MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (May 25) that it has received notification from the health authorities of the Chinese Mainland of two confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) cases who had high-risk contact in Hong Kong under the joint prevention and control mechanism. The CHP has immediately carried out follow-up actions and epidemiological investigation. The CHP urged the public to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccination. 

According to the investigation results from the health authorities of the Chinese Mainland, the first case involved a 28-year-old male who developed a fever and painful swelling in the groin area on May 8. During his incubation period, he visited a premises called “Hutong” on Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, on May 3, and had high-risk contacts there. The second case involved a 30-year-old male who developed a rash over his bilateral lower limbs on May 15. During his incubation period, he visited the above-mentioned premises on May 1 and May 3 respectively and had high-risk contacts there. Although the two patients did not know each other, they both stayed for several hours at this premises during the same period on May 3. Their samples collected after the onset of symptoms tested positive for Mpox. Both patients are now receiving medical treatment in stable condition in the Chinese Mainland.

The CHP considers that the two patients may have been infected through high‑risk contact with a person infected with Mpox at the premises. The CHP has visited the premises for an on‑site inspection and commenced contact tracing. The CHP has attempted to obtain a list of customers who had visited the premises on that day, but the person-in-charge of the premises was unable to provide the relevant customer information. The CHP already has provided health education to the staff of the premises. To date, all staff members remain asymptomatic. 

The CHP has set up a telephone hotline (2125 2373), which operates from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). The CHP appeals to the members of the public who have visited the concerned premises on Shanghai Street since May 1, especially those who have had sexual contact with strangers there, to call the Mpox telephone hotline as soon as possible, to facilitate the CHP to provide health assessments and advice. The CHP will arrange persons with relevant symptoms to have testing. The CHP has also reminded healthcare professionals of the Hospital Authority and the Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) under the CHP that, if a patient is found to have compatible symptoms and has visited the concerned premises, arrangements should be made for the patient to undergo testing. 

The CHP’s contact tracing and investigation into the source of infection are still ongoing. It will maintain close liaison with the health authorities of the Chinese Mainland, and exchange information on the relevant epidemiological investigations and contact‑tracing work.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 86 Mpox cases (69 local cases and 17 imported cases), including the two above-mentioned cases. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had history of high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms. 

Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

     Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high‑risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
 

1. individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

     High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.

Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

For more details, please visit the CHP’s page on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US President Trump’s comments to media regarding Taiwan

May 15, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted US President Donald Trump’s media interview and comments aboard Air Force One regarding Taiwan. 
 
It is readily apparent that since the Trump administration assumed office, President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other high-level officials have reiterated on numerous occasions that the long-standing and consistent policy of the United States regarding Taiwan remains unchanged. They have also emphasized the importance that the United States attaches to regional peace and stability and to maintaining the status quo. To date, the Trump administration has approved two arms sales to Taiwan and continues to work with Taiwan and regional partners to jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. 
 
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent democratic country. It is widely acknowledged that military threats from China are the only source of regional instability. China has engaged in relentless and substantial military expansionism and attempted to project power globally. People’s Liberation Army aircraft and vessels frequently conduct exercises around the Taiwan Strait—including a variety of gray-zone and military harassment tactics. The key to preserving regional peace and stability is an effective, joint deterrence against Beijing, which is currently the greatest danger to regional peace and stability. Therefore, Taiwan’s primary and overriding mission is to strive to uphold the status quo and demonstrate its resolve for self-defense, protecting the freedom and democracy of its 23 million people and ensuring that cross-strait security and stability are not threatened or undermined. 
 
US arms sales to Taiwan are not only an explicitly stated US security commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act, but they are also a joint deterrent against regional threats. Taiwan thanks President Trump for supporting security across the Taiwan Strait since his first term. The value of the most recently announced arms sale package was the highest ever. Close Taiwan-US cooperation has always been the cornerstone of cross-strait peace. 
 
Taiwan is the most important nexus of defense in the first island chain and a key driver of global economic prosperity. Taiwan will continue to staunchly defend the regional status quo and bolster cooperation with the United States and other democratic partners worldwide to establish effective deterrent capabilities and collectively address the risks that authoritarian regimes pose to geopolitical security, the international order, and global stability.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to media inquiries regarding comments on Taiwan attributed to Chinese leader Xi

May 14, 2026  According to Chinese state media reports on the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Xi Jinping said that the Taiwan question was the most important issue in China-US relations, and that if not handled properly, there would be clashes and even conflicts between the two countries, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy. He further stated that safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait was the biggest common denominator between China and the United States.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs solemnly states that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China are subordinate to the other. China has no right to make any pronouncements on behalf of Taiwan on the international stage.

China has consistently engaged in various forms of gray-zone harassment and military threats in the East and South China Seas, the Taiwan Strait, and areas around Taiwan. Even as the leaders of the United States and China were meeting, the People’s Liberation Army continued to dispatch military aircraft and vessels in areas around the Taiwan Strait. China currently poses the only risk to regional peace and stability.

As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to closely cooperate with the United States and other like-minded countries to jointly maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and uphold freedom, openness, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​An incoming passenger was sentenced to 80 days of imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts today (May 25) for possessing duty-not-paid cigars and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming male passenger, aged 41, at the Hong Kong International Airport on May 22 and seized about 8.7 kilograms of duty-not-paid cigars, with an estimated market value of about $331,000 and a duty potential of about $37,000, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. 

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigars are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys duty-not-paid cigars commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced yesterday (May 24) that it is investigating a suspected case of cruelty to animals at a dog shelter on Ching Tam Road, Yuen Kong San Tsuen, Kam Sheung Road.

AFCD received a complaint on May 21 concerning dogs being kept in cages and placed in open areas at the dog shelter. AFCD officers, together with staff from the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals immediately visited the site but were unable to gain entry. On May 22, AFCD officers returned to the shelter with police assistance and successfully entered the site for investigation.

During the operation, AFCD officers found a number of dogs, some of which were kept in cages placed in open areas without adequate shelter. As the dog keeper failed to make immediate reasonable improvement, the AFCD seized a total of 12 dogs on site and took them back to the animal management centre for care. The AFCD will continue to conduct an in-depth investigation into the case. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecution will be taken against the person concerned.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), any person who treats an animal cruelly, including causing any unnecessary suffering to an animal by any act or omission without reasonable cause, commits an offence. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years.

Members of the public who come across any suspected cases of cruelty to animals are urged to report to AFCD immediately by calling 1823. In case of emergency, please call the Police for assistance.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, “This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong’s innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country’s aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country’s fourth batch of astronauts, and China’s fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong’s strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

“The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government’s Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China’s Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong’s first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s innovation and technology edge and talent advantages.”

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong’s scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country’s overall development.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (May 24) that the red flag at Hung Shing Yeh Beach in Islands District has been lowered.

The red flag was hoisted at the beach earlier after an oil spill.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A delegation led by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) completed their three-day technical visits on hydrogen in Yangtze River Delta region today (May 23).

The Yangtze River Delta is one of the most vibrant regions for the hydrogen industry development in the country, with a complete industrial chain and an innovation-driven ecosystem. The delegation, comprised international and Hong Kong hydrogen experts and corporate representatives, visited state-level key hydrogen testing facilities and leading hydrogen enterprises in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. They learnt about fuel cell vehicles, fuel cells, liquid hydrogen equipment, hydrogen tank containers, electrolysers and railway-related hydrogen equipment, as well as a variety of innovative and large-scale application scenarios, including the Jiaxing Zhapu International Port Container Terminal and a hydrogen refuelling station supplied with hydrogen via pipelines.

The delegation learnt about national-level hydrogen testing capabilities, research and manufacturing capacities across the five core segments of the hydrogen industry namely production, storage, transportation, refuelling and utilisation, as well as application outcomes of hydrogen in various scenarios, further deepening collaboration between the country and international partners in hydrogen development.

When concluding the visits, the Assistant Director (Gas and General Legislation) of the EMSD, Mr Eric Wong, said that, as set out in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”, Hong Kong will actively integrate itself into the country’s overall development and plays an active role of “Bringing in” and “Going Global”. The visits were one of the key events of the Hydrogen Week. By leading representatives from more than ten countries and hydrogen experts to witness on-site the significant potential of the hydrogen energy technologies in the country and Hong Kong, the visits are expected to help foster more cross-border co-operation opportunities, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.

​Looking ahead, the EMSD will continue to make use of key platforms such as the Hydrogen Week, to give full play to Hong Kong’s advantages of internationalisation and connecting the Mainland and the world. This will help high-quality hydrogen enterprises from the Mainland and Hong Kong to “go global”, while bringing international enterprises and capital into the country, thereby contributing to the robust development of the country’s hydrogen industry in the international market.