battery Electric Taxis and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Travel Sector launched in 2023, and the commercial loan under Guaranteed Medium Term Note Programme of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited.
5. Includes HK$250,029 million, being the balance of the Land Fund held in the name of “Future Fund”, for long-term investments up to December 31, 2030. The Future Fund also includes HK$4,800 million, being one-third of the actual surplus in 2015-16 as top-up. Issued at HKT 16:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs detected three importing suspected controlled injection and pharmaceutical product cases in late March and seized 20 vials of injections suspected to contain Part 1 poisons, with an estimated market value of about $13,000.
Customs officers on March 25 inspected three express parcels imported from Japan to Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of injection vials suspected to contain Part 1 poisons in the three parcels.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation on March 26 and arrested three female consignees aged between 28 to 39 at three recipient addresses.
Investigations are ongoing and the three arrested persons have been released on bail.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person who imports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid import licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
New local HIV cases decline for 10 consecutive years as DH strengthens community engagement to consolidate support for HIV prevention and control (with photo) New HIV cases continues to decline but proportion of late presenters remains high —————————————————————————————
In 2025, the CHP received 331 new HIV cases, comprising 258 males and 73 females aged between 6 and 76. Among the cases with a reported route of transmission, 279 cases (99 per cent) acquired the infection through sexual contact, including 158 through homosexual or bisexual contact and 121 through heterosexual contact. The cumulative total of locally reported HIV infections since 1984 is 12 734.
During the same period, a total of 86 new AIDS cases were reported, including 61 males and 25 females. Since 1985, a cumulative total of 2 643 confirmed AIDS cases have been reported in Hong Kong. The most common AIDS-defining illness was Pneumocystis pneumonia.
“The prevalence of HIV infection in Hong Kong has remained far below the global average, accounting for 1 in 1 000 of the adult population. The number of new HIV infections has declined for 10 consecutive years since the peak in 2015 when over 700 new cases were reported, representing a more than 50 per cent drop. This is largely attributable to the sustained efforts of the Government, the healthcare sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) over the years. Nevertheless, the proportion of late presenters among the newly reported cases in Hong Kong has remained high at about 50 per cent in recent years. An in-depth analysis of the data by the CHP revealed that the proportion of late presenters among high-risk populations (such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers) is approximately 40 to 50 per cent. Among non-high-risk groups, this figure is even higher, reaching 60 to 70 per cent. This situation warrants attention,” said the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the Public Health Services Branch of the CHP, Dr Bonnie Wong.
Late presenters refer to individuals with a very low CD4 (one kind of immune cell) cell count (less than 200 cells/mm3) or those who have already progressed to AIDS at the time of HIV diagnosis. Late presentation indicates that these individuals were not diagnosed and put on treatment in a timely manner at an earlier stage of infection.
“Late presentation can lead to an increased risk of opportunistic infections and malignancies, leading to a tenfold increase in mortality rate when compared with other people infected with HIV. In addition, as a result of an unsuppressed viral load, late presenters contribute to an increased risk of HIV transmission in the community. As sexual transmission remains the major route of HIV transmission in Hong Kong, we encourage people who have had sex to get HIV testing at least once to keep track of their health status. People with higher risk of infection (such as those who do not use condoms properly or those who inject drugs) should undergo regular screening to safeguard their own and their partners’ health,” said Dr Wong.
Multifaceted collaboration model to strengthen prevention, control and support of HIV/AIDS —————————————————————————————-
She added that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the introduction of highly effective antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment. With the advancement of medicine and successful implementation of prevention and control measures in Hong Kong, HIV infection is now a manageable chronic disease. The World Health Organization also emphasised that people with HIV should receive antiretroviral drugs as soon as possible. This helps achieve viral suppression, prevent the progression to AIDS and other complications, and increase the chance of survival significantly. Furthermore, those who achieve an undetectable level of the virus in blood while on treatment will not transmit the virus through sex, i.e. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).
As with the prevention and control of other chronic diseases, community engagement is particularly important in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. The Government will adopt a multifaceted collaboration model to engage community stakeholders, including NGOs, in participating in HIV prevention and control work. The following two initiatives under the Partnership Programme for Community Engagement will be launched on April 1:
(1) Priority Populations Testing and Counselling Programme
Target participants include priority populations identified in the Recommended HIV/AIDS Strategies for Hong Kong (2022-2027) (including MSM, people of non-Chinese ethnic groups, transgender people, people who inject drugs, sex workers or those who were at a higher risk of infection, such as clients of sex workers or individuals with multiple sexual partners).
The CHP subsidises NGOs to provide target participants with free HIV and syphilis antibody testing, personalised psychological support and counselling, health advice on safer sex and methods to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. When necessary, service recipients will be referred to other services for prevention, diagnosis or follow-up care arrangement. Participating NGOs will also deploy outreach teams into communities to proactively provide relevant services to those in need.
(2) People Living with HIV (PLHIV) Support Services Programme
The target participants are individuals currently receiving follow-up care at public HIV clinics. NGOs subsidised by the CHP will provide comprehensive support tailored to PLHIV, including medication and adherence support, psychological and social support, group therapy activities, drug rehabilitation and counselling support, functional rehabilitation and bridging psychiatric services etc.
“These two programmes address different groups and needs with precision. The former promotes early testing and early prevention to align with the CHP’s core objectives of expanding testing services and implementing target-based prevention, control and intervention; the latter helps PLHIV better manage their health and further strengthen the existing support for them and their families. The CHP believes that leveraging the community service networks established by the NGOs over the years will help build a more accessible, targeted and sustainable HIV/AIDS prevention, control and support network. This approach puts into practice the concept of community-collaborative public health service. The CHP will accumulate experience for the optimisation and improvement of related services in the future,” Dr Wong said.
Members of the public who wish to participate or learn more about the two programmes may visit the Red Ribbon Centre’s website (www.rrc.gov.hk/englishIssued at HKT 14:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CCIDA sponsors industry to participate in AW2026 Shanghai Fashion Week Highlights of the “Asian Designers To Watch x Hong Kong Emerging Designers” included a designer exhibition and a fashion show. The exhibition, held from March 25 to 30, featured 21 selected fashion pieces by seven Asian Designers To Watch of the 2025 edition and over 160 AW2026 fashion and accessory pieces by 10 Hong Kong emerging designers. The fashion show, held on March 27 as the HKDC’s debut at the SHFW, showcased 40 selected AW2026 outfits by five emerging Hong Kong designers and brands, presenting to Chinese Mainland and international audiences the vitality of Hong Kong fashion. The two highlight events provided a platform for Hong Kong designers to network with buyers from around the world during the SHFW, one of the most influential fashion events in Asia, and explore potential business opportunities.
The HKDC is CCIDA’s strategic partner in leveraging Hong Kong’s East-meets-West advantage to drive economic value from design. CCIDA has been supporting the HKDC’s initiatives for exploring markets for local design talent and enterprises, including organising industry delegations to participate in major design and fashion events on the Chinese Mainland and overseas, to enhance the global visibility of Hong Kong’s design industry and foster cross-boundary collaborations.
President Lai meets bipartisan delegation from US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
On the morning of March 30, President Lai Ching-te met with a bipartisan delegation from the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations led by Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen of the Democratic Party and Senator John Curtis of the Republican Party. In remarks, President Lai thanked the four senators in the delegation for their visit to Taiwan at such a critical juncture, which demonstrates staunch support through concrete action and underscores the rock-solid friendship between Taiwan and the US. He also extended appreciation to members of the US Congress from both sides of the political aisle for their individual and collective actions in support of Taiwan’s special defense budget, as well as for following the Legislative Yuan’s deliberation process. The president indicated that the legislation for the special defense budget can withstand rigorous scrutiny and is backed by over 60 percent of Taiwan’s public, but that the deliberation has suffered delays due to political factors. President Lai called on the Legislative Yuan to support the budget across party lines, signaling to the international community – especially the US government and Congress, who have long supported Taiwan – that Taiwan is firmly committed and determined to continue advancing its self-defense capabilities, and is undaunted by threats.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I extend a sincere welcome to the four senators. This is the first visit to Taiwan for Senators Shaheen, Thom Tillis, and Jacky Rosen. Senator Curtis is visiting again after four years. I understand that he also served as a missionary to Taiwan in the 1980s. In 2022, I met with Senator Curtis by videoconference while transiting through the US on my way to Honduras. Later that same year, we also met in person at the Presidential Office during his visit to Taiwan. I am delighted to have this opportunity to engage in in-depth exchanges with all of our guests today, and I thank the US for its bipartisan support and profound friendship for Taiwan.
All of you have long focused on Indo-Pacific regional security and spared no effort in supporting Taiwan. You also continue to introduce and cosponsor numerous pieces of Taiwan-friendly legislation in Congress. All of you are truly steadfast friends of our nation. I would also like to thank those in the executive and legislative branches of the US government from across the political spectrum for continuing to conduct military sales to Taiwan and bolster bilateral cooperation in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, providing our nation with unwavering and long-term support.
The latest US National Security Strategy clearly indicates that Taiwan is a vital hub for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan fully understands that peace can only come through strength. In face of the growing threat of authoritarianism, the core principles of our national security policy are to strengthen our self-defense capabilities, deepen security cooperation with the US and other friends and allies, and strive to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
To demonstrate our resolve to defend ourselves, Taiwan is systematically increasing defense spending. This year’s defense budget, as defined by NATO, will surpass 3 percent of GDP, and we expect to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030. Last November, I announced that we will promote an eight-year, US$40 billion special defense budget. The primary objectives of this are to build the T-Dome, a sophisticated, multi-layered missile defense system; to integrate AI into our national defense; and to develop our indigenous defense industry and advance self-sufficiency in national defense.
To comprehensively enhance our asymmetric capabilities and achieve the goal of effective deterrence, this special budget was put forward following thorough evaluations and planning by the Ministry of National Defense, as well as consultations with the US regarding military procurement. Furthermore, to bolster defense self-sufficiency, build up technological capabilities in defense, and make the defense industry a new driving force for economic growth, the special budget includes investments in our indigenous defense industry and incorporates various collaborative projects between Taiwan and the US in the AI and defense sectors.
The special defense budget proposed by our government is a tightly integrated, comprehensive, and pivotal initiative to rapidly increase our defense capabilities and effectively counter potential threats. It also serves as a core program to accelerate transformation and upgrading of our domestic industries and economy. Only by ensuring that defense and the economy reinforce each other can we bolster our overall national strength. Therefore, I have repeatedly stressed that we must pass this special budget in full and without further delay.
I would like to point out that the legislation for the defense budget, which is currently under deliberation in the Legislative Yuan, can withstand rigorous scrutiny and is backed by over 60 percent of Taiwan’s public. However, due to political factors, the legislative review has suffered delays. An example is our HIMARS purchase from the US. The letter of offer and acceptance was originally set to expire at the end of this month. We are grateful to the US government for agreeing to a slight extension, which assists Taiwan in continuing the procurement of this weapons system. However, should any delay occur, it would have a very serious impact on the urgent need to enhance our asymmetric capabilities.
I would like to extend special appreciation to the four senators visiting today, as well as other members of Congress from both sides of the political aisle, for their individual and collective actions in support of the special defense budget that Taiwan’s government has proposed. I am also grateful for your concern and candid advice regarding the Legislative Yuan’s deliberation on the associated legislation. Your deep understanding of and continued concern for Taiwan’s security have demonstrated to the people of Taiwan the paramount importance of this treasured friendship.
I want to assure you and all of our friends in the US that my government’s resolve and commitment to enhancing our self-defense capabilities, strengthening Taiwan-US cooperation, and ensuring national security remain unwavering. Your visit to Taiwan at this critical juncture is a powerful demonstration of support through concrete action, once again underscoring the rock-solid friendship between Taiwan and the US.
At this important moment, I also call on the Legislative Yuan to support the government’s comprehensive special defense budget plan across party lines. This will signal to the international community – especially the US government and Congress, who have so steadfastly supported Taiwan – that we are firmly committed and determined to advance our self-defense capabilities and that we are undaunted by the threats we face. This would be the best possible manifestation of the saying that help comes to those who help themselves.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US, as well as the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. The Declaration of Independence not only asserted the profound significance of unalienable rights; it also proved that the course of history can be altered through the free will of the people. As Taiwan transitioned from authoritarianism to democracy, many risked their liberty and even their lives striving for freedom and human rights precisely because they held these same convictions. The free and prosperous societies that Taiwan and the US have today did not come about by accident; they are the hard-won results of the struggle of countless individuals. At this time of celebration, we must cherish more than ever our friendship, which transcends borders, and safeguard our shared values.
In closing, I would like to once again thank the US for its bipartisan support for Taiwan. I look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with all of our guests to deepen the Taiwan-US friendship. I wish everyone a smooth and successful visit.
Ranking Member Shaheen then delivered remarks, a transcript of which follows:
Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to meet today. We are here, as you’ve heard, as part of a bipartisan delegation from the United States Senate, including members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Finance Committee, [and] the Armed Services Committee. We’re also pleased to be joined by the director of the [American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office], Raymond Greene. Thank you for being here as well. We are here to underscore the strong and enduring commitment to Taiwan in the United States Congress. That commitment is grounded in the Taiwan Relations Act and decades of support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Maintaining that stability is a shared effort.
We recognize and welcome the steps Taiwan has taken to strengthen its own defense and resilience. They are critical to sustaining deterrence. Beyond our security cooperation, we also value the continued deepening of the economic and people-to-people ties that underpin our partnership. Our economic relationship in particular is a foundation for prosperity in both the United States and Taiwan. American families benefit from the lower costs because of our robust trade with Taiwan, and our workers benefit from the tens of billions of dollars in investment that we’ve seen across America from Taiwanese firms. Simply put, the stability and strength of this relationship is deeply in the interest of both of our peoples. I look forward to continuing to build on our partnership together. Thank you again for your leadership, and I appreciate the opportunity for this discussion.
Senator Curtis then delivered remarks, a transcript of which follows:
Taiwan, where I lived for three years as a young man, today sits at the crossroads of democracy, global technology, and international security. I’ve witnessed firsthand the progress Taiwan has made by embracing freedom, democracy, and capitalism. I often point out to my colleagues that when I lived here in 1979, Taiwan was under martial law. Last week it celebrated 30 years as a full, vibrant democracy.
When I lived here, the Taiwan GDP per capita was about US$3 thousand. Today, you are one of the wealthiest countries in the world. When I lived here, I remember knocking on doors as a young missionary and seeing Christmas lights made in each home. Each home would do one step of the process and then it would move to the next home. Today, the world runs on the most advanced Taiwanese semiconductors.
Taiwan’s stability and security matter to America. US-Taiwan relations grow stronger every day. Taiwan has made real progress on strengthening its defense, whole-of-society preparedness, and energy security, especially over the last year. That seriousness is noticed in Washington, DC, and your efforts on the special defense budget are also noticed and supported with vast support. Congress plays a leading role in the Taiwan relations as it has since the Taiwan Relations Act passed just days before I arrived in Taiwan in 1979. This support is reinforced by our congressional visit here to be with you today.
On a personal note, President Lai, you are a transformational leader. It is not by accident that Taiwan has progressed so much since my last visit. As I watch your leadership, I’m impressed and feel that Taiwan is blessed to be under your leadership. Our bipartisan delegation is happy to be here, and we thank you for hosting us and look forward to a great couple of days here in Taiwan.