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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun today said the Government will ensure no public money is lost following operational issues with some bus refund machines yesterday.  

The concessionary fare under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly & Eligible Persons with Disabilities, commonly known as the $2 Scheme, was adjusted to a “$2 flat rate or 80% discount” starting April 3.

Speaking to the media, Mr Sun clarified that any financial losses resulting from technical issues with the refund machines will be borne by the bus company.

“I understand yesterday some of the refund machines installed in bus stations of the Kowloon Motor Bus (company) were not operating as planned, but I can assure everyone here that there will be no loss of public money,” he said.

“As for public money, there will be no additional charges over the Government,” Mr Sun noted. “We will make sure that the use of public money will be strictly in accordance with the agreement reached between the Government and the bus company.”

Mr Sun added that passengers will not suffer any financial loss, as any costs arising from the operational issue will be borne in full by the bus operator.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The third National Security Education Study Tour, organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, concluded today, as its 187 participants returned to Hong Kong from the Mainland this afternoon.

A total of 30 primary and secondary schools joined the tour, comprising principals, teachers and students, including 17 non-Chinese speaking students. The itinerary, which began on March 28, covered visits to Beijing and Nanjing.

The primary school group completed its tour and returned to Hong Kong on April 1. The secondary school group proceeded to Nanjing on the same day and returned today.

Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Au Chi-kwong accompanied the study tour to Beijing on March 28. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan joined the tour on March 29.

On March 30, the tour was received by Deputy Director of CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Nong Rong, who is also Deputy Director of State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office.

In Beijing, the group was invited to view the national flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square from the viewing stands on April 1. They also visited the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass.

Their itinerary in the capital also included a visit to the Museum of the Communist Party of China, the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Zhongguancun Science & Technology Exhibition Center, and the China Science & Technology Museum.

While in Nanjing, the group visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, the Jiangsu National Security Education Museum, and an iron and steel enterprise.

Students also exchanged ideas with teachers and students from the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and the Zhongguancun No. 3 Primary School Science & Technology Park Campus in Beijing.

Mr Cheung encouraged the students to deepen their understanding of the history and current development of the motherland.

He also urged the students to make the most of the tour to appreciate the country’s history, culture and technological advancements, as well as current national affairs, to better equip themselves and contribute to the motherland and Hong Kong in the future.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will depart for Shaanxi Province tomorrow morning to strengthen co-operation between Shaanxi and Hong Kong.

During his visit, Mr Chan will meet local leaders and attend a memorial ceremony for Huang Di during the Ching Ming Festival.

He will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon on April 5. During his absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing will be Acting Chief Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The concessionary fare under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly & Eligible Persons with Disabilities, known as the $2 Scheme, is adjusted to a “$2 flat rate or 80% discount” starting today.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun observed the implementation of the new arrangement this morning and told the media afterwards that operations are running smoothly.

“Today, April 3, is the date when the ‘$2 flat rate or 80% discount’ is officially launched. For minibus and for buses, the launch time is midnight today. For the MTR, it starts from the first train which departed their terminal at 5:30 this morning,” Mr Sun stated.

“So far, based on our territory wide promotion and also my own personal contact with the elderly through my visit to Wong Tai Sin wet market, and also in restaurants, most of them are familiar with the operation of now the ‘$2 flat rate or 80% discount’.”

Mr Sun noted that arrangements are being made to promote the adjustment to users.

“Apart from today, in 75 spots in Hong Kong, we are stationing the ambassadors for the total of three weeks. They are in the spots to help answer questions about the ‘$2 flat rate or 80% discount’,” he added.

“Apart from that, we have had the support of district council members, the (District Services & Community) Care Teams members and also staff from our welfare NGOs, they are using their own way to explain the operation of the ‘$2 flat rate or 80% discount’.”

“We are pretty confident that the scheme will start being launched smoothly and for those who will be using the new arrangement, they know about the operation,” Mr Sun said.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes Australian and German defense ministers’ joint statement supporting cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2026-03-28
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

March 28, 2026  
No. 117  

Following the Australia-Germany defense ministers’ meeting on March 26, the two countries issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposing unilateral actions that alter the status quo. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and affirms this statement.

Taiwan, Australia, and Germany are like-minded countries that share the common values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. The joint statement once again demonstrates that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the Indo-Pacific region has become an international consensus. Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded countries to safeguard the rules-based international order and jointly promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to European Parliament’s adoption of a report calling for greater EU cooperation with Taiwan

Date：2026-03-28
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

March 28, 2026  On March 26, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the report Global Gateway-past impacts and future orientation. The report calls on the European Union to strengthen cooperation with like-minded partners including Taiwan to construct a resilient web of trusted connectivity. It further emphasizes that the Global Gateway strategy is an alternative to China’s Belt and Road initiative and if properly applied  could restore the EU’s industrial competitiveness and counterbalance China’s growing influence.As authoritarian countries continue to expand their influence through opaque financing and infrastructure initiatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to deepen collaboration with the European Union and other like-minded partners under the banner of integrated diplomacy. This will allow for the joint promotion of modes of cooperation that are in keeping with democratic values. This will promote regional development and prosperity and further strengthen the security and resilience of global democratic partnerships. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Japan and EU reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait at third EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue

Date：2026-03-27
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

March 27, 2026High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union Kaja Kallas and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi jointly held the third EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue in France on March 26. During the talks, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts in the East China Sea and South China Sea aimed at changing the status quo by force or coercion, as well as to increased tensions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order.Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and appreciates the fact that the European Union, the Group of Seven, and other like-minded partners continue to express concern over peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that Taiwan will continue to work with all democratic partners to jointly defend the international rules-based order and staunchly safeguard peace, stability, prosperity, and development across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A major focus of the work of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is in enticing companies from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to explore international business opportunities through Hong Kong. Biopharmaceutical companies focused on advanced therapeutic products (ATP) are a key target sector in this endeavour.

Frank Su founded a Mainland-based biopharma technology company in 2016. Boasting research and development (R&D) centres in both the Chinese Mainland and the US, the company concentrates on pioneering cell therapy projects.

Recognising Hong Kong’s strong intellectual property protections and the exceptional R&D standards of its medical schools, in 2024 Mr Su opted to establish a new R&D base at the Hong Kong Science Park. In doing so, he was able to leverage both robust science and technology support from the Government, and the city’s progressive talent policies.

Policy support

“The biopharma or biotech industry is highly driven by talent and capital,” Mr Su remarked. “To enhance the ecosystem for the sector, companies require increased investment. Programmes like the Clinical Translational Catalyst from the Science Park, and the Research Talent Hub, can facilitate smoother transitions for our company and peers. These initiatives are crucial for reducing investment risks and boosting our long-term confidence in Hong Kong.”

Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences at InvestHK Andy Wong stressed that one major attraction for firms is that Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical standards facilitate seamless access to global markets. In particular, he highlighted that the city amended the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance in 2020, mandating that ATP clinical trials and manufacturing must adhere to global standards under the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).

Global pathway

Mr Wong explained: “In 2016, the Pharmacy & Poisons Board of Hong Kong became a participating authority of PIC/S. If a company conducts clinical trials in Hong Kong, the results will be recognised by other PIC/S members, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This recognition is why many Mainland companies choose Hong Kong for clinical trials and product development, as it provides a pathway to global markets.”

On April 17, InvestHK will host a forum on ATP, at which government officials will explain the latest regulations and industry experts will gather to discuss the benefits of PIC/S, recent ATP developments, and how firms can leverage the PIC/S system to expand their global operations.

Mr Wong emphasised that department opens doors to growth and innovation by offering comprehensive support to companies looking to set up, expand, and scale in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs today (April 2) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 25 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $10 million.

A female passenger, aged 39, arrived in Hong Kong from Prague, the Czech Republic, via Seoul, Korea, late last night (April 1). During customs clearance in the early hours today, Customs officers found about 25kg of suspected ketamine, concealed in food packages, in her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.

After investigation, the arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on April 4. 

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).