MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To foster literary and cultural exchange while promoting creative works in literature and culture, the National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) is launching this year’s short-term Writers-in-Residence program at the Taiwan Literature Base (TLB).

Organizer: National Museum of Taiwan Literature
Qualified applicants shall
A. be a natural person 18 years old or over;
B. be able to communicate in one of Taiwan’s nationally spoken
languages or in English;
C. not have been accepted for an NMTL residency in the last two years; and
D. be a writer engaged in creative works across literary genres,
including fiction, essay, poetry, drama, screenplays, literary
translation, non-fiction, or cross-disciplinary literary works.
Residency accommodations
A. Location: NMTL Taiwan Literature Base (No. 2, Lane 53, Qidong
Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City)
B. Description: Selected writers may stay free of charge in the Muse
Garden at the Taiwan Literature Base (TLB), which is a single
Japanese-style dormitory house equipped with a reception room, study,
bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Residency Time Frame: The current residency year runs from August
13th, 2026 to July 31st, 2027. In their residency proposals,
applicants may request a period of residency of between 7 and 30 days.
Application Submissions: Applications may be submitted between
April 10th and May 11th, 2026 only (UTC+8).
All applications must include: 1) A portfolio statement describing
the applicant’s creative practice and experience; 2) a residency
proposal; and 3) at least one published (commercial or non-commercial)
work.
Only online applications will be processed. After you complete the
Writers-in-Residence application form on the official online
registration platform
(https://event.culture.tw/mocweb/reg/NMTL/Index.init.ctr), please
submit copies of requested ID documents, a properly formatted digital
copy of your residency proposal, and all other supporting materials to
the same website before the deadline.
More details on website:
https://artres.moc.gov.tw/en/calls/content/ff8081819cd603ad019d8596f6b90075?pageLang=en

2026 Selection Guidelines for Taiwan Literature Base
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Today (April 15) marks the National Security Education Day. The Department of Justice (DoJ) held the National Security Legal Forum on the theme of White Paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”, inviting renowned legal experts, academics, and representatives from different sectors to discuss Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security as well as the experience and insights gained in the process. The goal is to deepen the awareness and correct understanding of all sectors of the community on the city’s role in safeguarding national security, actively fulfil the practical requirements of the white paper and to achieve high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy under the auspices of high-standard security.
 
Delivering his opening remarks, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that the white paper not only reviews Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security and the experiences and insights gained in the process, it also sets out six fundamental principles in building high-standard security in order to support the high-quality development of Hong Kong.
 
In this regard, Mr Lam said that Hong Kong does not pursue “absolute security” or “generalised security” in safeguarding national security, but rather “relative security,” which is also the definition of national security in the country’s national security laws. The white paper states that Hong Kong should follow a holistic approach to development and security, and achieve a dynamic balance between the two; safeguard security with greater openness; respect and ensure human rights; safeguard security under the rule of law, especially with the judicial authorities exercising adjudicative power independently and free from any interference in trying cases pertaining to national security in accordance with the law.
 
Mr Lam stated that national security, like air and sunshine, is something without which one cannot survive, yet too often, mistakenly, is taken for granted. To arouse the awareness and vigilance of people in this respect and provide them with a proper and sufficient understanding of the fundamental principles that Hong Kong follows in safeguarding national security, he urged various sectors of the community to study the white paper carefully.
 
This year’s forum invited Vice President of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies and Professor of the School of Law of Tsinghua University Professor Wang Zhenmin to deliver a keynote speech to share his insights on the main content and principles of the white paper.
 
     Following were two panel discussions, beginning with the first titled “Clearing up confusion and misunderstandings – Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security”. Speakers from the legal sector reviewed the development of Hong Kong’s laws for safeguarding national security, discussed relevant judicial cases, and conducted a comparative study and analysis of the relevant national security cases and laws in other countries, demonstrating Hong Kong’s consistent adherence to the rule of law and respect for and protection of human rights in implementing national security laws.
 
The second panel discussion – featuring a member of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, an esteemed leader of the local business sector, and a Rule of Law Education (ROLE) ambassador under the ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme of the DoJ – explored how Hong Kong can achieve a dynamic balance between development and security, and how promoting national security education can build social consensus to safeguard the steady and long-term implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle with high-standard security.
 
The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, in his closing remarks said that the white paper has significant guiding value to Hong Kong. The white paper reminded people once again that Hong Kong has the constitutional responsibility of effectively safeguarding national security, and that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of the community should proactively implement the practical requirements of the white paper.
 
He noted that speakers of the two panel discussions conducted in-depth discussions from various perspectives on issues such as the development of Hong Kong’s laws for safeguarding national security, and how to achieve a dynamic balance between development and safeguarding national security. The discussions provided an excellent starting point for the participants to understand the essential requirements of the white paper, Dr Cheung added.
 
Citing the white paper, Dr Cheung said that safeguarding national security is a responsibility shared by all members of society. Everyone is a stakeholder and beneficiary, and no one can be a mere spectator. He expressed the hope that the forum today would further enhance public awareness of safeguarding national security and enrich public understanding of the importance of the white paper, and encouraged the community to cherish today’s safe and stable environment.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following are the closing remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the National Security Legal Forum today (April 15):
 
Professor Wang (Vice President of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies and Professor of the School of Law of Tsinghua University, Professor Wang Zhenmin), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. Having heard our eminent speakers share views on the practice of Hong Kong’s national security laws and on how Hong Kong continues to thrive in an orderly and stable environment, today’s Legal Forum has successfully come to an end. I would like to take this opportunity to summarise and share with you the key takeaways of this forum.
 
     First, this year is the inaugural year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, a pivotal year that Hong Kong is poised for leapfrog development in both its economy and society. At this juncture, the white paper released in February this year has significant guiding value as an authoritative pronouncement for Hong Kong. It stated outright in its preface that the highest principle of fully, faithfully and resolutely implementing the policy of “one country, two systems” is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. It comprehensively outlined five important areas, namely (i) the unrelenting fight for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, (ii) the Central Government’s fundamental responsibility for national security matters concerning Hong Kong, (iii) Hong Kong’s achievements in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security, (iv) Hong Kong’s transformation from disorder to stability and prosperity, and (v) creating high-standard security for the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy. Last but not least, the white paper reminded us once again that Hong Kong has the constitutional responsibility of effectively safeguarding national security, and that we, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of the community, should proactively implement the requirement. In this regard, we are honoured to have had Professor Wang deliver a keynote speech earlier this afternoon, which reaffirmed our dedication and solidified our commitment to the essence and principles set out in the white paper.
 
     Second, the Hong Kong National Security Law was enacted to address prominent issues related to national security in the implementation of “one country, two systems” and to prevent national security risks. Its ultimate purpose is to uphold the “one country, two systems” principle, maintain prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, and serve the best interests of Hong Kong and its residents. Together, the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Basic Law constitute a legal foundation for Hong Kong to safeguard national security. In Panel Session 1, we were most delighted to have in our company, Mr Jonathan Chang, SC, the honourable Carmen Kan, Professor Cross, SC, and our Anthony Chau to review the developments of Hong Kong’s national security laws, including how Hong Kong continues to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security. Most importantly, without compromise to the practical need to address security risks, they highlighted the significant features of the improvement exercises that we have been undergoing while strictly adhering to the rule of law principle, with reference to recent major national security cases and comparable overseas legislation. I am sure we all find their sharing to be insightful, informative, and leave us on a high note.
 
     Third, in every community, security is a prerequisite for development, and development provides a guarantee for security. Without national security, we cannot offer better development and a better life for residents, and we cannot provide better protection for the legitimate rights and interests of investors. We know from experience that the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance have been jointly serving as a shield for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, and the society continues to remain stable and prosperous. Last year, Hong Kong was the world’s freest economy. We were also number one in global IPO market rankings, and number one as Asia’s largest hedge fund hub and cross-border wealth management centre. Having said that, we must not overlook the importance of national security education as an essential tool for encouraging a proactive and continuing commitment from the community at large in safeguarding national security. On this front, I am indebted to our Panel Session 2 guest speakers Ms Melissa Pang, Dr William Wong, SC, Mr PC Yu and Ms Joyce Chan for their sharing from the holistic perspective, and from standpoints of the court room, board room and classroom. Their contribution sparked our exploration of how Hong Kong could achieve a dynamic balance between development and safeguarding national security.
 
     Safeguarding national security is a responsibility shared by all members of society; everyone is a stakeholder and beneficiary, and no one can be a mere spectator. The fruitful discussion by our distinguished guests this afternoon provides an excellent starting point for us to understand the essential requirements of the white paper. It is my hope that the insights shared by our guests this afternoon could further enhance public awareness of safeguarding national security, and enrich our understanding of the importance of the white paper.
 
     As the white paper affirms, we should all share a common aspiration: stability and peace, not riot and turbulence; vitality and prosperity, not decline and decay; unity and solidarity, not opposition and division; civility and rule of law, not lawlessness and disorder. We must bear that in mind and cherish the safe and stable environment today. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:

     Held on April 15 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the National Security Education Day Opening Ceremony was organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong National Security Committee) and supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS). The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, delivered a speech via video at the opening ceremony. Officiating guests attending the ceremony were the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr John Lee; Director of LOCPG and National Security Advisor of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr Zhou Ji; Head of OSNS, Mr Dong Jingwei; Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Cui Jianchun; and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Navy Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin.  
     “As the head of the HKSAR and taking a leading role in the HKSAR’s governance, I will lead and co-ordinate the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the HKSAR in effectively preventing, suppressing and punishing acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law. I will create high-standard security for the high-quality development and implement six important initiatives. First, upholding the unity of the Central Government’s fundamental responsibility and the HKSAR’s constitutional responsibility. Second, keeping the power to govern the HKSAR firmly in the hands of patriots. Third, respecting the rule of law and ensuring human rights. Fourth, following a holistic approach to development and security. Fifth, safeguarding security with greater openness. Sixth, improving the governance system for public security.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To mark National Security Education Day, the Department of Justice (DoJ) today held the National Security Legal Forum on the theme of the White Paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”.

The forum invited renowned legal experts, academics and representatives from different sectors to discuss Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security as well as the experience and insights gained in the process.

The goal is to deepen the awareness and correct understanding of all sectors of the community on the city’s role in safeguarding national security, actively fulfil the practical requirements of the white paper and to achieve high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy under the auspices of high-standard security.

      

Delivering his opening remarks, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that the white paper not only reviews Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security and the experiences and insights gained in the process, but also sets out six fundamental principles in building high-standard security in order to support the high-quality development of Hong Kong.

Mr Lam said that Hong Kong does not pursue “absolute security” or “generalised security” in safeguarding national security, but rather “relative security,” which is also the definition of national security in the country’s national security laws. 

He noted that the white paper states that Hong Kong should follow a holistic approach to development and security, and achieve a dynamic balance between the two; safeguard security with greater openness; respect and ensure human rights; safeguard security under the rule of law, especially with the judicial authorities exercising adjudicative power independently and free from any interference in trying cases pertaining to national security in accordance with the law.

      

Mr Lam stated that national security, like air and sunshine, is something without which one cannot survive, yet too often, mistakenly, is taken for granted. 

To arouse the awareness and vigilance of people in this respect and provide them with a proper and sufficient understanding of the fundamental principles that Hong Kong follows in safeguarding national security, he urged various sectors of the community to study the white paper carefully.

      

This year’s forum invited the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies Vice President and Professor of the Tsinghua University School of Law Prof Wang Zhenmin to deliver a keynote speech to share his insights on the main content and principles of the white paper.

Two panel discussions followed, beginning with the first titled “Clearing up confusion and misunderstandings – Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security”. 

Speakers from the legal sector reviewed the development of Hong Kong’s laws for safeguarding national security, discussed relevant judicial cases, and conducted a comparative study and analysis of the relevant national security cases and laws in other countries, demonstrating Hong Kong’s consistent adherence to the rule of law and respect for and protection of human rights in implementing national security laws.

      

The second panel discussion – featuring a member of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, an esteemed leader of the local business sector, and a Rule of Law Education (ROLE) ambassador under the DoJ’s ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme – explored how Hong Kong can achieve a dynamic balance between development and security, and how promoting national security education can build social consensus to safeguard the steady and long-term implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle with high-standard security.

      

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, in his closing remarks said that the white paper has significant guiding value to Hong Kong. He pointed out that the white paper reminded people once again that Hong Kong has the constitutional responsibility of effectively safeguarding national security, and that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of the community should proactively implement the practical requirements of the white paper.

He noted that speakers of the two panel discussions conducted in-depth discussions from various perspectives on issues such as the development of Hong Kong’s laws for safeguarding national security, and how to achieve a dynamic balance between development and safeguarding national security. 

The discussions provided an excellent starting point for the participants to understand the essential requirements of the white paper, Mr Cheung added.

Citing the white paper, Mr Cheung said that safeguarding national security is a responsibility shared by all members of society. Everyone is a stakeholder and beneficiary, and no one can be a mere spectator. He expressed hope that the forum today would further enhance public awareness of safeguarding national security and enrich public understanding of the importance of the white paper, and encouraged the community to cherish today’s safe and stable environment.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Security Bureau (SB) and its disciplined services and auxiliary services held a flag-raising ceremony, a national security knowledge challenge and other activities to mark the National Security Education Day today.

The SB and its disciplined services jointly held a flag-raising ceremony at the Police College this morning.

Officiating at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the theme of this year’s National Security Education Day, “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”, aimed to remind Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the overall national development, and to contribute Hong Kong’s strengths and commitment to the journey of the country’s modernisation.

He noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will spare no effort to strengthen its capability in law enforcement and co-ordination, deepen national security education, and adhere to the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, so as to prevent and neutralise security risks.

Mr Chan then officiated at the Safeguarding National Security Cup awards presentation ceremony to commend the contestants of the SB, disciplined services and auxiliary services for holding sports competitions, which showcased their flexibility and team spirit to inject impetus into the promotion of safeguarding national security.

In the afternoon, the Department of Justice, the SB, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation jointly organised the finals and award presentation ceremony of the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge 2025/26.

The challenge attracted a record number of more than 132,000 students from 651 primary and secondary schools. The content of the “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” white paper was also incorporated into the challenge, keeping national security education abreast of the times.

In a video speech, Mr Chan thanked the principals and teachers for their support to help students gain more national security knowledge through the competitions. He noted that teachers and students of the winning school teams were invited to join a study tour to the Mainland to know the country’s latest developments and experience stability and social advancement under the safeguard of national security.

He also encouraged students, teachers and all sectors of society to proactively shoulder the duty of safeguarding national security and be the guardians of national security with a sense of responsibility and vision.

Also officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam supplemented that since the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, order in the community has been restored, and steady economic development has been ensured. To maintain the current hard-earned situation, citizens have to safeguard national security of their own accord.

The highlights of the finals and the award presentation ceremony will be broadcast at 10.30 tonight and 7.30pm on April 19 on HOY Infotainment.

Apart from the above-mentioned activities, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung also attended the National Security Education Day Opening Ceremony & Seminar held by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region at the Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Mr Tang’s other related engagement was the book launch ceremony of a national security children’s picture book, organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Lands Department announced today that it registered 13 lease modifications and two land exchanges in the Land Registry during the quarter ending March 2026, adding that three were technical changes involving no premium.

Of the land transactions, one is located on Hong Kong Island, 10 are in Kowloon and four are in the New Territories.

Another 10 lots were granted by private treaty during the period.

One was granted for the development of the university in Ho Man Tin; one was granted for an electricity substation in Tung Chung; one was granted to the Urban Renewal Authority for residential development in Kowloon City, one was granted to the MTR Corporation for residential development in Tuen Mun; while the other six were granted to the Housing Authority for public housing developments. 

The land transactions realised a total land premium of about $2.1072 billion.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Cinema Day 2026 will take place on April 25, during which all movie tickets at commercial cinemas across Hong Kong will be priced at $30.

The initiative is sponsored by the Cultural & Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau through the Film Development Fund (FDF). Tickets will go on sale starting at noon on April 22 at cinema box offices, websites and mobile apps.

Attending a press conference for the event today, Commissioner for Cultural & Creative Industries Drew Lai encouraged the public to visit cinemas and support the local film industry.

Miss Lai stated that the Government remains committed to fostering the development of the local film sector. She highlighted that the FDF has supported various initiatives, such as Cinema Day, to promote Hong Kong films and reach a wider audience.

She added that Cinema Day aims to cultivate a cinema-going culture among the public, supporting the long-term growth of the industry while simultaneously boosting consumption in local neighbourhoods.

Over the past three years, Cinema Day has recorded a total of more than 600,000 admissions and over $44 million in box office revenue. The initiative has been widely welcomed by both the public and the film industry.

Source: Government of Samoa

His Excellency Patryk Michal Blaszczak presented his Letters of Credence to the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, at a Credentials Ceremony held this morning at the Official Residence of the Head of State at Vailele. The presentation formally accredited His Excellency as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Samoa, with residence in Wellington, New Zealand.

Samoa and Poland have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties on 8 March 2012. The two countries continue to engage closely through their shared membership in the United Nations, the OACPS–EU framework, and other international fora on matters of mutual interest, including international peace and security, the promotion of democracy and fundamental human rights, and climate change. Ambassador Błaszczak reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to strengthening the diplomatic partnership between Samoa and Poland, both bilaterally and multilaterally, building on the solid foundation established by his predecessors.

Afioga Tuimaleali‘ifano Va‘aletoa Sualauvi II welcomed the Ambassador and acknowledged the positive development of relations between Samoa and Poland. The Head of State conveyed his congratulations to the Government of Poland on the establishment of an Honorary Consul in Samoa and extended his best wishes to Mr. Anthony Pereira on his appointment as the first Honorary Consul of Poland to Samoa. He expressed confidence that this new representation will further strengthen cooperation and people-to-people ties, and that Ambassador Blaszczak’s tenure will continue to enhance friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

His Excellency Patryk Michał Błaszczak is currently the Ambassador of Poland to New Zealand (since 2025) with concurrent accreditation to Samoa and other Pacific countries. He has held senior diplomatic including Deputy Head of Mission in Copenhagen, Acting Director of the European Policy Department at Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Head of the Political Section at the Polish Embassy in Paris. Ambassador Błaszczak holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Warsaw, is fluent in English and French, and is a recipient of the Bronze Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

END

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