MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin accompanies European press delegation to experience Taiwan’s culture, promotes Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe

Date：2025-06-20
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

June 20, 2025  
No. 216  

On the afternoon of June 19, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung took a delegation of journalists from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to visit the cast of Zeelandia, a Taiwan original musical. Minister Lin spoke about Taiwan’s leading technology and rich culture and expressed hope that the cultural activities being held as part of the 2025 Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe would help the nations of Europe see a side of Taiwan other than technology.
 
In his remarks, Minister Lin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had partnered with the Ministry of Culture and the National Palace Museum (NPM) to put together the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe. In September and November, pieces from the NPM collection would be exhibited in the Czech Republic and France, respectively, he stated, while other performing arts activities would be held across Europe. Minister Lin continued by expressing hope that this would help European nations better understand Taiwan’s rich culture. He stressed that while Taiwan was a technology island, it was also a culture island that married cultural assets with a creative spirit, which would be highlighted by the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe. 
 
The minister then explained that the events were being held under the banner “From Tech to Culture, Taiwan Leads the Future,” while the logo for the event was inspired by Roman columns and bore the word Taiwan symbolizing an IC design. Minister Lin said that this was an expression of how Taiwan and Europe were inextricably linked via cultural exchanges. 
 
Musical cast members then led Minister Lin and the visiting journalists in singing a traditional Siraya song to experience for themselves the beauty of Taiwan’s culture. The musical Zeelandia takes as its backdrop Fort Zeelandia in the 17th century. The performance tells the story of how the cultures of Han, Siraya, and Dutch people came together, underscoring the unbreakable cultural and historical bonds linking Taiwan and Europe. The musical is being performed from June 20 to 29 at the Taipei Performing Arts Center. 
 
In the future, MOFA will continue to promote cultural diplomacy to highlight Taiwan’s core values of freedom, openness, and inclusion. It will use culture as a bridge linking Taiwan to the world’s democracies, so as to jointly encourage the greater cultural flowering of free and democratic societies. (E) 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes Philippine announcement concerning visa-free treatment for Taiwanese nationals

Date：2025-06-19
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 19, 2025No. 214The Philippine government indicated on June 19 that Taiwanese passport holders would be granted visa-free entry to the Philippines for stays of up to 14 days beginning July 1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes this announcement.Improving the convenience of Taiwanese nationals traveling overseas for business or tourism and promoting interactions and exchanges between Taiwan and friendly countries are among the key priorities for MOFA and Taiwan’s overseas missions. At a reception to mark Philippine Independence Day on June 13, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung announced on behalf of the Taiwan government that visa-free treatment for Philippine nationals would again be extended for an additional year. The Philippines will now grant visa-free entry to Taiwanese nationals on the principle of reciprocity, facilitating the deepening of exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines in such domains as the economy, trade, investment, and tourism.This fruitful outcome follows years of active coordination and negotiation between both governments and was made possible through the joint efforts of relevant government departments, the people of Taiwan, and MOFA’s concrete implementation of integrated diplomacy. Minister Lin recognizes the Philippine government’s pragmatic promotion of Taiwan-Philippines relations.MOFA reminds Taiwanese nationals to abide by local laws and regulations while in the Philippines and to be mindful of personal safety. In case of an emergency, Taiwanese nationals can call the emergency hotline of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines at +63-917-819-4597 or ask friends or relatives in Taiwan to call MOFA’s emergency hotline at 0800-085-095. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today attended the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 and a discussion session as he wrapped up his Tianjin visit and proceeded to Beijing in the evening.

In the morning, Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony of the annual meeting, also known as the Summer Davos, and delivered a speech.

In addition to attending the opening ceremony, Mr Chan participated in a discussion session in the afternoon titled “Is the Asian Century at Risk?”.

The discussion focused on how Asia could address local development and external challenges amid the current geopolitical tensions, trade barriers and technological transformation.

Other regional leaders in attendance included Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, Deputy Chairperson of Indonesia’s Gerindra Party Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo and Minister of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka Sunil Handunneththi.

During the session, Mr Chan remarked that the Asian region is developing rapidly, with Hong Kong benefitting from its unique position under “one country, two systems”.

He highlighted Hong Kong’s dual advantages of priority access to the Mainland market and its connectivity to the global economy, serving as a gateway between the Mainland and the world.

As an international financial centre, Hong Kong facilitates efficient two-way capital flows and cross-border financial co-operation within Asia and between Asia and other regions, in addition to actively supporting Mainland enterprises in expanding internationally and building global industry chains and supply chains.

In response to questions, Mr Chan emphasised that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the city has provided a more stable and secure business environment that allows society to focus on economic development, adding that international investors are showing confidence in Hong Kong with their capital and actions.

Mr Chan further noted that Hong Kong’s openness, diversity and international outlook under “two systems”, along with its common law system, remain key advantages in attracting international businesses and talent.

The Financial Secretary also briefed World Economic Forum Chairman ad interim Peter Brabeck-Letmathe on Hong Kong’s latest economic developments, including progress in the financial and innovation and technology (I&T) sectors.

They also explored opportunities to strengthen co-operation in technological innovation and personnel exchanges.

During his time in Tianjin, Mr Chan also participated in a thematic session hosted by Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, where he shared how Hong Kong provides a full range of fundraising options to provide financial support to the accelerated development of I&T enterprises.

The finance chief also attended an exchange session between technology enterprises from Tianjin and Hong Kong organised by Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation as well as a gathering hosted by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Tianjin.

After concluding his Tianjin visit, Mr Chan proceeded to Beijing to attend the Host Member Gala Dinner for the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Civil Service College, with the Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commissioner (OCMFA) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, held a thematic briefing session today on the “International Landscape and China’s Foreign Relations in 2025”.

The briefing was delivered by Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR Cui Jianchun, and attended by Chief Executive John Lee along with over 400 senior officials.

Delivering his opening remarks, Mr Lee thanked Mr Cui for attending the session to share insights on the current international environment and national foreign strategies, and providing an analysis on the evolving global dynamics and the country’s response strategies.

The session could provide support for the Hong Kong SAR Government in promoting Hong Kong’s deepening of international exchanges and co-operation, better integration into the overall national development, and co-ordination of high-level security and high-quality development, the Chief Executive remarked.

Mr Lee pointed out that the complex and fast-changing international environment as well as the groundbreaking developments of artificial intelligence and biotechnology, profoundly affect the trajectory of world order and highlight the close connection between security and development. He also said China’s diplomatic work plays a vital role in the effective co-ordination of security and development, and provides opportunities for Hong Kong to better fulfil its role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”.

He also thanked the central government for its strong support for Hong Kong to become the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation, adding that the establishment of its headquarters in the city reflects the trust and recognition of the international community in Hong Kong, which not only demonstrates the success of the National Security Law in creating a stable environment, but also serves as a vivid manifestation of the country’s diplomatic soft power.

Mr Lee further stated that Hong Kong SAR Government officials should have a deep understanding of the country’s foreign policies, accurately grasp changes in the international landscape, and better co-ordinate the relationship between and the opportunities from security and development.

Separately, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said today’s session is of great significance because it not only heralds this year’s series of talks on China’s foreign affairs but is also a highlight event of the seminar series for civil servants on the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law.

She stressed that the Civil Service College will continue to enhance training to strengthen civil servants’ patriotism and awareness of national security, and encourage everyone to consciously safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Training programmes organised by the college could also deepen civil servants’ understanding of the country’s history, culture and contemporary development, equipping them to better fulfil Hong Kong’s role as a bridge connecting the country with the world in their respective fields, effectively utilising the city’s international platform to tell good stories of China and Hong Kong, Mrs Yeung added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan today attended the Mainland-Hong Kong Green Energy Matchmaking Event, which aims to provide a collaborative platform for relevant suppliers and companies with demand, to catalyse a comprehensive green maritime fuel supply chain and trade.

The event was organised by the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and co-organised by the Transport & Logistics Bureau (TLB) and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province.

It was held simultaneously in Hong Kong and Shenzhen today. 

More than 200 representatives from various enterprises gathered to exchange views and discuss collaborations in relation to fuel off-take and to sign relevant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

Speaking at the Hong Kong venue, Ms Chan said Hong Kong and the Mainland have strong complementarity in the development of green maritime fuels.

“The Mainland’s core strength lies in the production of green fuels, while Hong Kong, as the southern gate of Mainland China and an international financial, trading and maritime centre, is not only home to a large number of international shipping enterprises, but also enjoys advantages such as free flow of capital, a financial and legal system that is in line with the rest of the world, and a trade settlement mechanism that allows immediate payment settlements.”

She added that Hong Kong is the top bunkering centre in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the second largest in the whole of China and ranks seventh globally.

“By adopting the ‘north-to-south sales’ model, under which the high-quality green maritime fuels produced on the Mainland can be exported to the world through Hong Kong’s international trading gateway, we will open up new ‘blue ocean’ opportunities for enterprises from the two places.”

The transport chief also pointed out the event materialised the target of the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering promulgated by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in November last year, which said the Government will develop Hong Kong into the preferred green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre in the region. 

Furthermore, Ms Chan witnessed the signing of MoUs between the TLB and various parties to collaborate on promoting the development of green maritime fuel-related businesses and establishing a market for the trade of green maritime fuels.

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Maritime & Port Development Amy Chan attended the event at the Shenzhen venue, where she announced that the Marine Department will gazette the Code of Practice for Methanol Bunkering within this month, and launch the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said today Hong Kong shares the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s (AIIB) mission of providing high-quality financial disclosures as a reliable player that builds trust with stakeholders.

He made the statement during a side event at the AIIB’s 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors on “Implementing the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) from the Ground Up: The AIIB Journey”.

Mr Hui noted that while the AIIB is one of the first multilateral development banks to adopt the ISSB Standards, Hong Kong was also confirmed by the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation earlier this month as among the initial set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards.

He said: “By aligning with a global standard, we ensure international comparability of our data. This not only boosts investor confidence but also creates a strong foundation for new opportunities.”

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to work in collaboration with financial regulators and stakeholders to support the pragmatic implementation of the ISSB Standards through enhancing capacity building and promoting the use of technological solutions, Mr Hui added.

In addition, Mr Hui also spoke on “Fostering Development and Infrastructure Connectivity” at the Governors’ Business Roundtable in the afternoon.

He shared with delegations from other member states Hong Kong’s efforts in fostering development in sustainable finance as well as developing diverse and innovative financial products.

The latter includes the roll-out of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and the issuance of infrastructure loan-backed securities by the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation (HKMC) with the AIIB as an anchor investor. He told the delegations that a third issuance by the HKMC can be expected this year.

At the AIIB President’s Reception and the Special Session of the Board of Governors’ meeting held yesterday, Mr Hui met AIIB President Jin Liqun and AIIB President-elect Zou Jiayi.

He also met financial officials of other member states to update them on Hong Kong’s latest developments in green and sustainable finance, and the recent vibrant financial market situation.

Additionally, Mr Hui held bilateral meetings separately with delegations from Egypt, Germany and Poland on the sidelines of the annual meeting to explore opportunities for further co-operation.

During his stay in Beijing, Mr Hui met Industrial & Commercial Bank of China President Liu Jun and China Construction Bank Chief Financial Officer Sheng Liurong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Tianjin today (June 25) to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 (also known as the Summer Davos). In the evening, he travelled to Beijing to attend the Host Member Gala Dinner for the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

In the morning, Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony of the Summer Davos and delivered a speech. In addition to attending the opening ceremony, Mr Chan participated in a discussion session in the afternoon titled, “Is the Asian Century at Risk?”. Other regional leaders in attendance included the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Mr Pham Minh Chinh; the Deputy Chairperson of Indonesia’s Gerindra Party, Ms Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo; and the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr Sunil Handunneththi. The discussion focused on how Asia could address local development and external challenges amid the current geopolitical tensions, trade barriers and technological transformation.

During the session, Mr Chan remarked that the Asian region is developing rapidly, with Hong Kong benefitting from its unique position under “one country, two systems”. He highlighted Hong Kong’s dual advantages of priority access to the Mainland’s market and its connectivity to the global economy, serving as a gateway between the Mainland and the world. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong facilitates efficient two-way capital flows and cross-border financial co-operation within Asia and between Asia and other regions. In the current international geopolitical and economic environment, Hong Kong is actively supporting Mainland enterprises in expanding internationally and building global industry chains and supply chains.

In response to questions, Mr Chan emphasised that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, Hong Kong has provided a more stable and secure business environment that allows society to focus on economic development. He pointed out that the performance of Hong Kong’s capital markets over the past year, along with surveys conducted by various foreign chambers of commerce, demonstrates that international investors are showing confidence in Hong Kong with their capital and actions. Mr Chan further noted that Hong Kong’s openness, diversity and international outlook under “two systems”, along with its common law system, remain key advantages in attracting international businesses and talent.

Mr Chan also met with the Chairman ad interim of the World Economic Forum, Mr Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, during which he briefed him on Hong Kong’s latest economic developments, including progress in the financial and innovation and technology (I&T) sectors. The two sides also explored opportunities to strengthen co-operation in technological innovation and personnel exchanges. Mr Chan expressed gratitude to the World Economic Forum for offering secondment opportunities to Hong Kong SAR Government personnel, enabling them to gain more international exposure.

During his time in Tianjin, Mr Chan participated in the following activities:

(1) A thematic session titled “Funding China’s Next Tech Breakthrough” hosted by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, where he shared with representatives from investment banks, funds, asset management firms, I&T companies and think tanks how Hong Kong provides a full range of fundraising options – from start-up investments to stock market listings – to provide financial support to the accelerated development of I&T enterprises;

(2) An exchange session between technology enterprises from Tianjin and Hong Kong organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, where Mr Chan introduced the dual advantages of Hong Kong’s financial and I&T synergy to I&T enterprises from Tianjin and Hong Kong, and accelerating the development of I&T through financial empowerment. Some members of the I&T delegation on the visit also participated in the session, where they explored collaboration opportunities with Tianjin’s I&T companies; and

(3) A gathering hosted by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Tianjin, where Mr Chan shared updates on Hong Kong’s economy, future development directions, and opportunities for further strengthening co-operation between Tianjin and Hong Kong in finance, trade and I&T.

After concluding his visit to Tianjin, Mr Chan proceeded to Beijing to attend the Host Member Gala Dinner for the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the AIIB.

Mr Chan will attend the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the AIIB tomorrow (June 26).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region