Category: MIL-OSI

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Special traffic arrangements for Chinese New Year Cup 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Police announced today (February 20) that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in So Kon Po and Causeway Bay tomorrow (February 21) to facilitate the holding of the Chinese New Year Cup 2026 at the Hong Kong Stadium. Members of the public are urged to make use of public transport services as far as possible when travelling to areas subject to traffic control.

A.    Traffic arrangements before the start of the event———————— Part of the traffic lane of Caroline Hill Road between Eastern Hospital Road and Cotton Path;
– Westbound Hysan Avenue between Yun Ping Road and Hoi Ping Road;
– Stadium Path; and
– Lee Garden Road between Lan Fong Road and Hysan Avenue, except for green minibuses (GMBs).
 
Traffic diversions
———————————— Eastern Hospital Road between Stadium Path and Tung Lo Wan Road will be rerouted one way northbound;
– Two traffic lanes on Caroline Hill Road between its western junction with Leighton Road and Link Road will be designated for traffic entering Caroline Hill Road from Hoi Ping Road;
– Hysan Avenue between Leighton Road and Hoi Ping Road will be rerouted one way eastbound;
– Two traffic lanes on eastbound Hysan Avenue will be designated for traffic turning right to Hoi Ping Road;
– Vehicles leaving the private driveway of Lee Garden One must turn left to eastbound Hysan Avenue;
– Traffic along Yun Ping Road cannot turn left to westbound Hysan Avenue, and vehicles will be diverted to Lan Fong Road and Pak Sha Road;
– Traffic along northbound Link Road downhill to northbound Caroline Hill Road may need to turn left to westbound Leighton Road; and
– Vehicles travelling along Lan Fong Road may not be allowed to turn left to southbound Lee Garden Road, and will be diverted to northbound Lee Garden Road, Foo Ming Street and southbound Percival Street, except for GMBs.———————————————– Northern kerbside of Cotton Path; and
– Southern kerbside (taxi drop-off zone) and northern kerbside (private car drop-off zone) of Eastern Hospital Road near the main entrance of the Hong Kong Stadium.———————— Eastern Hospital Road between Caroline Hill Road and Cotton Path;
– Northbound Link Road (downhill), except for vehicles heading for No. 1, 3, 5 and 7 on Link Road (if necessary); 
– Hoi Ping Road;
– Sunning Road, except for vehicles leaving the car park of Lee Garden Three;
– Cotton Path and Leighton Road (if necessary). ———————————— Before the end of the event, vehicles leaving buildings on Eastern Hospital Road may be permitted to turn right to northbound Eastern Hospital Road;
– Traffic along westbound Leighton Road cannot enter Caroline Hill Road for Link Road, and vehicles will be diverted via Wong Nai Chung Road and Broadwood Road; and
– When Leighton Road is closed, traffic along westbound Causeway Road will be diverted via Irving Street; traffic along eastbound Morrison Hill Road will be diverted via Canal Road West; traffic along southbound Percival Street must turn right to westbound Leighton Road; and traffic along southbound Canal Road East cannot turn left to Leighton Road.——————————– 
– Westbound Leighton Road;
– Percival Street south of Hennessy Road;
– Caroline Hill Road;
– Link Road;
– Stadium Path;
– Cotton Path; and
– Eastern Hospital Road.—————————-
 
     All on-street parking spaces on the following roads will be suspended from noon to 7pm:- Northbound Caroline Hill Road between Stadium Path and Cotton Path;
– Hoi Ping Road;
– Sunning Road; and
– Eastern Hospital Road.———————————————–

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Unemployment and underemployment statistics for November 2025 – January 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Unemployment and underemployment statistics for November 2025 – January 2026 
     Comparing November 2025 – January 2026 with October – December 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large. Increases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly seen in the insurance sector, construction sector and financing sector while decreases were mainly seen in the transportation sector and cleaning and similar activities sector.
 
     Total employment decreased by around 1 100 from 3 667 000 in October – December 2025 to 3 665 900 in November 2025 – January 2026. The labour force in November 2025 – January 2026 was 3 804 300, about the same as that in October – December 2025 (3 805 200).
 
     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) in November 2025 – January 2026 was 138 400, about the same as that in October – December 2025 (138 200). The number of underemployed persons in November 2025 – January 2026 was 65 100, about the same as that in October – December 2025 (64 800).
          
Commentary
 
     Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point over the preceding three-month period to 3.9% in November 2025 – January 2026. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.7%. The labour force was broadly on a par with the level in the preceding three-month period. Over the same period, total employment saw a marginal decrease.”
 
     Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, “The sustained growth momentum of the Hong Kong economy should help buttress the overall labour market. Nonetheless, the employment situations in some sectors may continue to be under pressure amid their challenging operating environments.”
 
Further information
 
     The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
 
     In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
 
     The survey for November 2025 – January 2026 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 67 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of November 2025 to January 2026.
 
     Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
 
     Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html 
     For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30

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24 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

24 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements 
     The offences of these 24 landlords include (1) failing to submit a Notice of Tenancy (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days after the term of the regulated tenancy commenced; (2) failing to produce copies of the bills and provide an account in writing when requiring the tenant to pay for the reimbursement of the apportioned water and/or electricity charges; (3) failing to provide the tenant with a rent receipt; and (4) requesting the tenant to pay money other than the types permitted under the Ordinance (including requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance).

     The RVD earlier discovered that the landlords failed to comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance. Upon a comprehensive investigation and evidence collection, the RVD prosecuted the landlords.
 
     A spokesman for the RVD reiterated that SDU landlords must comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance, including prohibiting landlords from doing any act calculated to interfere with the peace or comfort of members of the tenant’s household, with the intention of causing the tenant to give up occupation of the SDU; or requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance, and also reminded  tenants of their rights under the Ordinance, including a four-year (i.e. two years plus two years) security of tenure. He also stressed that the RVD will continue to take resolute enforcement action against any contraventions of the Ordinance. Apart from following up on reported cases, the RVD has been adopting a multipronged approach to proactively identify, investigate and follow up on cases concerning landlords who are suspected of contravening the Ordinance. In particular, the RVD has been requiring landlords of regulated tenancies to provide information and reference documents of their tenancies for checking whether they have complied with the requirements of the Ordinance. If a landlord, without reasonable excuse, refuses to provide the relevant information or neglects the RVD’s request, the landlord commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for three months. Depending on the actual circumstances, and having regard to the information and evidence collected, the RVD will take appropriate actions on individual cases, including instigating prosecution against suspected contraventions of the Ordinance. In addition, the RVD has started a new round of publicity and education work to enhance public awareness about the key offences and penalties, emphasising that the RVD proactively checks whether landlords have committed the offences under the Ordinance.  
     The RVD reminds that pursuant to the Ordinance, a regulated cycle of regulated tenancies is to comprise two consecutive regulated tenancies (i.e. the first-term tenancy and second-term tenancy) for an SDU, and the term of each regulated tenancy is two years. A tenant of a first-term tenancy for an SDU is entitled to be granted a second-term tenancy of the regulated cycle, thus enjoying a total of four years of security of tenure. The RVD has been issuing letters enclosing relevant information to the landlords and tenants concerned of regulated tenancies in batches, according to the expiry time of their first-term tenancies, to assist them in understanding the important matters pertaining to the second-term tenancy, and to remind them about the procedures that need to be followed about two months prior to the commencement of the purported second-term tenancy as well as their respective obligations and rights under the Ordinance. These landlords and tenants may also visit the dedicated page for the second-term tenancy on the RVD’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/tenancy_matters/second_term_tenancy.html 
     For enquiries related to regulated tenancies, please call the telephone hotline (2150 8303) or visit the RVD’s webpage (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/our_services/part_iva.htmlIssued at HKT 16:30

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Import of poultry meat and products from areas in India and Korea suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Import of poultry meat and products from areas in India and Korea suspended—-
Andhra Pradesh State
(1) Chittoor District—-
Chungcheongbuk-do Province
(2) Jincheon-gun
(3) Eumseong-gun
(4) Chungju-si
(5) Okcheon-gun
(6) Goesan-gun(7) Yeongam-gun
(8) Naju-si
(9) Gokseong-gun(10) Asan-si 
(11) Cheonan-si 
(12) Dangjin-si(13) Gochang-gun
(14) Iksan-si
(15) Namwon-si(16) Anseong-siIssued at HKT 18:42

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Record of discussion of meeting of Exchange Fund Advisory Committee Currency Board Sub-Committee held on January 12, 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Record of discussion of meeting of Exchange Fund Advisory Committee Currency Board Sub-Committee held on January 12, 2026————————————————————————————– 
Monitoring of Risks and Vulnerabilities
——————————————-
     The Sub-Committee noted that in the US, while the trade truce and government reopening eased market jitters, the economy continued to face challenges stemming from a “K-shaped” consumption divergence, concerns over the sustainability of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, and a weakening labour market. In Asia, while export diversification and the AI boom had so far supported economic growth, lingering trade policy uncertainty and potentially large propagation effects of the US trans-shipment tariffs continued to pose headwinds for the region’s economic outlook.——————————————————————
     The Sub-Committee noted a paper that examined global economic outlook and monetary policy environment, and the implications for Hong Kong’s financial and monetary conditions. 
Issued at HKT 17:20

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Lunar eclipse set for Mar 3

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A total lunar eclipse will occur in Hong Kong on the evening of March 3 and last for 59 minutes.

The lunar eclipse will begin before moonrise, when part of the Moon has already entered the Earth’s umbra. The moonrise time will be 6.22pm.

The process can be directly observed with unaided eyes at places with an unobstructed view to the east if weather permits.

During the period, the Moon will not completely disappear from sight but will appear dull red. This is the result of the blue light component of the sunlight being scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere and the remaining red light being refracted onto the lunar surface.

The eclipse will be webcast live here.

The next lunar eclipse observable in Hong Kong will be on February 21, 2027.

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E-sports event given ‘M’ Mark status

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Major Sports Events Committee has awarded “M” Mark status to the “2026 LCK Cup Finals in Hong Kong presented by CGA“, which will be held from February 28 to March 1 at the Kai Tak Arena.

Committee Chairman Wilfred Ng highlighted that the League of Legends Champions Korea Finals will be staged outside of Korea for the first time.

“Hong Kong has been chosen as the inaugural overseas host city for the finals, underscoring its significant position in e-sports,” he said. “Audiences will experience the intense atmosphere as top professional teams vie for the title and enjoy the endless charm that e-sports bring.”

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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

Date：2026-02-13
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

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.

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MOFA response to statement by Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi on deepening exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to statement by Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi on deepening exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan

Date：2026-02-11
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

February 11, 2026On February 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan held its first press conference since the recent House of Representatives election. During the briefing, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Taiwan and Japan shared fundamental values and maintained close economic ties and people-to-people exchanges. He said that Taiwan was an extremely important partner and valued friend for Japan, adding that the government of Japan would maintain its existing position and further deepen bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung appreciates and welcomes the remarks. Both following the inauguration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet last October and this election, Japan has promptly expressed its willingness to further strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Taiwan. The statements are concrete demonstrations of the profound friendship shared by the two countries and the Japanese administration’s consistent stance of attaching great importance to cordial Taiwan-Japan ties. Building on the existing solid foundation of bilateral relations and guided by the policy of integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to work with Japan to deepen substantive cooperation in all spheres, further elevate ties to a mutually beneficial and comprehensive partnership, and jointly contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

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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

Date：2026-02-10
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

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.