Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Civil Service College (CSC) launched the Executive Series on Brokering North and South: China in a Multipolar World. The fifth seminar in the series, on the topic of “Upholding Principles and Innovation in Chinese Arts and Culture and International Communication”, was delivered by Vice President of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Professor Gao Shiming, and chaired by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the China Institute of Fudan University, Mr Eric Li, at the CSC today (October 21).

     Addressing the seminar, the Head of the CSC, Mr Oscar Kwok, said that Hong Kong is rooted in profound traditional Chinese culture while also being deeply influenced by Western culture, developing a cultural perspective that blends the East and the West. It is especially evident in the realm of popular culture, such as film and music, where Hong Kong has made unique contributions and has served as an important window for the world to appreciate the diverse charms of both Hong Kong and Chinese culture. Hong Kong thus serves as a “cultural interpreter” in strengthening international cultural exchange. Hong Kong attracts outstanding talent from around the world, boasts world-class arts and cultural infrastructure, and stands as one of the world’s leading arts trading centres. As an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Hong Kong should fully leverage its advantages to promote innovative development in arts and culture while advancing mutual learning among civilisations.

     About 140 civil servants in directorate, senior, and middle ranks from 39 bureaux/departments attended the seminar in person or online today.

     The Executive Series on Brokering North and South: China in a Multipolar World invites renowned scholars and leaders from the Mainland and overseas as guest speakers to inspire civil servants to reflect on the influence of China, as a major player in a multipolar world, on the global community amid the rise of the Global South and profound changes in the international landscape, and to explore how Hong Kong, as a city where East meets West, should leverage its strengths in its unique role in connecting the country with the world. It covers subjects pertaining to the rise of the Global South and international order, upholding principles and innovation in arts and culture and international communication, and a holistic approach to national security and global initiatives, among others.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 21) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Calhoun County of the State of Iowa in the United States (US), the WÄ™gorzewo District of the WarmiÅ„sko-Mazurskie Region in Poland, Slagelse Municipality in Denmark and the Province of Alessandria of the Piemonte Region in Italy, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 24 650 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 1.61 million poultry eggs from the US; about 1 730 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland; about 210 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 150 000 poultry eggs from Denmark; and about 60 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 10 000 poultry eggs from Italy in the first six months of this year. 

     “The CFS has contacted the American, Polish, Danish and Italian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation at a newly built/inhabited housing estate at Tung Chung District codenamed “Contribute” for two consecutive days on October 20 and today (October 21) to combat the influx of illegal renovation workers.
 
     ImmD investigators recently noticed that some Mainland renovation companies were using online social media platforms to offer one-stop renovation services at a lower price. Meanwhile, some offenders might attempt to reduce their service costs and gain profit from hiring illegal workers to conduct renovation works in Hong Kong.
 
     ImmD immediately conducted an operation at a newly built/inhabited housing estate. Immigration officers raided over 150 target locations. A total of seven suspected illegal workers and three suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised seven men, aged 36 to 54. Two men and a woman, aged 43 to 54, suspected of employing the illegal workers, were also arrested. Investigations into the suspected employers are ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
     At the same time, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute “Don’t Employ Illegal Workers” leaflets and convey the message to occupants and property management staff in housing estates.
 
     An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”

     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
 
     For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led industry members to participate in the 19th Hangzhou Cultural & Creative Industry Expo (HCIE) which started October 17 and concluded yesterday (October 20). A Hong Kong Pavilion themed “Hong Kong is So Chic” was set up, which showcased an array of exquisite design works and creative lifestyle representations. Through hosting a series of activities, it also enhanced the industry’s exposure on the Chinese Mainland, fostering opportunities for market expansion and collaboration. The Hong Kong Pavilion was well received by visitors, with over 50 000 attendees recorded during the four-day expo period, reflecting the appeal of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative forces.

     The design of the Hong Kong Pavilion focused on Hong Kong’s vibrant cityscape, charaterised by the organised chaos from the city’s narrow lanes and alleys, imparting an ambience of serenity. It showcased works from renowned Hong Kong brands and creators alongside creations from emerging designers and brands. Their designs represented the East-meets-West cultural fusion of Hong Kong, highlighting the diversity and unique charm of the city’s cultural contours.

The Hong Kong Pavilion comprised the Art Toy Zone, the Fashion and Apparel Zone, the Hong Kong Brands Zone, and the Film and Comics Zone, exhibiting films, comics, art toys, fashion, jewellery, and lifestyle products from 13 local designers and brands, with an aim of showcasing the latest achievements in Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries. The Hong Kong Pavilion also hosted a variety of engaging activities during the expo, including music and dance performances, demonstrations of filigree craft and Hong Kong-style tea pulling, sharing and autograph sessions, all showcasing the soft power of Hong Kong’s pop culture.

Following the enthusiastic response received by the Hong Kong Pavilion at the 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in May this year, the HCIE once again provided a platform for Hong Kong’s cultural and creative power to shine. As pledged in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”, CCIDA proactively assists Hong Kong cultural and creative designers in producing more cultural and creative products with Chinese and Hong Kong cultural features, and will continue to strengthen support for local original works to enter the Mainland and international markets.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Education Bureau (EDB) held the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression – “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” Book Giving Ceremony cum Thematic Talk today (October 21). The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, presented “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” to representatives of school councils and school heads’ associations to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression with enriched content. 

Addressing the event, Dr Choi said that during the period of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column steadfastly resisted Japanese aggression, and rescued trapped cultural figures and allied members, making significant contributions to the War of Resistance efforts in Hong Kong and across the country. “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” is a very precious historical record of the War of Resistance. Dr Choi said she expected that schools would incorporate the content of the book into the learning and teaching of relevant subjects, deepening students’ understanding of Hong Kong’s participation in the War of Resistance. This way, students could appreciate the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation, cherish the hard-earned peace and prosperity today, and be inspired to contribute to the country and society. 

She noted that in order to implement the initiatives outlined in the Policy Address to advance patriotic education, the EDB continuously adopts a multipronged and co-ordinated approach to integrate patriotic education into daily learning and teaching for strengthening students’ affection for and sense of belonging to the country.

     Co-Chief Editor of “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” Professor Lau Chi-pang hosted the subsequent thematic talk which was about the development, history and contributions of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column during the War of Resistance.

Other guests attending the event included the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo; Co-Chief Editor of “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” Professor Liu Shuyong; members of the Working Group on Patriotic Education, Professor Gu Minkang and Mr Kwok Wing-keung; representatives from school councils and school heads associations of primary and secondary schools, and principals and teachers from primary and secondary schools.
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All primary and secondary schools (including special schools) in Hong Kong will receive a complimentary copy of “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” via the post. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA extends sincere congratulations to LDP President Takaichi on election as prime minister of Japan

Date：2025-10-21
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

October 21, 2025 
No. 411 

During a special session of the National Diet of Japan convened on October 21 to elect a new prime minister, Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi obtained the votes required to become 104th prime minister of Japan. She will now go on to form a new cabinet.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung extends his sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi and has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan to transmit a congratulatory telegram to Ms. Takaichi and the entire cabinet on behalf of the government of Taiwan.
 
Taiwan and Japan share such core values as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law and have long enjoyed close and friendly interactions. Cooperation in a wide range of areas, conducted through values-based diplomacy, alliance-based diplomacy, and economic diplomacy, continues to yield fruitful results.
 
Prime Minister Takaichi will be Japan’s first female prime minister. As an individual of great vision and courage, she has always staunchly supported Taiwan. Numerous members of her cabinet maintain close ties with Taiwan and have led delegations to Taiwan on many occasions, conducting extensive and in-depth exchanges with various sectors of Taiwan on issues of mutual concern and helping deepen friendly exchanges and collaboration between both nations.
 
Building upon this solid foundation, Taiwan looks forward to advancing cooperation with Prime Minister Takaichi’s new government. Continuing to promote a mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership in all areas of common concern and interest, Taiwan will work together with Japan to make even more contributions to Indo-Pacific peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to statement by EP delegation regarding importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Date：2025-10-18
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

October 18, 2025The Bureau of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) issued a statement after the 42nd EU-China Inter-Parliamentary Meeting was held on October 16. The document emphasized that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were in the interest of the European Union and the world and reiterated opposition to any distortion or misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758. It also confirmed that the European Union would continue to pursue close cooperation with Taiwan and reject any unilateral change to the status quo through force or coercion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates and welcomes this statement by the EP delegation.Since the start of its current (10th) term, the European Parliament has included pro-Taiwan wording in numerous statements, such as resolutions on the PRC’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and continuous military provocations around Taiwan, the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, and the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. These statements further demonstrate the European Parliament’s unwavering support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. They also reflect the European Union’s grave concern over China’s unilateral attempts to distort international law and UN resolutions. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the European Parliament on the current solid foundation so that the two sides can jointly strengthen democratic resilience and promote a partnership centered on shared values.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to media inquiries regarding speech by Foreign Minister Lin at Dutch think tank HCSS

Date：2025-10-17
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

October 17, 2025Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung delivered a keynote speech on the topic of “Taiwan’s Role in the Strategic Reindustrialization of Europe” at a closed-door luncheon in The Hague, Netherlands, on September 15 at the invitation of The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS), a Dutch think tank. Around 40 participants from various circles attended the event and engaged in exchanges.During his address, Minister Lin emphasized that authoritarian nations were collaborating to undermine the free and democratic international rules-based order. Suggesting that democracies must unite and help one another in establishing non-red supply chains, he said that Taiwan and its trusted technologies were the best partners for Europe.Following his speech at the HCSS, Minister Lin used remarks at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland on September 29 to further reiterate that Taiwan was an indispensable partner in Europe’s ReArm Europe plan and efforts to reindustrialize. He called on Taiwan and Europe to strengthen cooperation on initiatives promoted by President Lai Ching-te, such as the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and a global semiconductor democratic supply chain partnership initiative.Building upon the foundation of democratic values shared by Taiwan and Europe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to actively promote the strengthening of bilateral relations so as to jointly safeguard peace, stability, prosperity in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Incheon, Korea and met Chair of the Meeting, the Republic of Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy & Finance Koo Yun-cheol.

This year’s meeting is focused on key issues including the economic situations and outlook, regionally and globally, as well as digital finance and the fiscal policies of member economies.

Mr Chan spoke at various sessions of the meeting. During a session on the economic outlook, he remarked that global growth momentum has weakened amid rising challenges from unilateralism and tariffs.

He stressed that the global economy is facing heightened uncertainty, with some economies having to choose between co-operation and coercion, as well as between shared prosperity and narrow self-interest.

Against this backdrop, Hong Kong, China remains firmly committed to upholding a free and open trade and investment environment, providing global enterprises and investors with a stable, consistent and predictable business environment.

Mr Chan called on all member economies to safeguard a rules-based multilateral trading system and to work together in promoting sustainable regional economic growth.

At the session on digital finance, he spoke about how blockchain technology and artificial intelligence are creating rapid advances in digital financial services. These technologies not only improve efficiency and reduce costs, but also play a key role in driving financial inclusion. Drawing on Hong Kong, China’s experience, he shared three key observations on developing a robust fintech ecosystem.

At the session on fiscal policy, the finance chief shared Hong Kong, China’s economic strategy, which includes solidifying its strengths as an international financial and trading centre, while fostering growth of emerging industries such as innovation and technology.

He also outlined the Government’s fiscal consolidation plan, which focuses primarily on containing expenditure growth, complemented by modest revenue measures based on user-pay and affordability principles.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

On the second day of their visit, the Delegation of National Model Workers & Craftsmen met major local labour organisations, employees and representatives.

This morning, the delegation exchanged views with labour bodies, trade union representatives, awardees of the industry role model stars award, clients of the Labour Department’s employment services, and trainees from the Employees Retraining Board. The delegates also shared their experience, which motivated employees across various sectors to embrace change, pursue innovation, as well as uphold a spirit of dedication and professionalism, thereby enhancing capabilities and driving the overall advancement of their respective industries. Guests taking part in the sharing session included Under Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming and Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Chinese Culinary Institute, the Hotel & Tourism Institute and the International Culinary Institute.

During exchanges with the National Model Workers & National Great Craftsman, local students and WorldSkills Competition competitors were deeply inspired, and motivated to hone their skills and build a solid foundation for their professional development.

Additionally, the delegation toured the Legislative Council Complex, and attended a dinner banquet hosted by Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun. The attending guests included Permanent Secretary for Labour & Welfare Alice Lau, Mr Ho and Mr Hui.