Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 20) is investigating a local measles case epidemiologically linked to earlier measles cases. In response to the global rise in measles cases and the recent consecutive infections of three individuals working at the airport, the CHP once again urged airport staff and foreign domestic helpers to receive the measles vaccine to protect their health and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.
 
The latest case involves a 37-year-old male working at the airport. He has developed a fever and myalgia since April 15, followed by a cough and a sore throat the next day. He attended a private clinic in Tuen Mun on April 16 and 18. The patient developed a rash on the evening of April 18. On the following day, the CHP arranged for him to beadmitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation and treatment. His clinical specimen was tested positive today for the measles virus upon nucleic acid testing. The patient remains hospitalised and is in stable condition.
 
An epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient worked for the same company at the airport as the two measles cases previously announced by the CHP. The patient lives alone and is uncertain whether he has received measles vaccination. The CHP believed that it is highly likely that the patient was infected at his workplace. The three cases are epidemiologically linked.
 
During the patient’s communicable period (since April 14), in addition to visiting the private clinic on April 16 and 18, he also went to work at the airport on April 15 and 19. The CHP has been carrying out contact tracing to identify any close contacts and high risk individuals. As of 5pm today, a total of 31 individuals who stayed in the same clinic with the patient during the same time period and 68 relevant staff at his workplace were identified as close contacts.
 
The health booth set up by the CHP at the airport has provided assessment and vaccination for over 200 staff working at the airport since April 18. The health booth will continue to operate until Wednesday (April 22), with service hours from 10am to 5pm.
 
The CHP will continue to investigate and follow up on the cases, and put the close contacts under medical surveillance.
 
Measles outbreaks are currently occurring in many regions around the world. North America (including the United States, Canada and Mexico) and Southeast Asia (including Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines) have seen persistent measles outbreaks in recent years due to low vaccination coverage rates. So far this year, about 1 750 cases have been recorded in the United States, a figure far higher than during the same period last year. In Europe, the number of measles cases in the United Kingdom and Italy has increased recently, with 407 and 84 cases recorded respectively since January this year. In Asia, the incidence of measles remains high in the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia. Japan has also seen a substantial rise in cases this year, with 236 cases recorded as of the end of March, which is higher than in the same period for the past six years. Singapore and Australia have reported 27 and 92 measles cases respectively this year, also higher than in the same period last year. Most of the overseas cases have affected people who were not vaccinated against measles or had an unknown vaccination status, which highlights the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate and herd immunity within the community.
 
In response to the global rise in measles cases and the risk of imported cases, the CHP has sent a letter to all doctors in Hong Kong to inform them of the latest situation regarding measles and urged them to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases. At the same time, the CHP has also sent letters to foreign domestic helper agencies and the aviation industry, encouraging foreign domestic helpers and airport staff to receive the measles vaccine to protect their health and prevent the spread of the virus in the community.
 
The incubation period of measles (i.e. the time from infection to onset of illness) is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If travellers returning from places with high incidence or outbreak of measles develop symptoms of measles (e.g. fever and rash), they should seek medical advice immediately and avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially pregnant women and infants under one year old. They should also report their symptoms and prior travel history to healthcare workers so that appropriate infection control measures can be implemented at the healthcare facilities to prevent any potential spread.
 
Under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, the overall immunisation coverage in Hong Kong has been maintained at a very high level through the immunisation services provided by the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres and School Immunisation Teams. As evidenced by the findings on vaccination coverage of primary school students and the territory-wide immunisation surveys conducted regularly by the DH, the two-dose measles vaccination coverage has remained consistently high, well above 95 per cent, and the local seroprevalence rates of measles virus antibodies reflect that most people in Hong Kong are immune to measles. However, Hong Kong, as a city with a high volume of international travel, still faces the potential risk of importation of the measles virus and its further spread in the local community. Hence, a small number of people who have not completed a measles vaccination (such as non-local-born people including new immigrants, foreign domestic helpers, overseas employees and people coming to Hong Kong for further studies) are still at risk of being infected and spreading measles to other people who do not have immunity against measles, such as children under 1 year old who have not yet received the first dose of the measles vaccine.
 
People born before 1967 could be considered to have acquired immunity to measles through natural infection, as measles was endemic in many parts of the world and in Hong Kong at that time. People born in or after 1967 who have not yet completed the two doses of measles vaccination, or whose measles vaccination history is unknown, should consult their family doctors as soon as possible to complete the vaccination and ensure adequate protection against measles.

    Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection:

• Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
• Wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
• Clean used toys and furniture properly; and
• Persons with measles should be kept out of school till four days from the appearance of a rash to prevent the spread of the infection to non-immune persons in school.

 
    For more information on measles, the public may visit the CHP’s measles thematic page. Members of the public who are going to travel can visit the website of the DH’s Travel Health Service for news of measles outbreaks outside Hong Kong. 
 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A delegation of permanent secretaries and heads of departments began a national affairs study programme today at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) in Beijing. The course aims to deepen their understanding of China’s major policies and strategic development.

The programme opened with a lecture by Xie Chuntao, NAG Executive Vice President in charge of daily operations, who spoke on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

The delegation also received a briefing on the National 15th Five-Year Plan, covering its primary objectives and the formulation process.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung, who led the delegation, called on Mr Xie this morning. She thanked the NAG for its long-standing support of civil service training for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

She noted that the civil service is a cornerstone of the Hong Kong SAR’s governance system, tasked with implementing the “one country, two systems” principle and supporting the Government’s administration.

Mrs Yeung added that the study programme, designed for the most senior civil servants, offers a valuable opportunity to understand key national policies and the evolving global landscape. This will help bureaus formulate and implement measures that proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan in the future.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) held a signing ceremony today to welcome a new batch of 22 strategic enterprises that are establishing or expanding their operations in Hong Kong, with Financial Secretary Paul Chan officiating.

Mr Chan said he was delighted to welcome the new cohort of key enterprises setting up in Hong Kong.

“They represent a diverse mix of geographies and sectors, including world-leading pharmaceutical companies, as well as pioneers in artificial intelligence, fintech, advanced manufacturing, and the cultural and creative industries,” he noted. “They come from the Chinese Mainland and across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa.”

“This new cohort will further strengthen our expanding community of strategic enterprises. Together, the 124 enterprises are expected to bring in $73 billion in investment and create some 25,000 jobs, many of which are high-value positions in research and development and management,” Mr Chan added.

He said that strategic enterprises are helping to strengthen Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem, as many have formed partnerships with local universities, enterprises and research institutions while some are collaborating with hospitals and applying advanced technologies to improve care.

Others are using Hong Kong as a platform to pilot their cutting-edge applications, such as autonomous driving and fintech solutions before scaling them internationally, he added.

Director-General of OASES Peter Yan highlighted that half of the new companies come from abroad, reflecting how Hong Kong continues to stand out as the premier choice for industry titans amid global complexities.

Mr Yan stated that the strategic enterprises will serve as a powerful engine for economic growth and industry development, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Chinese Mainland and the global stage.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements to co-ordinate preparations for visitors from the Mainland during the Labour Day Golden Week from May 1 to 5.

Mr Chan stressed that the period is expected to see an increase in the number visitor arrivals.

“The Government will make good preparations for receiving visitors, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and the travel trade to prepare well for crowd management, information dissemination and arrangements of public transportation and boundary control points (BCPs), with a view to responding promptly to various kinds of emergencies and ensuring the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving visitors and offering them a high-quality experience,” he added.

The Immigration Department (ImmD) has estimated that approximately 980,000 Mainland visitors will enter Hong Kong via sea, land and air control points during the five-day holiday. Meanwhile, the Travel Industry Authority and the trade expect about 770 inbound tour groups to visit the city during period.

An interdepartmental joint command centre, comprising Police, the ImmD, the Customs & Excise Department and other relevant departments will be activated from May 1 to 5 to monitor real-time conditions at various control points.

The centre will maintain close liaison with Mainland port authorities via established hotlines and notification mechanisms. This allows for timely contingency actions and the flexible deployment of manpower at BCPs.

Additionally, the Security Bureau will activate its Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre during the period to oversee public order at BCPs and coordinate interdepartmental follow-up actions.

Regarding public transport, the MTR Corporation will enhance East Rail Line services at various times from April 30 to May 5 to accommodate residents and visitors. During peak hours, the frequency of shuttle buses for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang route will be increased to approximately one minute and two minutes respectively.

The Transport Department has also developed contingency plans with border control authorities to implement traffic management measures at the HZMB, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang and Shenzhen Bay ports. These measures include providing dedicated lanes for public transport vehicles to ensure uninterrupted service.

To manage the anticipated surge of visitors to Sai Kung East Country Park, Police will deploy uniformed officers at strategic locations – including Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung Man Yee Road and the High Island Reservoir East Dam – for traffic and crowd management during peak periods.

The Transport Department has co-ordinated with the green minibus operator to enhance service on Route No. 9A, from Pak Tam Chung to East Dam.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law also attended.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will lead the research task force set up by the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town, under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, on a visit to South Korea tomorrow.

The delegation will conduct site visits to view local higher education infrastructure and hold discussions with university experts and scholars regarding its development with a view to advancing the Northern Metropolis University Town project.

Members of Mr Chan’s delegation will include Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office Linda So, and other representatives of the working group.

The delegation will visit Sejong, Daejeon, Seoul and Incheon to view local higher education campuses and university towns, and will exchange views with officials and representatives from higher education institutions on the operation and development of the campuses, and on industry-education collaboration. The delegation will also visit local research institutes.

Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on April 24. During his absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing will be Acting Chief Secretary.

Ms Choi arrived in South Korea today to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and will return to Hong Kong on April 24. During her absence, Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai will be Acting Secretary for Education.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by foreign ministers of China and Namibia

Date：2026-04-18
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

April 18, 2026  No. 151  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims made in the joint press statement between the foreign ministers of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Namibia issued by the PRC Foreign Ministry on April 17, including that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China’s territory. 

MOFA condemns and protests the PRC’s continuing efforts to enlist other countries in spreading falsehoods in the international community aimed at denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty. 

MOFA solemnly calls on the international community to recognize China’s long-term practice of incorporating wording in official statements with other countries to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and create the false impression of an international consensus on the matter. This sort of habitual political suppression not only disregards the international status quo but also highlights the autocratic nature of China’s approach in disrupting regional stability and peace.

Furthermore, MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other, that the PRC has never governed Taiwan, and that no country can change internationally recognized facts through unilateral statements or distorted narratives. 

Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan, and only they can decide Taiwan’s future. All countries should respect the reality of the international situation and reject China’s unilateral political manipulation. They should uphold their right to engage in regular interactions and exchanges with Taiwan. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

ROC (Taiwan) government expresses deepest condolences on passing of former Marshall Islands President Kabua

Date：2026-04-17
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

April 17, 2026  No. 149  On behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conveys his deepest sympathies to the Republic of the Marshall Islands—a Pacific ally of Taiwan—on the loss of Senator and former President David Kabua. He passed away on April 8 in Honolulu, Hawaii, aged 74. Minister Lin also promptly sent a letter of condolence to his widow, Mrs. Ginger Kabua.Former President Kabua was a staunch supporter of Taiwan-Marshall Islands diplomatic ties. He actively advocated Taiwan’s international participation and visited Taiwan on numerous occasions, demonstrating his steadfast and abiding friendship. He was also a figure of great distinction and prestige in the Marshall Islands. While his passing is a profound loss, the legacy of his character and his contributions to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands will endure. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met the Governor of Anhui Province Wang Qingxian at Government House to discuss deepening co-operation between Anhui and Hong Kong.

Mr Wang and his delegation had come to Hong Kong to attend a conference promoting co-operation on innovation between the two places.

Welcoming Mr Wang, Mr Lee highlighted that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which seeks to promote co-ordinated regional development, including consolidating and enhancing the roles of the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area as driving forces.

He outlined that Anhui is an important engine for high-quality development in the Yangtze River Delta Region, while Hong Kong is a core city and key driver of the bay area’s development.

Emphasising that the two places enjoy close cultural and business ties, and maintain close co-operation, Mr Lee expressed confidence that they can deepen co-operation, promote the Yangtze River Delta and the bay area as world-class city clusters, and jointly seize the new opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

The Chief Executive mentioned that Hong Kong has long been Anhui’s largest source of external investment, and that the two places enjoy close economic and trade ties.

He said Hong Kong is ranked number one in the world on economic freedom, and enjoys the unique advantage of enjoying both national and international opportunities under the “one country, two systems” principle, which gives play to its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”.

Mr Lee explained that the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, established by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, features a cross-sector professional services platform that serves Mainland enterprises in “going global” and also attracts international capital to Hong Kong.

He urged more Mainland enterprises, including those from Anhui, to make use of Hong Kong’s highly internationalised market and high value-added professional services to enhance their business competitiveness, and to use Hong Kong as a springboard to expand into global markets.

He also remarked that Anhui has experienced rapid economic development, having made proactive efforts to foster emerging industries such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence.

He added that Hong Kong is currently preparing its own first five-year plan, and is making every effort to develop as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent, thereby opening up a new chapter of high-quality development and better integrating into and serving the country’s overall development.

Mr Lee said Hong Kong will expand co-operation with Anhui in cutting-edge I&T fields and promote the development of the I&T sectors in both places to jointly drive the development of new quality productive forces and contribute to building a technologically advanced nation.

The two places will also deepen and broaden co-operation in areas such as finance, economics, trade, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, thereby realising mutual benefits and win-win outcomes, Mr Lee added.

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Janice Tse and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip also attended the meeting.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false article by Swaziland News concerning ROC (Taiwan) ambassador to Eswatini

Date：2026-04-16
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

April 16, 2026The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly refutes a Swaziland News report that falsely accused ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy H. S. Liang of engaging in multiple cases of corruption. The baseless report, which has recently been circulating on certain online platforms, provides no concrete evidence and is a typical example of disinformation and news manipulation. 

Since assuming his position, Ambassador Liang has actively deepened Taiwan-Eswatini diplomatic ties, advanced bilateral relations, and maintained cordial interactions with the royal family and the Eswatini government. His achievements are well documented. Unfortunately, this has made him a target of ill-intentioned individuals. 

Swaziland News is a media outlet headquartered in South Africa and funded by China to promote politically biased reporting. It has long criticized the royal family and Eswatini government policies and frequently disseminated false information on the international stage to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and harm Taiwan-Eswatini ties. 

In the past, there have been similar instances of foreign entities systematically engaging in disinformation with the aim of sabotaging Taiwan’s diplomatic relations. For instance, during a visit by then¬¬–Vice President Lai Ching-te to Paraguay in 2023, certain individuals deliberately spread false reports to mislead the Taiwanese public and damage the government’s diplomatic efforts. 

MOFA urges the Taiwanese public to be vigilant and to not trust or share any disinformation that seeks to undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic relations and the efforts of frontline diplomatic personnel. MOFA will also compile details about relevant disinformation online and report them to the police so as to defend the reputation of MOFA and frontline diplomats. MOFA hopes that all sectors of society can work together to safeguard Taiwan’s foreign relations and national interests.