Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false statements by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office regarding Taiwan’s democratic achievements

March 15, 2026  

On March 14, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) criticized President Lai Ching-te’s remarks regarding Taiwan’s democratic achievements, attempting to distort the truth and mislead the international community. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) refutes the statements made by the TAO and expresses its strongest condemnation.
 
Through sustained efforts to promote the democratic process, Taiwan smoothly completed its eighth presidential election on January 13, 2024, setting another milestone in its democratic development. The executive branches and parliaments of over 50 countries—including diplomatic allies, the United States, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia—promptly extended their congratulations and lauded Taiwan’s democratic accomplishments. In societies where citizens do not yet have the opportunity to exercise sovereignty through democratic elections, there is no doubt that they look forward to a day when they, too, can directly elect their president and determine the future of their nation and society.
 
MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other and that the Chinese Communist Party regime has never governed Taiwan. This is the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No attempts to distort Taiwan’s sovereign status can change the internationally recognized cross-strait status quo and objective reality. Taiwan’s future must be decided by the 23.5 million people of Taiwan. China has no right to interfere.
 
MOFA emphasizes that the government’s cross-strait policies are guided by mainstream public opinion and that the future of Taiwan must be determined by the people of Taiwan. MOFA calls on the Beijing authorities to engage in dialogue with the legitimate government elected by the Taiwan people, handle issues pragmatically, respond to the expectations of the international community and people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and adopt a responsible and mature attitude to jointly safeguard cross-strait peace and stability.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, at the International Talent Forum of the Global Talent Summit Week this morning (March 19):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

A very good morning to you all. It is a privilege to join you at the International Talent Forum of the Global Talent Summit Week.

Yesterday’s programme provided a broad and strategic perspective on the forces reshaping our world. Through thoughtful exchanges among leading academics and industry leaders, we examined the future of work in a rapidly evolving global landscape, the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, and the shifting relationship between education, innovation and talent development.

I think many of you still remember the keynote address delivered by the Nobel Laureate Professor Christopher A Pissarides highlighted the importance of skills development, strong institutions and forward-looking manpower policies in an era shaped by technology and global mobility. Mr Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, shared how a purpose‑driven organisation can attract, develop and retain world-class talent in service of our society. The fireside chat and three panel discussions on education, technology and talent further explored how enterprises and universities are adapting to artificial intelligence and global change, strengthening partnerships and building resilient talent pipelines.

The Day One programme reflected on how economies must respond to structural change, technological disruption and new expectations of the manpower landscape, and deepened our understanding of the global context in which talent strategies must now operate.

Today, we turn from global and theoretical perspective down to earth on a very practical front: it is about the delivery.

If Day One explored the “why” and the “what” of change, Day Two focuses on the “how”, a key which we are all good at. Today’s programme demonstrates how Hong Kong translates strategy into action. It reflects our determination to build a resilient and forward-looking manpower ecosystem capable of contributing to our country’s high quality development under the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

Moving beyond conceptual discussions, today’s programme highlights implementation. It brings together your leadership, cross-boundary collaboration, industry-academia-research partnership and organisational talent strategies into a coherent narrative. It shows how early engagement, institutional co-operation and enterprise practice can converge to create a sustainable and globally connected talent ecosystem.

This morning, we will witness an important milestone as Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) signs a Cooperation Agreement with Junior Chamber International Hong Kong, China. This agreement marks the launch of a strategic partnership aligned with Hong Kong’s priorities in innovation, sustainability and collaboration in the Greater Bay Area.

Through this partnership, we aim to foster new cross‑boundary initiatives and deeper industry connections, while strengthening our youth talent ecosystem. By empowering young professionals with international exposure and meaningful engagement, we invest in the next generation of leaders who will shape Hong Kong’s future.

Another key theme running through today’s programme is collaboration across boundaries and sectors. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Hong Kong will further align with national development strategies and deepen our role and contribution in supporting our country’s development. Leveraging our dual role as an international talent hub and the country’s gateway for talents, together with our strengths in education and innovation, Hong Kong is uniquely placed to connect global talent with the Chinese Mainland.

Enhancing synergy within the Greater Bay Area is not merely an economic objective; it is a strategic imperative for talent development. By facilitating mobility, fostering joint initiatives and encouraging complementary strengths, we unlock shared opportunities and reinforce regional competitiveness.

We recognise that sustainable talent development ultimately depends on what happens within organisations. Enterprises must anticipate future skills demand, invest in continuous learning and cultivate inclusive workplace cultures. Professional bodies and institutions play an important role in promoting standards, supporting lifelong learning and strengthening professional mobility. These practical efforts ensure that our manpower ecosystem remains agile, resilient and future‑ready.

Talent development must deliver tangible outcomes. It must create an enabling environment in which individuals can realise their aspirations, enterprises can innovate with confidence and society can advance with stability and resilience. Attraction, integration and retention are interlinked processes, and success requires co-ordination, commitment and sustained effort.

In recent years, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has enhanced the talent admission schemes to attract talents and professionals from around the world. Through HKTE, we provide one-stop support services to facilitate settlement and integration, strengthening the connection between policy vision and lived experience. Our objective is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where talent is valued, supported and inspired to contribute over the long term.

Equally important is our commitment to nurturing local talent. Investment in education, vocational training and skills upgrading ensures that our local workforce can adapt confidently to technological transformation and economic restructuring. By strengthening every stage of the talent pipeline from youth development to mid‑career advancement, we reinforce the resilience and vitality of our manpower ecosystem.

Hong Kong’s enduring strengths provide a solid foundation for these efforts. Our internationally recognised universities, robust intellectual property protection, rule of law, simple and competitive tax system, and deep global connectivity position us uniquely to bridge global expertise with national opportunity. These advantages enable Hong Kong not only to attract talent, but also to serve as a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation and enterprises.

Ladies and Gentlemen, in an era defined by accelerated changes and uncertainty, talent remains our most valued and strategic asset. The transition from conceptual dialogue and global insight yesterday to deliberations on practical action today reflects our shared resolve to ensure meaningful and successful implementation.

Later today, we will also convene a closed‑door symposium bringing together senior officials from the Central Government, as well as representatives responsible for talent affairs from major Chinese Mainland cities and Macao. This high‑level exchange will enable candid dialogue on policy co-ordination, institutional alignment and practical collaboration. Through focused discussions on standards convergence, professional qualification recognition, the cross-boundary flow of innovation resources, and exchange of experiences, we seek to deepen co-operation and inject new momentum into the talent territory in a national context.

Before I conclude, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all organisers and partners who have contributed to the satellite events throughout the Global Talent Summit Week. Your vision, professionalism and steadfast support have significantly enriched the scope and substance of this Summit. Through your collective efforts, the Summit has evolved into a vibrant platform for dialogue, partnership and forward-looking action.

The achievements of this week stand as a testament to what can be accomplished when government, industry, academia and professional communities work all together in concert. It is this spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that will continue to propel Hong Kong forward.

By working together to strengthen our manpower ecosystem and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as an international talent hub, we will contribute with confidence and determination to sustainable development for the city and our country.

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM) HR Excellence Awards 2025/26 awards presentation ceremony and gala dinner tonight (March 19):

President Choy (Mr Ian Choy, President and Advisor of the Awards Organising Committee, HKIHRM), Vice President Theresa Lui (Ms Theresa Lui, Vice President and Chairperson of the Awards Organising Committee, HKIHRM), Vice President Andy Luk (Mr Andy Luk, Vice President, HKIHRM), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you this evening at the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management HR Excellence Awards presentation ceremony, as part of the Global Talent Summit Week.

My heartfelt congratulations to the HKIHRM for hosting this meaningful ceremony, honouring organisations and professionals whose unwavering dedication and outstanding achievements have elevated the human resources profession in Hong Kong.

Talent is our most valuable asset and the engine of our future success. Exceptional talent is like a powerful vessel, but even the strongest ship needs favourable winds to reach its destination. Here in Hong Kong, we provide those tailwinds, acting as a catalyst to recognise ambition and offer a global stage for talent to work, live and prosper.

The National 15th Five-Year Plan provides a clear direction for Hong Kong’s future, with a strong emphasis on the integration of education, technology and talent to drive high-quality development.

In proactive alignment, the Chief Executive is leading all the government bureaux to formulate the first Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong, to outline a macro, strategic and forward-looking roadmap for Hong Kong’s development over the coming five years. Ultimately, it will facilitate the city’s deeper integration into the country’s overall development by consolidating our roles as an international financial, shipping, trade, and innovation and technology centre, and building Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent.

Tonight’s ceremony celebrates not only organisational accomplishments but also the collective progress of Hong Kong’s HR community in fostering inclusive and high-performing workplace cultures. The award-winning organisations exemplify visionary leadership and innovative HR practices. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing local professionals and retaining overseas talent, creating a powerful synergy where local expertise and global professionals combine to produce results far greater than the sum of their parts.

And this synergy has borne fruit. According to the IMD (International Institute for Management Development) World Talent Ranking 2025, Hong Kong has surged to fourth place globally – our highest-ever ranking – and first in Asia. This reflects our growing status as an international hub for high-calibre talent.

To further strengthen our global outreach and support services, the Government established Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) in 2023. The agency is dedicated to worldwide promotion, talent recruitment and comprehensive one-stop support to help talent settle in Hong Kong, from job-matching support to community connections.

HKTE’s efforts depend crucially on the strong support of the wider community and professional bodies like the HKIHRM. The Government will join hands with the community to advance local professionals’ development and overseas talent retention, and establish Hong Kong as the country’s gateway for talent.

In closing, I extend my sincere congratulations to all awardees and finalists. Just as we provide the favourable winds for exceptional talent to realise their full potential, your achievements continue to strengthen those winds for future generations. I trust the achievements recognised this year will continue to inspire the wider HR community to scale even greater heights. Thank you, and I wish you all a wonderful evening.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Flower Show 2026 (HKFS) will be held at Victoria Park from tomorrow (March 20) until March 29, running from 9am to 9pm daily. This year’s flower show features stock as the theme flower, under the theme “A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong”.

​     Stock is richly fragrant and comes in a dazzling array of colours. This year’s three-dimensional (3D) theme flower floral wall features five giant stocks, each composed of more than 30 3D flowers, and is set off with over 6 000 orchids, myosotis and other floral materials. In front of the wall is an expansive display of more than 14 000 tulips in different colours, which complements the 3D stock installation, creating a spectacular visual effect and making it an ideal photo spot for visitors.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, had a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of Barbados to China, Mr Hallam Henry, in Beijing today (March 19) and signed on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with the Government of Barbados.
 
Mr Hui said, “This is the 57th CDTA that Hong Kong has concluded and also the second one this year. We will continue to pursue the signing of CDTAs with more tax jurisdictions with a view to consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial and trade centre as well as expanding our circle of friends with the global community.”
 
At the meeting, Mr Hui highlighted to Mr Henry Hong Kong’s “dual superpower” as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world. He welcomed Barbadian enterprises, talent and capital to establish their presence and expand their business in Hong Kong, and take advantage of Hong Kong’s financial stability with a high standard of professional services to enter the Chinese Mainland market.
 
Mr Hui added, “The CDTA sets out the allocation of taxing rights between Hong Kong and Barbados, which will enable investors to better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities and avoid double taxation. This will foster a more attractive business environment for the two places, promoting bilateral trade and investment.”
 
Under this CDTA, any tax paid by Hong Kong residents in Barbados will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the same income, subject to the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) (IRO). In addition, Barbados will exempt Hong Kong residents from withholding tax on dividends, which is currently 5 per cent in general.
  
The CDTA will come into force after completion of ratification procedures by both sides. In Hong Kong, the Chief Executive in Council will make an order under the IRO, which will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting. Details of the CDTA are available on the Inland Revenue Department’s website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (March 19) the preliminary figures of chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by economic activity for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the whole year of 2025.
 
GDP figures by economic activity show the value of production in respect of individual economic activities. The value of production is measured by value added or net output, which is calculated by deducting intermediate input consumed in the process of production from the gross value of output. Volume measures of GDP by economic activity, expressed in terms of chain volume measures net of the effect of price changes, enable analysis of the output growth profiles of individual economic sectors in real terms.
 
According to the preliminary figures, overall GDP increased by 3.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 3.7% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, GDP increased by 3.5% in real terms over 2024.
 
Analysed by constituent services sector and on a year-on-year comparison, value added in respect of all the services activities taken together increased by 3.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 3.1% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added increased by 3.2% in real terms over 2024 for all the services sectors taken together.
 
Value added in the import and export, wholesale and retail trades sector increased by 7.9% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 5.2% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector recorded an increase of 6.0% in real terms.
 
Value added in the accommodation and food services sector increased by 1.5% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, as against the decrease of 0.9% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector decreased by 0.5% in real terms.
 
Value added in the transportation, storage, postal and courier services sector increased by 4.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 2.2% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 3.7% in real terms.
 
Value added in the information and communications sector increased by 1.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 0.6% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 0.9% in real terms.
 
Value added in the financing and insurance sector increased by 4.9% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 5.4% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 4.8% in real terms.
 
Value added in the real estate, professional and business services sector registered an increase of 0.6% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier. Value added in this sector remained virtually unchanged in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector decreased by 0.2% in real terms.
 
Value added in the public administration, social and personal services sector rose by 1.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 2.1% the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 2.1% in real terms.
 
As for sectors other than the services sectors, value added in the local manufacturing sector increased by 5.7% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 5.3% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 3.2% in real terms.
 
Value added in the electricity, gas and water supply, and waste management sector decreased by 0.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, compared with the decrease of 1.7% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector decreased by 1.2% in real terms.
 
Value added in the construction sector decreased by 6.4% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, after the decrease of 8.7% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector decreased by 7.8% in real terms.
 
Further information
 
The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP by economic activity in real terms from the fourth quarter of 2024 to the fourth quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 1. More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross Domestic Product by Economic Activity”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1030004&scode=250). For enquiries about statistics on GDP by economic activity, please call the National Income Branch (2) of the C&SD at 3903 7005.
 
Figures of chain volume measures of GDP by economic activity for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the whole year of 2025 are only preliminary at this stage. When more data become available, the preliminary figures will be revised accordingly and can be found at the C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode250.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Thematic Household Survey Report No. 84 is published by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (March 19).

This publication contains key findings on the utilisation of health services, provision of medical benefits by employers/companies, coverage of individually purchased medical insurance, health status and views on organ donation of Hong Kong residents based on the Thematic Household Survey conducted from October 2024 to January 2025. 

The 2025 survey results revealed that some 5 450 400 persons had consulted doctors during the 12 months before enumeration, constituting 76.5% of the total population. Among the doctor consultations made during the 30 days before enumeration, private practitioners of Western medicine in Hong Kong were the most common type of medical practitioners consulted (38.3%), while consultations made with practitioners of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong (including practitioners of Chinese medicine (general practice), bone-setters and acupuncturists) accounted for 20.3%.

Some 3 632 100 persons (51.0% of the total population) were entitled to medical benefits provided by employers/companies, were covered by individually purchased medical insurance, or had both kinds of medical protection. Among them, 1 176 800 persons (32.4%) were entitled to medical benefits from employers/companies and covered by individually purchased medical insurance concurrently. Another 1 112 900 persons (30.6%) were entitled to medical benefits from employers/companies only. The remaining 1 342 400 persons (37.0%) were covered by individually purchased medical insurance only.

Respondents of the survey were also asked about their self-perceived general health condition. More than a quarter (28.1%) of persons considered their general health conditions as excellent or very good; 41.8% good; 25.7% fair; and 4.4% poor. 

Among some 4 515 600 persons aged 18 to 64 covered in the survey, some 905 100 persons (20.0%) were willing to donate their organs after death whereas about 828 000 persons (18.3%) were not willing to do so; and 61.6% had not yet decided/considered to do so or did not answer questions on organ donation.

Other information

The survey successfully enumerated target respondents in some 10 100 households in accordance with a scientific sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.

Detailed findings of the survey, together with the population coverage and concepts/definitions of key terms, are presented in the publication. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1130201&scode=453).

Enquiries about the survey findings can be directed to the Social Surveys Section (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 0592 or email: thematic@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government received a total of 16 107 requests for information under the Code on Access to Information in the fourth quarter of 2025, a spokesman for the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said today (March 19).
 
     The total number of requests received since the introduction of the Code in March 1995 and up to the end of December 2025 amounted to 296 727. This includes the applications for Notice of Application for Access to Information in relation to the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens) received by the Immigration Department. Of these, 16 864 requests were subsequently withdrawn by the requestors and 7 132 requests covered cases in which the bureaux/departments concerned did not hold the requested information or cannot confirm or deny the existence of information. As at December 31, 2025, 1 278 requests were still being processed by bureaux/departments.

     Among the 271 453 requests which covered information held by bureaux/departments and which the bureaux/departments had responded to, 267 875 requests (98.7 per cent) were met, either in full (264 511 requests) or in part (3 364 requests), and 3 578 requests (1.3 per cent) were refused.

     Any member of the public who is dissatisfied with the response of a bureau/department under the Code may request that the matter be reviewed. He or she may also lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman.

     In the fourth quarter of 2025, the Ombudsman received 12 complaints relating to requests for information. In this quarter, the Ombudsman concluded 10 complaints, among which two were concluded by inquiries (with no inadequacies found), and eight were assessed and closed. As at December 31, 2025, seven complaints remained under investigation.