MOFA welcomes statement by US State Department expressing concern over military exercises near Taiwan
Date：2026-01-02
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs
January 2, 2026 No. 004 In a statement issued on January 1, the United States Department of State expressed concern over China’s recent joint military exercises around Taiwan, which it said increased tensions. Adding to the concerns expressed by Japan, the Philippines, the European Union, Australia, and others, the statement by the United States once again demonstrates like-minded nations’ clear position in support of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere appreciation for the US statement.Entitled “Response to China’s Military Exercise Near Taiwan,” the State Department’s press statement observed that China’s military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan and others in the region increased tensions unnecessarily. It urged Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue. The statement also stressed that the United States supported peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposed unilateral changes to the status quo, including by force or coercion.Minister Lin appreciates and thanks the US government for expressing concern over China’s actions, which have escalated tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan and the United States share such values and ideals as freedom and democracy. The statements issued by the governments and national parliaments of various nations in recent days have shown that maintaining Taiwan Strait peace and stability is the international consensus and a key interest for all concerned. The United Nations Charter clearly prohibits the threat or use of force. This principle applies equally to the waters of the Taiwan Strait and those along the first island chain.Taiwan will continue to work with the United States and other like-minded countries to defend the rules-based international order and jointly advance global and regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)
January 1, 2026No.003The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims made by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a regular press conference on December 31, 2025, that dozens of countries had expressed support for China’s military exercises and that China disapproved of the serious concern shown by some other nations and organizations. China’s claims contravene the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and internationally recognized, objective facts. Furthermore, China’s military exercises defy the principle of refraining from the threat or use of force set out in the UN Charter.MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. Moreover, only the people of Taiwan have the authority to determine Taiwan’s future. China does not have the right to interfere.China’s recent, unwarranted military exercises around Taiwan constitute a blatant violation of the UN Charter’s prohibition on the threat or use of force, as well as another unilateral attempt to undermine the cross-strait status quo. China’s actions have severely affected cross-strait and regional security and stability and seriously disrupted international maritime and air traffic and regular trade exchanges, harming Taiwan and other nations while yielding no gain to China. As such, any nation, entity, or individual supporting China’s heavy-handed provocations is abetting illegal behavior, and will be judged accordingly by the international community. MOFA again expresses gratitude to the international community for its strong support in recent days. In particular, public statements by numerous diplomatic allies, as well as like-minded partners such as Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Lithuania, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and the European External Action Service, have all underscored the importance of cross-strait peace and stability and opposition to the use of force or coercion to alter the cross-strait status quo. This once again shows that Taiwan does not stand alone.MOFA calls on the international community to continue to support democratic Taiwan and jointly safeguard cross-strait peace and stability as well as the security of the Indo-Pacific region. It welcomes friends from the international community to visit Taiwan to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation and contribute to the maintenance of regional peace and stability. (E)
MOFA welcomes statement by Lithuanian Foreign Ministry expressing concern over China’s recent military activities around Taiwan
Date：2026-01-01
Data Source：Department of European Affairs
January 1, 2026No. 002The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania issued a statement on December 31, 2025, voicing concern over China’s recent military exercises around Taiwan that escalated cross-strait tensions. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude for statements by Lithuania and other like-minded countries, which once again have staunchly supported cross-strait peace and stability.The statement by Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry pointed out that China’s recent military exercises not only had raised cross-strait tensions but also had threatened international peace and security. It further stressed that the Taiwan Strait remained strategically important for regional and global security. Lithuania also urged restraint from displays of force and unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and emphasized that all differences must be addressed through peaceful dialogue in accordance with international law. Minister Lin welcomes and appreciates the Lithuanian government’s expression of concern over China’s actions that have heightened cross-strait tensions. This highlights Taiwan and Lithuania’s shared values of freedom and democracy and underscores Lithuania’s staunch backing of the cross-strait status quo of peace and stability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) reiterates that Taiwan will continue to work with Lithuania and other like-minded countries to defend the rules-based international order and advance global and regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)
MOFA welcomes statement by Philippine Department of National Defense expressing concern over China’s military exercises near Taiwan
Date：2025-12-31
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
December 31, 2025
No. 552
In a statement issued on December 31 regarding China’s military exercises around Taiwan, the Department of National Defense of the Philippines said that the Philippines was deeply concerned by China’s increasingly intensive coercive actions targeting Taiwan and that such actions undermined regional peace and stability, further exacerbating tensions in an already fragile geopolitical environment. It also said that China’s heightened scale of coercion had implications that extended beyond cross-strait relations and into the broader Indo-Pacific community.
In the statement, the Philippines also called on China to observe basic principles of self-restraint, uphold international law and regional norms, and resolve differences through peaceful means without deception, coercion, or intimidation. It also reaffirmed its support for a free, open, stable, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Following public reaffirmations in August by Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs of their position attaching great importance to Taiwan Strait peace and stability, the statement marked another instance of the government of the Philippines publicly expressing concern over peace and stability around the waterway.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe for once again clearly demonstrating their support and high regard for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and for articulating a clear position on maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan appreciates all countries continuing to pay attention to the Taiwan Strait situation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the international consensus and that China’s unilateral military intimidation of Taiwan lacks any legitimacy or legality. As a force for good in the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded countries to jointly promote global and Indo-Pacific peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)
The Government announced today that Eric Lee will assume the post of District Officer (Yau Tsim Mong) on January 8, succeeding Edward Yu.
Mr Lee joined the Administrative Service in 2009, having served in various bureaus and departments, including the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau, the Chief Secretary for Administration’s Private Office, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Singapore and the Civil Service Bureau.
Prior to taking up the new post, Mr Lee was Principal Assistant Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury (Financial Services).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Land Registry releases statistics for 2025 Land registration ——————-
* The number of sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration for 2025 was 80 702 (+18.7 per cent compared with 2024 and +39.1 per cent compared with 2023).
* The total consideration for these agreements for 2025 was $614.28 billion (+15.0 per cent compared with 2024 and +28.5 per cent compared with 2023).
* The number of assignments of building units for 2025 was 102 431 (+29.5 per cent compared with 2024 and +18.5 per cent compared with 2023).
* The total consideration for these assignments for 2025 was $644.55 billion (+32.8 per cent compared with 2024 and +9.3 per cent compared with 2023).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Temporary suspension of LCSD’s Mobile Library 1, 5 and 10 services Mobile Library 1 will suspend services from January 19 to 24. The affected service points are Whampoa Garden in Hung Hom, Riviera Gardens in Tsuen Wan, Shek Lei (I) Estate in Kwai Chung, Ko Yee Estate in Yau Tong, Kai Ching Estate in Kowloon City, and Tsui Chuk Garden in Wong Tai Sin. For enquiries about Mobile Library 1 services, please call 2414 3157.
Mobile Library 10 will suspend services from January 19 to 24. The affected service points are Tsing Tin Playground in Tuen Mun, Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui, Cheung Wang Estate in Tsing Yi, Tin Yuet Estate in Tin Shui Wai, Hung Shui Kiu in Yuen Long, and Hoi Lai Estate in Sham Shui Po. For enquiries about Mobile Library 10 services, please call 2450 1857.
Readers are welcome to use other public libraries during the service suspension periods. They may also renew library materials by telephoning 2698 0002 or 2827 2833, or via www.hkpl.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in December
District Among the sixth batch of Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas in December, all were below 10 per cent, and most of the areas recorded zero per cent, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive.
The FEHD has so far released six batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in December 2025, covering 64 survey areas. Among these 64 survey areas, 60 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. November 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Four other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Hong Kong Customs concluded on January 4. The Pilot Run simulated the operational procedures of the Duty Stamp System in a real setting for testing operational procedures and related technologies, monitored the delivery of cigarettes affixed with trial duty stamps throughout the entire supply chain from the manufacturing premises to their sale at retail outlets, and collected views and feedback from various stakeholders.
During the Pilot Run, under the supervision of Customs officers and a technical consultant, local cigarette manufacturers conducted several operations of affixing trial duty stamps. Overall, the affixing operations achieved a successful rate of 99 per cent. Those cigarettes affixed with trial duty stamps have been delivered to various retail outlets for sale after duty payment, including chain convenience stores, newspaper stalls and stores. Customs also arranged distribution of promotional posters, leaflets and questionnaires to all related retail outlets for facilitating a better understanding of the tobacco retail industry and the public on key features of the Pilot Run.
As well, Customs officers affixed trial duty stamps to packets of cigarettes brought into Hong Kong by travellers or imported via small shipments after duty payment at Duty Collection Offices of six border control points and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) cargo terminals.
As of January 3, Customs collected a total of 504 questionnaire responses from the public. The consolidated views showed that the public expressed positive feedback towards the publicity information of the Pilot Run, the design of the trial duty stamps, and the condition of cigarette retail packets after affixation.
To enhance public awareness of the Duty Stamp System, Customs conducted a series of promotional activities during the Pilot Run, including disseminating relevant information through the Customs website, social media and press releases. Customs also displayed promotional posters, distributed information leaflets at all border control points, HKIA and public housing estates, as well as set up mobile promotional booths in selected districts. In addition, Customs also arranged multiple briefing sessions for stakeholders with the aim of delivering details about the Duty Stamp System and the Pilot Run to different sectors in society.
Customs has been actively maintaining a close communication with the tobacco industry and relevant stakeholders. Following the introduction of the Pilot Run in meetings with representatives from the tobacco industry and chain convenience stores held in mid-October 2025, Customs organised two briefing sessions in early December 2025 and called on members of Customs’ Dutiable Commodities Customer Liaison Group, tobacco affairs concern groups and an association of newspaper stalls industry to participate. The two briefing sessions were joined by a total of 42 representatives from local tobacco manufacturers and importers, overseas cigarette manufacturers and the newspaper stalls industry. Apart from providing participants with information on the content and objectives of the Pilot Run, the procedure of stamp application and data flow tested in the Pilot Run, Customs also answered enquires from participants on-site. The tobacco industry held positive views towards the information disseminated by Customs. After the briefing sessions, Customs distributed questionnaires to collect the industry’s views, and distributed samples of the trial duty stamp to participants for their reference or testing purposes.
Industry views are still being gathered, Customs will, upon concluding the experience gained in the Pilot Run and examining the feedback collected from the industry, work with the technical consultant to optimise the design of the Duty Stamp System, including the procedures for applying duty stamps, the affixation requirements, and the details regarding installation and design of dedicated devices. Customs will continue to disseminate information to the tobacco retail industry through various channels. Customs takes this opportunity to encourage industry members to participate in briefing sessions organised by Customs and to contact Customs directly with inquiries.
Customs plans to implement the first phase of the Duty Stamp System in the fourth quarter this year, with full implementation in the second quarter of 2027, thus achieving the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat “cheap whites”.