MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

September 14, 2026  
No. 430  
 
On September 11, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung accompanied Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao as she visited the Italian island of Ventotene to attend the Second European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy at the invitation of Vice-President of the European Parliament Pina Picierno and Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Italy Carlo Corazza. Their visit was made with the full support of President Lai Ching-te and in accordance with his guidance for diplomatic policy toward Europe.
 
In the evening, Vice President Hsiao joined Vice-President Picierno, columnist and former Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Gianni Vernetti, and Italian media figure Antonio Talia for a panel entitled “From the Indo-Pacific to the Mediterranean: for freedom and against totalitarianism.” The conference was attended by over 100 guests, including members of the European Parliament, prominent political figures from like-minded countries, key civil society activists, media figures, and academics.
 
As they arrived at the venue for the event, Vice President Hsiao and Minister Lin were welcomed on behalf of the organizers by Vice-President Picierno, who expressed appreciation to Vice President Hsiao for accepting the invitation and attending in person. In her remarks, Vice President Hsiao said that Ventotene held important symbolic significance in Europe’s fight against totalitarianism, its pursuit of freedom, and its promotion of European integration. Observing that Taiwan had also experienced an era of authoritarian rule and a challenging period of democratization, she said that this year marked 30 years since Taiwan’s first direct presidential election and that Taiwan deeply appreciated that freedom and democracy were not easily won. Vice President Hsiao added that, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and faced with growing military intimidation, gray-zone tactics, economic coercion, and other challenges, Taiwan continued to bolster national defense, economic security, and whole-of-society resilience while strengthening its response capabilities in such areas as communications, energy, and critical infrastructure.
 
Vice President Hsiao went on to emphasize that no island was too small to have a voice, and that no island or society were too small to deserve respect. She said that Taiwan would continue to work with Europe and global democratic partners to defend freedom, human dignity, and democracy. Later, she exchanged views with other panelists on the lessons of the Russia-Ukraine war for Taiwan, Taiwan-US-China relations, Taiwan’s international participation, Taiwan-Europe cooperation and related prospects, and other issues.
 
Following the panel, Vice President Hsiao and Minister Lin attended a dinner hosted by Vice-President Picierno. During the meal, they engaged in warm and cordial interactions and exchanges with Mr. Corazza, Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly Sandro Gozi, Mayor of Ventotene Carmine Caputo, and other prominent political figures.
 
During a conversation with Vice-President Picierno, Minister Lin mentioned that this trip to accompany Vice President Hsiao was his third visit to Italy since assuming office. He explained that during last visit, he had visited the northern Italian industrial powerhouse of Milan, which had attracted significant investment from Taiwanese businesses such as GlobalWafers, TCC, and HIWIN Technologies, advancing substantive economic relations between Taiwan and Italy.
 
During their stay in Ventotene, Vice President Hsiao and Minister Lin also met with Chair of the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament Valérie Hayer. They exchanged views on the shared challenges facing Taiwan and Europe, including security issues, economic coercion, and fostering whole-of-society resilience. Minister Lin and Chair Hayer, who is a French national, also discussed Taiwan-France semiconductor cooperation, Taiwan’s ability to support Europe’s reindustrialization efforts, and other matters.
 
The Second European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy was organized with the guidance of the European Parliament and the support of the local government in Ventotene. The event sought to harness the collective strength of the international community to safeguard such universal values as freedom, democracy, and human rights in the face of challenges currently being posed by authoritarianism around the world.
 
The island of Ventotene is celebrated as the birthplace of European federalism. With this year marking the 40th anniversary of the death of European parliamentarian Altiero Spinelli—a prominent advocate of European federalism—the organizers used this year’s conference to commemorate Mr. Spinelli’s contributions to European integration.
 
During her trip, Vice President Hsiao also visited two historically significant sites—the Cisterne Romane and the Museo Storico Archeologico—with a view to promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between Taiwan and Italy. (E) 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (October 13) continued his visit to Nanjing with a delegation, meeting with Jiangsu provincial leaders and business representatives, attending a promotion conference on supporting enterprises in going global, and visiting a platform for the commercialisation of research outcomes. The visit seeks to deepen co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, and support Mainland enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong to expand their global business.

     In the morning, Mr Chan attended a promotion conference on supporting Mainland enterprises in going global, themed “Jiangsu-Hong Kong Partnership: Setting Sail Together”. In his address, he said that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Through closer co-operation, Jiangsu and Hong Kong can seize the opportunities arising from the country’s pursuit of high-level opening up and translate them into tangible results for enterprises expanding into international markets. He encouraged Jiangsu enterprises to use Hong Kong as a base for their long-term development when planning their global operations.

     Mr Chan noted that Jiangsu and Hong Kong enjoy a solid foundation of co-operation. Hong Kong is both Jiangsu’s largest source of foreign investment and its largest destination for outward investment. As at the end of September this year, 129 Jiangsu enterprises were listed in Hong Kong, with a combined market capitalisation of about HK$1.44 trillion. He said that the two places have a sound basis for co-operation, with ample scope for further collaboration in innovation-driven development and expansion into international markets.

     He said that Hong Kong’s strengths extend beyond stock market listings and fundraising to its high concentration of international capital, financial institutions and professional talent. Last year, Hong Kong recorded 119 new listings, raising over HK$280 billion and ranking first globally in initial public offering fundraising. In the first nine months of this year, Hong Kong recorded over 110 new listings, raising more than HK$380 billion, more than double the amount raised in the same period last year. More than 70 of the world’s top 100 banks operate in Hong Kong. Enterprises can connect with international investors and partners through Hong Kong, broadening their financing channels to support business development at different stages.

     On talent and innovation and technology (I&T), Mr Chan said that Hong Kong’s free, open and international environment helps enterprises attract research, engineering and management talent from the Mainland and overseas. Hong Kong has more than 50 international schools offering a diverse range of curricula. Together with its convenient transport network and vibrant lifestyle, these provide a favourable environment for talent and their families to settle and pursue long-term development in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and university towns, bringing together quality education and research resources from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas to foster the co-ordinated development of education, technology, talent and industries, and accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes. He invited Jiangsu enterprises to visit Hong Kong and the Northern Metropolis to explore co-operation opportunities.

     Mr Chan also pointed out that, in attracting enterprises and nurturing industries, the HKSAR Government looks not only at the scale of investment, but also at enterprises’ technological capabilities, capacity for innovation, and long-term contributions to Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and talent development. The Government is willing to explore investment co-operation with promising enterprises aligned with Hong Kong’s future development priorities, and offer support in areas including land, taxation and other complementary measures. He expressed the hope of building long-term partnerships with Jiangsu enterprises and supporting more Mainland enterprises in becoming multinational corporations with global influence, bringing Chinese technologies, products and solutions to markets around the world.

     Mr Chan also had breakfast with a group of young Jiangsu entrepreneurs in the morning, exchanging views on business development and co-operation opportunities between the two places. He also attended a sharing session with Hong Kong business people and enterprises in Jiangsu to learn about their business development in the province.

     In the afternoon, the delegation visited the National Regional Technology Transfer and Transformation Centre for Higher Education Institutions (Jiangsu) to learn about its work in promoting the transfer and commercialisation of university research outcomes, matching them with enterprises’ needs, and fostering industry-academia-research collaboration. Focusing on areas including biomedicine, information and communications, and advanced materials, the centre provides support covering technology research and development, proof of concept and pilot testing. It promotes the deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation, helps nurture emerging and future industries, and advances the integrated development of education, technology and talent.

     The delegation subsequently met with officials and representatives of Nanjing’s Jiangbei New Area and the centre, as well as representatives of local industries and enterprises. They exchanged views on promoting two-way co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, and between Nanjing and Hong Kong, as well as establishing more regular mechanisms for I&T collaboration.

     At the meeting, Mr Chan proposed strengthening two-way collaboration in three areas to deepen co-operation and deliver more concrete results. First, Jiangsu enterprises can make good use of Hong Kong’s financing and treasury management platforms to support their international business expansion. Second, they can leverage Hong Kong’s professional services to align with international standards, creating favourable conditions for their products and services to enter overseas markets. Third, enterprises can capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international data resources and talent to drive product and service innovation, and better respond to the evolving needs of international markets. He also encouraged the two places to strengthen connections among science and technology parks, universities, enterprises, investment institutions and the professional services sector, facilitate talent exchanges, and bring more promising research projects to fruition.

     In the evening, Mr Chan called on the Governor of Jiangsu Province, Mr Liu Xiaotao. They exchanged views on deepening economic and trade co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, strengthening connections between innovation and industrial resources, and jointly supporting enterprises in expanding into overseas markets. Mr Chan said he looked forward to further broadening co-operation in youth development, talent and cultural exchanges, alongside economic, trade and I&T collaboration, to provide fresh impetus for the long-term partnership between Jiangsu and Hong Kong.

     Mr Chan and the delegation will continue their visit to Nanjing tomorrow morning and depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     The Judiciary today (October 13) reiterated its call for the public to stay alert to suspicious emails and avoid opening them or following any instructions or requests from them.
 
     The Judiciary recently received public enquiries about a number of emails sent from the domain “@pt.lu”. Each email falsely claims that it was issued by the Registrar of the District Court, and has a fraudulent summons attached, purportedly issued by the Judiciary.
 
     The Judiciary solemnly points out that a summons issued by the Judiciary is served either by post or by hand. The Judiciary does not serve summonses by electronic means. The suspicious emails and summonses were not issued by the Judiciary, and the case has been reported to the Police.
 
     Anyone who has provided information to the email senders should contact the Police immediately.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded higher than normal air pollution levels since this afternoon (October 13), and the health risk category of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations has reached the “Serious” level.

     Winds are weak over Hong Kong this afternoon, which are unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.

     According to the Hong Kong Observatory, a fresh easterly airstream is expected to reach the coast of Guangdong later tomorrow (October 14). It is expected that air quality in Hong Kong will improve by then.

     With a health risk category in the “Very High” range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.

     The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students’ health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows: www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.

     When the air quality health risk category is at the “Very High” level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the “Serious” level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.

     Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings on the EPD’s website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Returning Officers for the various subsectors of the 2026 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections received a total of 99 nomination forms for candidates and nine nomination forms from designated bodies today (October 13). This brings to 1 061 the total number of nomination forms for candidates and 32 the total number of nomination forms from designated bodies received since nominations opened on October 7. The nomination period will end on October 20.
 
     The breakdown of candidate nomination forms received by each subsector is set out below:
 

 
Besides, a total of nine nomination forms were received from designated bodies by each subsector:
 

Particulars of the nominations received today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

On the second day of a visit to Nanjing, Financial Secretary Paul Chan met Jiangsu provincial leaders and business representatives, attended a conference promoting support for enterprises in “going global”, and visited a platform for the commercialisation of research outcomes.

The visit by Mr Chan and his delegation aims to deepen co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, and support Mainland enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong to expand their global business.

In the morning, the finance chief attended a conference themed “Jiangsu-Hong Kong Partnership: Setting Sail Together”.

Addressing attendees, he highlighted that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Through closer co-operation, he remarked, Jiangsu and Hong Kong can seize the opportunities arising from the country’s pursuit of high-level opening up and translate these into tangible results for enterprises expanding into international markets.

He urged Jiangsu enterprises to use Hong Kong as a base for planning their global expansion.

Mr Chan also stressed that Jiangsu and Hong Kong enjoy a solid foundation of co-operation. Hong Kong is both Jiangsu’s largest source of foreign investment and its largest destination for outward investment. As of the end of September, 129 Jiangsu enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of about $1.44 trillion, were listed in Hong Kong.

The Financial Secretary said the two places have a sound basis for co-operation, with ample scope for further collaboration in innovation-driven development and expansion into international markets.

Mr Chan iterated that Hong Kong’s strengths extend beyond stock market listings and fundraising to its high concentration of international capital, financial institutions and professional talent. He said that enterprises can connect with international investors and partners through Hong Kong, broadening their financing channels to support business development at different stages.

On talent and innovation and technology (I&T), Mr Chan highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and university towns.

He outlined that these projects aim to bring together quality education and research resources from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas to foster the co-ordinated development of education, technology, talent and industries, and to accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes.

He invited Jiangsu enterprises to visit the Northern Metropolis to explore co-operation opportunities.

Mr Chan elaborated that, in attracting enterprises and nurturing industries, the Hong Kong SAR Government looks not only at the scale of investments, but also at enterprises’ technological capabilities, capacity for innovation, and long-term contributions to Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and talent development.

He added that the Hong Kong SAR Government is keen to explore investment co-operation with enterprises that are aligned with Hong Kong’s future development priorities, and to offer support on land, taxation and other areas.

He expressed the hope of building long-term partnerships with Jiangsu enterprises and supporting more Mainland enterprises in becoming multinational corporations that have global influence and bring Chinese technologies, products and solutions to markets around the world.

Mr Chan also held a breakfast meeting with a group of young Jiangsu entrepreneurs to exchange views on business development and co-operation opportunities between the two places.

In addition, he attended a sharing session with Hong Kong business people and enterprises in Jiangsu to learn about their business development in the province.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the National Regional Technology Transfer & Transformation Centre for Higher Education Institutions (Jiangsu) to learn about its work in promoting the transfer and commercialisation of university research outcomes, matching these with the needs of enterprises, and fostering industry-academia-research collaboration.

The delegation met officials and representatives from the centre and from Nanjing’s Jiangbei New Area, as well as representatives of local industries and enterprises.

They discussed promoting two-way co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, and establishing more regular mechanisms for I&T collaboration.

At the meeting, Mr Chan urged Jiangsu and Hong Kong to strengthen connections among science and technology parks, universities, enterprises, investment institutions and the professional services sector, facilitate talent exchanges, and bring more promising research projects to fruition.

In the evening, Mr Chan called on Governor of Jiangsu Province Liu Xiaotao. They discussed deepening economic and trade co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, connecting innovation and industrial resources, and jointly supporting enterprises in expanding into overseas markets.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to inappropriate comments by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office concerning President Lai’s National Day address

October 11, 2026
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China exist on an equal footing and that neither is subordinate to the other. These are objective facts and the internationally recognized status quo, as well as and the steadfast consensus of the Taiwanese people. The future of Taiwan can only be decided by its 23 million citizens. China has no right to comment on the matter.
 
MOFA once again urges the Beijing authorities to recognize the differences between the democratic and authoritarian systems across the Taiwan Strait, as well as the objective fact that neither side is subordinate to the other. MOFA also calls on China to end harmful rhetoric that escalates tensions across the Taiwan Strait and renounce the use of force and coercion to change the status quo. Instead, China should work with Taiwan to jointly maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific and promote people’s well-being.
 
Taiwan will continue to cooperate with global democratic partners while striving to safeguard its sovereignty, pursue sustainable development, and maintain peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the region.