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.

MOFA response to joint statement by leaders of Japan and Poland emphasizing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to joint statement by leaders of Japan and Poland emphasizing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

April 16, 2026  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely affirms and welcomes the joint statement released by the leaders of Japan and Poland on April 15, in which they reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through constructive dialogue. 
 
The joint statement was issued following a summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Tokyo on the same day. It marked the first time that Japan and Poland had used a joint statement to demonstrate the importance they attach to the situation across the Taiwan Strait.
 
In the document, the two countries also firmly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Euro-Atlantic, Indo-Pacific, and other regions of the world by force or coercion. In addition, they recognized that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions was inseparable and expressed their determination to actively maintain and strengthen cooperation with like-minded partners.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the international community’s continued support for cross-strait peace and stability. Taiwan is a key country in maintaining and advancing the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to implement its integrated diplomacy policy, bolster its self-defense capabilities, and deepen collaboration with like-minded countries so as to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order.

MOFA response to joint statement by leaders of Japan and France emphasizing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to joint statement by leaders of Japan and France emphasizing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

April 2, 2026  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the joint statement released by the leaders of Japan and France on April 1, in which they underlined the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.The joint statement was issued following a summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Tokyo on the same day. It marked the first time that Japan and France had used such a statement to express their high regard for peace across the Taiwan Strait.In addition, both countries urged all relevant parties to peacefully resolve differences through constructive dialogue. They reiterated their profound concern regarding the situation in the East and South China Seas, strongly opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion, and pledged to strengthen cooperation to implement their respective Indo-Pacific strategies.Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are key to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes any actions taken by the international community that contribute to cross-strait peace. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue its policy of integrated diplomacy to bolster cooperation with like-minded partners, such as the United States, Japan, and Europe, jointly safeguard the rules-based international order, and advance democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

MOFA response to remarks made by Polish Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski regarding Taiwan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to remarks made by Polish Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski regarding Taiwan

March 3, 2026  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that Radosław Sikorski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, presented an annual report on foreign policy tasks at the Sejm on February 26. In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski said that with a war raging on the other side of its border, it was natural for Poland to focus on its immediate neighborhood. However, he added that it would be wrong to ignore more distant partners. He mentioned strengthening strategic partnerships with the Republic of Korea and Japan and advancing security consultations with Australia and New Zealand. Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski also stated that Poland remained consistently interested in technological cooperation with partners in Taiwan. 
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung applauds Poland for its continued focus on the Indo-Pacific region and for highlighting its interest in technological collaboration with Taiwanese partners.
 
Taiwan and Poland share the universal values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Bilateral relations have continually advanced in recent years with strong support from all sectors. The two countries have cooperated closely in such spheres as economics, trade, legal affairs, education, culture, and biomedicine and have further promoted exchanges in fields including semiconductors, cybersecurity, and pandemic prevention. MOFA looks forward to continued technological collaboration between Taiwan and Poland. When fellow democracies work together on technology and democratic supply chains, it will generate added value for both sides and create shared benefits and prosperity.

MOFA response to European Parliament resolution emphasizing need to deepen security and defense cooperation with Taiwan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to European Parliament resolution emphasizing need to deepen security and defense cooperation with Taiwan

February 13, 2026  In a plenary session on February 11, the European Parliament voted to adopt a resolution on a report concerning EU strategic defense and security partnerships. The report indicates the need to deepen security and defense cooperation with Taiwan and expresses concerns over the challenges China poses to European and Indo-Pacific security. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conveys his sincere welcome and affirmation of the adoption of the resolution.The report addresses the threats China presents to Europe, noting that the European Union’s dependence on China for critical raw materials constitutes a significant geopolitical and economic vulnerability. It adds that given China’s wartime economic support of Russia, the European Union must reassess its continued economic cooperation with China and strengthen its economic resilience through measures such as derisking. The report also clearly indicates that China is a key enabler and supporter of Russia’s war of aggression and that the European Union must properly address strategic competition with China.The report was drafted by the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence to further the European Union’s security and defense partnerships. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its appreciation to the European Parliament for its concrete actions backing the enhancement of Taiwan-EU security and defense cooperation. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance security exchanges and defense industry cooperation with the European Union to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and respond to emerging global threats and challenges.

MOFA response to sentencing of Jimmy Lai, founder of Hong Kong media outlet Next Digital

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to sentencing of Jimmy Lai, founder of Hong Kong media outlet Next Digital

February 10, 2026

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong media outlet Next Digital, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on February 9 under Hong Kong’s National Security Law. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) urges the international community to collectively and strongly condemn the Chinese government and the Hong Kong government for using national security as a pretext to once again suppress and undermine the freedom and human rights of the people of Hong Kong. 

This action by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments not only violates international human rights standards but also contravenes the spirit of international law, clearly denying individuals their rightful liberty and squashing the freedom of the press and freedom of speech. It also denies the people’s fundamental right to demand accountability of their leaders, demonstrates Beijing’s extreme disregard for freedom and human rights, and highlights its attempts to create a chilling effect. 

MOFA notes that the governments and all sectors of society of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, and other countries, as well as the United Nations, the European Union, and various international human rights organizations, have voiced grave concern over the case and have pointed out that China has withdrawn from its international commitments and eroded freedom and human rights. Moreover, they have called for the immediate humanitarian parole or unconditional release of Mr. Lai. 

MOFA urges the international community to continue paying close attention to developments in Hong Kong regarding democracy, freedom, and human rights and demanding that China promptly stop undermining freedom and human rights. Meanwhile, Taiwan will continue to work closely with its allies and partners to jointly uphold the line of defense for freedom and democracy.

Mostly Short-Duration Thundery Showers In The First Fortnight Of July 2026

Source: Government of Singapore

1 July 2026 – Southwest Monsoon conditions are prevailing over Singapore and the surrounding region and are expected to continue in the coming fortnight, with winds blowing mainly from the southeast or southwest.

2.            Localised short-duration thundery showers are expected over parts of the island on several days in the first fortnight of July 2026, particularly in the late morning and afternoon. Drier conditions are forecast in the second week of July 2026, with a few dry and occasionally windy days. Sumatra squalls may also bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds during the pre-dawn and early morning hours on one or two days. Total rainfall for the first fortnight of July 2026 is forecast to be below average over most parts of the island.

3.            The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days and slightly exceed 34 degrees Celsius on days with less cloud cover. Some nights may also be warm and humid, with temperatures remaining above 28 degrees Celsius.

4.            For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

 REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (16 – 30 June 2026)

5.            Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the second fortnight of June 2026, with winds blowing mostly from the southeast or southwest.

6.            Thundery showers fell over parts of the island on most days during the second fortnight of June 2026. On 17 June 2026, regional wind convergence brought heavy thundery showers over the northern and western parts of Singapore in the late morning and early afternoon. The daily total rainfall of 88.0mm recorded at Old Choa Chu Kang Road that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the second fortnight of June 2026.

7.         The daily maximum temperatures in the second fortnight of June 2026 were between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days. The highest daily temperature of 34.6 degrees Celsius was recorded at Pulau Ubin on 27 June 2026.

8.         The central and northeastern parts of Singapore recorded below average rainfall while the other parts of the island mostly recorded above average rainfall in the second fortnight of June 2026. The area around Admiralty registered rainfall of 89 per cent above average, and the area around Lower Pierce Reservoir registered rainfall of 54 per cent below average.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

  Long-term Statistics for July
  (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature: 31.4      °C
Average daily minimum temperature: 25.4 °C
Average monthly temperature: 28.2 °C
     
Average rainfall: 146.6 mm
Average number of rain days: 14  
 
Historical Extremes for July
  (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 32.4  °C (1997)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 22.9  °C (1975)
     
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:  527.3  mm (1890)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 12.2  mm (2019)

 

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE
1 Jul 2026

~~ End ~~

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MOFA response to China listing Taiwan officials as “diehard Taiwan independence advocates”

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to China listing Taiwan officials as “diehard Taiwan independence advocates”

January 7, 2026  

On January 7, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office listed Taiwan Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang and Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao as “diehard Taiwan independence advocates” and Prosecutor Chen Shu-yi from the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office as an “accomplice” in related activities.

China’s government has repeatedly engaged in heavy-handed transnational repression and long-arm jurisdiction, targeting individuals from Taiwan and other countries through intimidation, harassment, and interference. These actions have infringed upon these individuals’ human rights, shown complete disregard for the rule of law and civilized norms, and gravely contravened the spirit of international law and international human rights standards. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns these actions and calls on the international community to jointly stop China’s malicious behavior and illegal transnational repression. 

MOFA solemnly reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other and that China has no jurisdiction over Taiwan nationals. All Taiwan nationals targeted by transnational repression will be protected by the government. Furthermore, anyone in Taiwan cooperating with China’s transnational repression will be subject to legal sanctions. 

MOFA will continue to coordinate with other government agencies, strengthen cooperation with the international community, and bolster the emergency response and assistance mechanisms of overseas missions so as to safeguard Taiwan nationals’ safety.