MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a trade mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, courting openings beyond traditional markets, while Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Chairman Frederick Ma is optimistic the visit will deliver.

Kazakhstan stands as Central Asia’s most developed economy and regional powerhouse, boasting an impressive gross domestic product that soared past US$300 billion in 2025.

Leading the region in both economic output and purchasing power, Kazakhstan serves as a vital business and logistics hub bridging China and Europe.

In this diverse nation, Kazakh and Russian are the predominant languages, while Islam and Christianity represent the major religions.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan claims the title of the region’s most populous country, strategically positioned at the heart of Central Asia and sharing borders with all its neighbouring nations.

With a storied past as a crucial segment of the ancient Silk Road trade routes, Uzbekistan has cultivated an environment ideal for stable economic growth, consistently achieving over 5% growth each year.

The growth trajectory positions Uzbekistan as a prime entry point for businesses eager to tap into the expansive Central Asian market.

A delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee will visit both countries in June.

Booming economy

HKTDC Chairman Frederick Ma said the trip will be highly beneficial, with a broad cross‑sector delegation expected to drive deals.

Kazakhstan is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and a key export market in Central Asia. Hong Kong’s investment there is substantial; as of January 2026, Hong Kong ranked fourth among Asian net investors. Financial links are deepening, with the first dual listing last year spanning Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is also rolling out large-scale data centre projects, aiming to be the region’s leading digital hub. Mr Ma and his colleagues expect Mainland technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI) firms to see strong outbound opportunities via Hong Kong into this emerging market.

HKTDC Director of Research Bruce Pang explained Hong Kong can provide financial and professional services. As companies build AI platforms and lean on data centres, he noted, fundraising and financing become pivotal – and that is where Hong Kong can step in with solutions.

Embracing transformation
In Uzbekistan, a nation with a population exceeding 38 million, abundant resources such as gold and cotton bolster its growth prospects. The country has made significant strides in enhancing its investment climate, gradually liberalising its foreign exchange market.

Moreover, Uzbekistan has streamlined customs and trade procedures, embraced digital transformation, and improved its legal and institutional frameworks. The HKTDC identifies substantial potential in Uzbekistan’s infrastructure and logistics sectors, alongside opportunities for trade co-operation.

“Hong Kong firms can seize a first‑mover advantage by setting up or partnering with factories in Uzbekistan to develop products on the ground. Tashkent’s push to build a ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ brand can give Hong Kong companies a springboard into Central Asia and ultimately, European markets,” HKTDC Principal Economist Alice Tsang said.

With the Mainland as Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 20% of its total foreign trade turnover, and Kazakhstan as the Mainland’s economic anchor in Central Asia, closing 2025 with bilateral trade volume of US$48.8 billion, accounting for 46% of the Mainland’s trade turnover with the region, the HKTDC noted Central Asia’s appeal to Mainland capital is rising, signalling stronger demand for Hong Kong’s financial and professional services, from cross‑border financing and wealth management to legal and compliance, positioning the city as a key intermediary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice said today that allegations involving the newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and another officer are entirely fabricated, and called the spreading of false allegations a despicable act.

 

The remarks came in a statement issued in response to media enquiries relating to a social media post. It said it had taken note that serious allegations involving the DPP and another DoJ officer were circulating online.

 

The department said that a rigorous investigation was carried out, pursuant to an earlier anonymous complaint and in accordance with established procedures, and that it was confident that the allegations are completely without factual basis, entirely fabricated, and constitute malicious smearing.

 

It condemned attempts to spread rumours online about dedicated prosecutors performing their duties and safeguarding national security as ill-intentioned, malicious and despicable, adding that these rumours were intended to defame public officers, the Prosecutions Division, and even the reputation of the entire department. It stressed that the public should not be misled by unfounded allegations, or become a party to the spreading of rumours.

 

The department has referred the matter to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and corresponding actions to severely punish lawbreakers in accordance with the law.

 

It emphasised that it attaches great importance to the integrity and professional conduct of its officers, and that all departmental personnel, regardless of rank or duties, perform their responsibilities with the highest standards of professional excellence and ethics.

 

The department iterated that it will continue to provide professional legal services to the Government in accordance with the law.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The China Manned Space Agency today announced that the Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceflight mission will launch at 11:08pm on Sunday.

The three astronauts selected for the mission are Lai Ka-Ying, a payload specialist from Hong Kong, flight engineer Zhu Yangzhu, and pilot Zhang Zhiyuan.

As the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a space mission, Ms Lai thanked the motherland for providing the crew with a platform to fulfil their dreams. She also thanked the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and citizens for their full support.

Having gone through a rigorous training process full of challenges, she had a special message for the young people of Hong Kong, and urged them to contribute their wisdom and energy to Hong Kong and the nation.

Ms Lai, 43, was born and raised in Hong Kong. She is a Police Force superintendent and holds a doctoral degree in computer forensics.

She was selected as a payload specialist in a recruitment exercise for the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts and was later deployed to train at the China Astronaut Research & Training Center.

According to the China Manned Space Agency, Ms Lai has completed eight major categories of training, covering over 200 subjects and amassing a total of more than 1,700 training hours.

She passed the flight qualification assessment with excellent results and completed intensified training in flight tasks.

Chief Executive John Lee  congratulated Lai Ka-Ying on contributing Hong Kong’s strength to the nation’s aerospace endeavours.

In recent years, Hong Kong’s scientific research capabilities have integrated with the broader development of the nation’s aerospace initiatives.

The China Manned Space Agency’s Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft was launched earlier this month, carrying a lightweight greenhouse gas sensor developed by Hong Kong universities.

The agency believes that under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong can leverage its international advantages to attract and cultivate innovation talent, thereby contributing to the nation’s aerospace advancements.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The China Manned Space Agency today announced the crew for the Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission, with Lai Ka-ying, a payload expert from Hong Kong, being included in the team of three astronauts.

 

Chief Executive John Lee expressed gratitude to the central authorities for supporting and trusting in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

 

Mr Lee also congratulated Ms Lai on passing the rigorous selection and training process to qualify as one of the country’s fourth batch of astronauts and wished the Shenzhou-23 mission great success.

 

Mr Lee said: “As this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong SAR is embracing a historic moment in the pursuit of its aerospace dream. We are deeply inspired by this moment of extraordinary significance, where a Hong Kong specialist takes part in the spaceflight mission as an astronaut for the first time. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing the Hong Kong SAR’s technology talent with this valuable opportunity to take part in the aerospace endeavours of the country.”

 

Mr Lee highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR has made significant contributions to the country’s aerospace development. Various research institutions and universities participate in aerospace research projects. This includes providing systems, instruments, and technical support for the country’s lunar and Mars exploration missions, as well as conducting experiments in space.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government also established the Hong Kong Space Robotics & Energy Center, under the InnoHK Research Clusters, to participate in national aerospace missions.

 

Mr Lee stressed that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinct advantages of enjoying strong support nationally and being closely connected to the world. With five universities ranking among the world’s top 100, he highlighted that the city provides a powerful impetus for nurturing and attracting innovation and technology (I&T) talent.

 

“The participation of a scientific researcher from Hong Kong in the spaceflight mission for the first time is not only an affirmation of her own capability, but also a testimony to the country’s high recognition of Hong Kong’s I&T talent, development, and achievements.

 

“It also fully reflects the great importance attached, as well as the care and support given to the technological development in Hong Kong by our country. I warmly congratulate Dr Lai and sincerely wish her every success in the spaceflight mission.”

 

Ms Lai thanked both China and the Hong Kong SAR Government for their support, adding that she felt deeply honoured to be able to represent the Hong Kong SAR as a participant in the mission.

 

She said she will strive to live up to the expectations of the country and the HKSAR and expressed hope that the mission will inspire more Hong Kong youths to devote themselves to the field of I&T, thereby contributing to the country’s scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.

 

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong heads a Hong Kong SAR delegation that will witness the send-off ceremony and launch tomorrow at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The delegation includes Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk and other government representatives, as well as Hong Kong I&T experts, youths and students.

 

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ms Lai holds a doctoral degree in computer forensics. She is a Superintendent in the Hong Kong Police Force.

 

In recruitment for the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts, launched in 2022, she was selected as a payload expert and deployed to the China Astronaut Research & Training Center for training. Payload experts are responsible for scientific and applied research at the space station.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks prominent members of US Congress for publicly expressing support of Taiwan

Date：2026-05-16
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

May 16, 2026  
No. 212  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is sincerely grateful to members of the US Congress from both sides of the aisle who have continued to demonstrate strong support for Taiwan’s security and attach importance to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In recent days, numerous lawmakers have reaffirmed the Taiwan Relations Act, the Six Assurances, and other long-standing and consistent US policies toward Taiwan. They have also publicly supported further arms sales to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
 
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) publicly reiterated support for Taiwan on May 15, underlining that Congress had always been highly concerned about cross-strait issues and explicitly stating that the US position was that Taiwan needs to be independent and secure. Other leading members of the US Senate and House of Representatives from both parties have stressed that the United States should fulfill its long-term commitments, promote arms sales, and continue to provide assistance to Taiwan in acquiring the necessary defensive capacities to strengthen deterrence. Among them were Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator John Curtis (R-UT), who jointly led a delegation to Taiwan this year, as well as other prominent Democratic senators on the committee. Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-TX) of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, and Chairman Zach Nunn (R-IA) of the House of Representatives National Security Task Force of the Republican Study Committee also expressed support for Taiwan.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks Taiwan’s friends on both sides of the congressional aisle for continuing to focus attention on China’s intensifying military pressure and gray-zone coercion of Taiwan in recent years. Minister Lin appreciates their numerous reaffirmations of support for Taiwan’s efforts to bolster self-defense and deterrence capabilities. The active backing of both chambers of the US Congress at this critical juncture once again demonstrates the high degree of bipartisan consensus on Capitol Hill for supporting and prioritizing Taiwan. It also fully reflects that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait serves global interests.
 
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to contribute to regional peace and stability under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te. Taiwan remains committed to maintaining the cross-strait status quo, demonstrating its determination to defend itself, and further deepening security cooperation with the United States and other allies and friends in the global democratic community. Taiwan and its partners will jointly address threats to geopolitical security and challenges to international order and stability posed by authoritarian regimes, and uphold peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin thanks US Congress members for raising concern with WTO director-general over Taiwan’s effective exclusion from WTO MC14

Date：2026-05-16
Data Source：Public Diplomacy Coordination Council

May 16, 2026  
No. 211  

The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was held in March this year. The host country, Cameroon, downgraded Taiwan’s designation for the event, compelling Taiwan to be absent. In response, 26 members of the US House of Representatives from across the political aisle sent a joint letter on May 14 to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressing serious concern and urging the WTO Secretariat to ensure that similar incidents undermining the rights of members would not occur again. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses his sincere appreciation for the joint letter.
 
Led by House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez (D-CA), House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith (R-NE), and House and Ways Committee Vice Ranking Member Judy Chu (D-CA), the 26 members of Congress emphasized in their letter that since Taiwan’s accession to the WTO in 2002 as a separate customs territory, its status had been respected and it had enjoyed full and equal participation at Ministerial Conferences alongside other members. 
 
The joint letter also noted that Cameroon had issued visas for the Taiwan delegates using the nomenclature “Taiwan, Province of China,” implying that Taiwan was not a WTO member in its own right. It added that this designation was an improper infringement of Taiwan’s right as a full WTO member.
 
The lawmakers requested that the WTO director-general respond by June 3 to questions on how the WTO Secretariat would ensure that this incident did not set a precedent for future Ministerial Conferences and whether the WTO Secretariat was putting in place written guidelines to provide assurances that similar incidents undermining the rights of members would not occur at future Ministerial Conferences.
 
Minister Lin thanks the members of Congress once again for their firm support and asserts that Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded WTO members to staunchly safeguard its rights and dignity.(E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 17, 2026  No. 213  
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang cohosted a banquet in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 16 for World Health Assembly (WHA) delegations and permanent representatives from diplomatic allies of Taiwan. Minister Lin and Minister Shih expressed appreciation for their continued and steadfast support of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and exchanged views on related issues with the guests. This marked the first time that Taiwan’s minister of foreign affairs and minister of health and welfare had both traveled to Geneva to promote Taiwan’s bid for participation. The two ministers engaged in lively interactions with representatives from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies during the banquet. Minister Lin said that the inaugural Taiwan Smart Medical and Health Tech Expo would be held parallel to the WHA this year to showcase Taiwan’s achievements in smart medicine, smart technologies, and humanitarian assistance. He noted that it would convey the spirit of Taiwan can help and Taiwan can lead while also aiming to deepen global health cooperation. He stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had been actively promoting the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project to assist allied nations in enhancing their medical and healthcare capabilities and supporting sustainable development. He added that these efforts had received widespread recognition. Furthermore, he emphasized that during the COVID-19 pandemic and in other times of international need, Taiwan had promptly provided medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and technical assistance, fully demonstrating that Taiwan was a responsible member of the international community and concretely implementing the concept of health without borders. Minister Lin reiterated that Taiwan was part of the world, that it had the right to participate in global affairs, and that its determination to actively participate in WHO, the WHA, and related mechanisms remained unchanged. He also thanked Taiwan’s diplomatic allies for their support and stressed that only through international cooperation could a healthier, more secure, and more resilient world be built. Minister Shih underscored that Taiwan continued to work with its diplomatic allies to advance medical and health care in such areas as health information, chronic disease prevention and treatment, maternal and infant health, and mental health, thereby seeking to improve global health and well-being. On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), he thanked the countries for supporting Taiwan’s participation in WHO and the WHA. He also sincerely invited their representatives to attend the 2026 Global Health and Welfare Forum in Taiwan to jointly create a digital health future centered on trust.Speaking at the event on behalf of Taiwan’s allies, Palau Vice President and Minister of Health and Human Services Raynold Oilouch stated that all diplomatic allies at the event shared the vision of leaving no one behind. He also recognized Taiwan’s long-term contributions in such domains as health care, infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and education, which had strengthened familial-like bonds and partnerships between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies. He called on the international community to support Taiwan’s participation in global affairs to ensure Taiwan’s voice would be heard. He thanked the countries present for their support of and friendship with Taiwan at such events as the WHA. The banquet was jointly hosted by Minister Lin and Minister Shih in Geneva and attended by the 11 diplomatic allies of Taiwan that are members of WHO—namely, Belize, Eswatini, Guatemala, Haiti, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Paraguay, Tuvalu, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The event helped further Taiwan’s exchanges and cooperation in medicine and health with diplomatic allies and bolstered their support for Taiwan’s international participation. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Tseung Kwan O and Hong Kong International Airport respectively yesterday (May 21) and today (May 22), and seized a total of about 21.8 kilograms of assorted drugs with a total estimated market value of about $7.95 million. Two men and one woman, aged between 38 and 49, were arrested. 

In the first case, Customs officers intercepted a 48-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman in Tseung Kwan O during an anti-narcotics operation yesterday afternoon. About 3.8kg of suspected drugs, including ketamine, methamphetamine, etomidate capsules, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA and a batch of suspected drug packaging paraphernalia were found in their residence in the same district. They were then arrested.

In the second case, a 38-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18kg of suspected ketamine inside his check-in suitcase and 33 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested man and woman in the first case have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (May 23), while an investigation is ongoing for the second case.

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 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.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes 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 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).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

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

     Legislative Council (LegCo) Members met with the Kowloon City District Council (DC) and Yau Tsim Mong DC members at the LegCo Complex today (May 22). This was the first meeting held between LegCo Members and the DCs since the commencement of the Eighth LegCo. They held in-depth discussions and exchanged views on issues related to community development and people’s concern. Going forward, LegCo Members will gradually meet with members of other DCs to gather public views and assist the Administration to achieve good governance.

     During the meeting with the Kowloon City DC, LegCo Members discussed and exchanged views with DC members on various issues, including mitigating the traffic pressure in Ho Man Tin so as to prevent further congestion arising from a growing residential population in the area and extensive driving practice activities. They also explored the development of the Kai Tak Runway Area and strengthening the synergy among the Kai Tak Sports Park, the “Youth Post” hostel, and the cruise terminal. In addition, they discussed the accessibility of Kai Tak Hospital and measures to ensure services will be transitioned smoothly to the hospital from Queen Elizabeth Hospital in phases.

     LegCo Members will continue to liaise with the DC and the Administration on issues relating to transport and district development in Kowloon City, as well as Kai Tak Hospital, and will proactively convey their views. Members’ concerns include traffic congestion and the impacts of driver training and road tests on traffic in Ho Man Tin, the overall transport planning of the Kai Tak Development and the synergistic development of the facilities and merchants to boost the local economy, as well as enhancement of public transport connectivity for Kai Tak Hospital. 

     The meeting was convened by Professor Priscilla Leung. A total of 26 Members attended the meeting, including Dr Chan Han-pan, Mr Jimmy Ng, Dr Junius Ho, Mr Vincent Cheng, Dr Hoey Simon Lee, Mr Robert Lee, Dr Johnny Ng, Mr Chau Siu-chung, Ms Nixie Lam, Mr Yiu Pak-leung, Mr Rock Chen, Mr Chan Yung, Mr Chan Siu-hung, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Yang Wing-kit, Mr Tang Fei, Professor Chan Wing-kwong, Mr Wu Yingpeng, Captain Lothair Lam, Mr Andrew Fan, Mr Cheung Pui-kong, Mr Lau Ka-keung, Ms Michelle Tang, Professor Michael Ngai and Mr Tam Chun-kwok.

     As regards the meeting with the Yau Tsim Mong DC, LegCo Members discussed and exchanged views with DC members on various issues, including the promotion of in-depth thematic tourism in the district by linking intangible cultural heritage items, historic buildings and featured streetscapes into cultural routes. Members and DC Members also explored the optimization of transport arrangements and information dissemination as Queen Elizabeth Hospital relocates its services to Kai Tak Hospital gradually. They were also concerned about ancillary facilities along the West Kowloon waterfront development and called for the strengthening of traffic information dissemination and the provision of pedestrian signage when major events are being held at the West Kowloon Cultural District to ensure more effective crowd dispersal.

     LegCo Members agreed to refer Yau Tsim Mong DC members’ views and suggestions on Yau Tsim Mong in-depth tourism, improving transport arrangements to and from the New Acute Hospital in Kai Tak, and enhancing the accessibility of the West Kowloon Cultural District and West Kowloon waterfront and the recreational facilities therein to the relevant LegCo Panels for follow-up.

     The meeting was convened by Ms Elizabeth Quat. A total of 28 Members attended the meeting including Dr Chan Han-pan, Mr Vincent Cheng, Mr Lee Chun-keung, Mr Lam Chun-sing, Ms Nixie Lam, Mr Yiu Pak-leung, Mr Leung Man-kwong, Mr Rock Chen Chung-nin, Mr Chan Pui-leung, Mr Chan Yung, Mr Chan Siu-hung, Mr Erik Yim, Mr Aaron Bok, Mr Wu Yingpeng, Dr Elvin Lee, Professor Alex Fan, Mr Andrew Fan, Ms Grace Chan, Mr Alan Chan, Mr Chan Cho-kwong, Mr Albert Chuang, Mr Augustine Wong, Mr Ken Wong, Mr Chris Ip, Mr Lau Ka-keung, Ms Michelle Tang and Professor Michael Ngai.