MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false and malicious claims by China’s Foreign Ministry regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and Paraguayan President Peña

Date：2026-05-15
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 14, 2026  No. 207  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns in the strongest possible terms and solemnly refutes the malicious statements made by China’s Foreign Ministry at a press conference on May 12. By falsely claiming that Taiwan was part of China and that Paraguayan President Santiago Peña was a pawn of “Taiwan independence separatist forces,” China’s Foreign Ministry attempted to undermine the close and long-standing diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Paraguay. 

The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. These are internationally recognized facts and the objective status quo across the Taiwan Strait. China has no right to interfere in Taiwan’s diplomatic relations. MOFA once again extends its sincere appreciation to Paraguayan President Peña for his continued support of Taiwan-Paraguay diplomatic ties and for his staunch advocacy of Taiwan in the international arena.

Interactions between countries based on the principles of parity and mutual respect for sovereignty are the consensus and norm in the international community. Taiwan has the right to engage with all nations, and Paraguay’s sovereignty in making foreign policy decisions must be respected. China’s malicious remarks slandering Paraguayan President Peña only serve to make the world more aware of its efforts to undermine the international order through hegemonic behavior. MOFA calls on other nations to unite in denouncing China’s actions.

Taiwan and Paraguay have maintained solid and enduring diplomatic relations for 69 years. President Peña’s state visit to Taiwan this month yielded fruitful results, and several joint cooperation agreements were signed. Moving forward, MOFA will steadily promote a variety of Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project initiatives under the policy of integrated diplomacy, working with Paraguay for the development of both countries and the well-being of both peoples. Taiwan and Paraguay will continue to jointly counter authoritarian expansionism, safeguard democratic values, and uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 13, 2026  No. 206  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once again condemns and protests in the strongest terms and expresses deep dissatisfaction over China’s bid to maliciously suppress Taiwan’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. China is disregarding APEC norms and long-standing best practices and violating its own commitments of 2024, when it was seeking to be the host economy for 2026. Earlier, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office had stated that Taiwan’s participation in APEC would be handled according to the so-called “one China principle” and related APEC memorandums of understanding and practices. China’s actions have disrupted harmony within APEC and highlighted its domineering and authoritative nature.MOFA emphasizes that the text of the memorandum of understanding on Taiwan’s accession to APEC, signed in 1991, did not mention a “one China principle.” It did, however, state clearly that Taiwan would participate in APEC meetings and activities on an equal basis with other member economies. Regarding the MOU signed in relation to China’s accession to the organization, APEC merely took note of China’s so-called “one China principle” and its position that there is a distinction between sovereign states and regional economies. However, APEC did not express agreement with or acceptance of such a stance.At the joint request of Taiwan and like-minded countries, China provided explicit and written assurance in 2024 regarding the safety of participants from all member economies and their smooth entry into and exit from China for APEC meetings. All member economies, including China, supported the inclusion of the following text in joint ministerial statements issued following APEC Ministerial Meetings in 2024 and 2025: “We attach great importance to APEC’s continued cooperation in the spirit of multilateralism, on the basis of consensus with all members participating on an equal footing in all its events, including Leaders’ Week, in accordance with the Guidelines for Hosting APEC Meetings and Relevant APEC Conventions.” As the host economy for APEC 2026, China is obliged to fulfill its commitments and adhere to consensus decisions made by all member economies.MOFA reiterates that following World War II, the Treaty of San Francisco—which has the force of international law—replaced political declarations such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. The treaty did not grant sovereignty over Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and the PRC has never governed Taiwan. Therefore, Taiwan is by no means part of the PRC.Moreover, in the mid-1980s, Taiwan began a bottom-up transition toward political liberalization and democratization, culminating in its first direct presidential election in 1996. Since then, the representatives of the executive and legislative branches of the Republic of China (Taiwan) government have all been democratically elected by the people of Taiwan, making the ROC (Taiwan) government the sole lawful government that effectively governs and represents Taiwan internationally. This has also established the objective fact that the ROC (Taiwan) and the PRC exist as equals and the status quo that neither is subordinate to the other. Further, Taiwan has experienced three changes of governing party—in 2000, 2008, and 2016. The continued consolidation of Taiwan’s democratic system and sense of identity reflects the Taiwan people’s staunch belief in and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Therefore, only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent the 23 million people of Taiwan at multilateral events and mechanisms such as APEC. China has no right to interfere or comment.MOFA firmly demands that China carry out its duties as APEC host economy satisfactorily and comply with the core principle of equal participation of all member economies; fulfill its commitments properly in accordance with APEC guidelines, norms, and practices; and take concrete steps to ensure the equal involvement by Taiwan’s participants in this year’s APEC meetings and activities taking place in China. Taiwan will not accept any political maneuvering aimed at undermining or excluding its participation and will work with like-minded partners to oppose such moves. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns absurd claims by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office regarding President Lai’s upcoming visit to Eswatini

Date：2026-04-16
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

April 16, 2026  
No. 147  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. Foreign visits by Taiwan’s president are a common occurrence and align with international practices. China has no right to comment on such matters. President Lai Ching-te is the democratically elected head of state of the ROC (Taiwan), making it even more inappropriate for China to maliciously disparage his overseas travel.
 
Taiwan has the right to freely choose to engage and develop ties with other countries. It will not accept any interference or suppression from other countries for any reason, nor will it succumb to intimidation and impose limits on its own international engagement. Despite the expansionism and intensifying coercion of authoritarian governments, Taiwan will not cower. Instead, it will continue to confidently interact with the world.
 
China has fiercely and relentlessly tried to diplomatically isolate Taiwan and undermine Taiwan’s international legal personality. This has not only impeded the positive development of cross-strait relations but also undermined the interests of the people of Taiwan. MOFA urges Beijing to immediately cease engaging in such actions, causing trouble in the international community, and sabotaging cross-strait relations. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA solemnly refutes claims regarding Taiwan’s international participation made in meeting between KMT and CCP leaders

Date：2026-04-10
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

April 10, 2026  No. 141  Chair of the Kuomintang (KMT) Cheng Li-wun met with General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Xi Jinping on April 10. Following the meeting, Chair Cheng stated that Taiwan had previously participated in several international organizations under the “1992 consensus.” She also said that after mutual political trust had been restored, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should take steps to facilitate Taiwan’s return to or participation in international organizations and regional economic integration mechanisms. She further added that General Secretary Xi had responded very positively to her remark.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. China has no right to comment on or obstruct Taiwan’s right to participate in such international organizations as the United Nations. Taiwan’s participation in international organizations is a legitimate and legal right grounded in its sovereignty, and should not be predicated on the prior consent of or political preconditions set by China.The Beijing authorities have long maliciously misrepresented United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 on the international stage, sought to entirely block Taiwan’s participation in international affairs, and frequently threatened Taiwan’s sovereignty, as well as the lives and rights of its people, with the use of military force. In addition, China has inappropriately obtained leadership positions in several international organizations through bribery and deception, thereby unjustly excluding Taiwan’s participation and changing the rules-based international order.MOFA strongly refutes the idea that the rights of the Taiwanese people are something to be granted or withheld by the Beijing authorities as they please. China aims to deceive Taiwan’s society into following its preconditions. It uses Taiwan’s international participation as leverage while gradually eroding Taiwan’s sovereignty and diplomatic space.Taiwan is a democratic nation, and MOFA respects the fact that domestic political parties engage in cross-strait exchanges in accordance with the law. However, such interactions should not be conducted at the expense of Taiwan’s sovereignty, security, and democracy. The people of Taiwan should remain aware of the malicious nature of Beijing’s long-standing obstruction of Taiwan’s participation in international affairs, as well as its veiled attempt to circumvent the government empowered by the people of Taiwan, harm Taiwan’s sovereignty, and undermine the people’s long-term interests. In line with the policy framework of integrated diplomacy, MOFA will continue to actively promote Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and multilateral mechanisms. MOFA also urges other countries to further support Taiwan’s participation in global endeavors based on shared values and common interests. Taiwan is dedicated to being a force for good in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the world. Taiwan will remain unwavering in upholding this commitment regardless of any pressure it may face. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 10, 2026  No.138  At the invitation of the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands—one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific—Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, led a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands from April 7 to 9. The visit advanced the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in the Marshall Islands and deepened the staunch diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During his stay, Special Envoy Lin met with Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine, Nitijela Speaker Brenson Wase, Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Anthony Muller, and other ministers and traditional leaders. Special Envoy Lin also laid a wreath and paid his respects at the final resting place of Amata Kabua, founding father and former president of the Marshall Islands. 

In addition to being hosted at a welcome banquet by President Heine, Special Envoy Lin was warmly received by cabinet officials, members of the Nitijela, and prominent figures from a wide range of sectors, underscoring the great importance that the Marshall Islands attached to the delegation.

Special Envoy Lin attended the first preparatory consultation for the Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic cooperation agreement on April 8. Both sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on broadening cooperation in the economy, trade, and investment. A Marshall Islands trade and investment promotion seminar was held the same day. At the seminar, Special Envoy Lin announced that Taiwan would continue to help women in the Marshall Islands create a more favorable entrepreneurial environment and strengthen women’s empowerment. 

While hosting a banquet that evening, Special Envoy Lin joined Minister Kaneko in signing a letter of intent on the establishment of a Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic and resilience fund. The fund aims to establish a credit guarantee mechanism to assist local enterprises in expanding their markets.

During the trip, Special Envoy Lin and delegation members from various industries visited Pacific International, Inc. dock facilities, the state-owned Tobolar Copra Processing Authority, and islands near the capital of Majuro to explore projects with investment potential related to tourism, fisheries, and food processing. 

He also presided over the commemorative plaque unveiling ceremony for the Jenrok Sports Complex, which was constructed with assistance from the Taiwan government for the Micronesian Games. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) drone diplomacy task force specially arranged for Taiwan-made drones to release celebratory ephemera from the air, symbolizing the commitment and determination of both nations to further their cooperative partnership. The atmosphere at the event was cheerful and there were enthusiastic rounds of applause.

Special Envoy Lin stated that to demonstrate Taiwan’s resolve in cultivating economic and trade ties with diplomatic allies through public-private partnerships, MOFA encourages private enterprises to invest in diplomatic allies through a strategy of larger enterprises leading smaller ones, public-private collaboration, combining tangible and intangible assets, and advancing foreign engagement through domestic business models.

Moving forward, Taiwan will accelerate the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in line with integrated diplomacy, facilitating development in the Marshall Islands in such domains as health care, agriculture, education, sports, clean energy, and sustainable tourism. Taiwan will also continue working with like-minded countries to safeguard regional peace and stability and bolster economic resilience across the Pacific. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee will visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June to establish new trade routes for Hong Kong.

Commissioner for Belt & Road Nicholas Ho believes that Hong Kong and Central Asian countries have significant bilateral development potential.

Mr Ho said there are areas of co-operation that Hong Kong and Central Asia can further explore.

“Number one is natural resources. These state-owned companies are looking for a platform, a market to list their companies and to fundraise. Hong Kong can empower that.

“Second is green development. Hong Kong has a comprehensive green economic engine, from green finance to green industry, green technologies, green standards, and green professional services; with these, we can help Central Asian countries to reach carbon neutrality a lot sooner.

“Third is digital economy. Many Central Asian countries are driving artificial intelligence and digital development, and they are hoping that Hong Kong can help them get there faster.

“Fourth is tourism infrastructure. Central Asia has a lot of rich tourism assets, and Hong Kong service providers and hospitality brands can help invest and develop Central Asian countries to unlock these tourism treasures.”

Opening doors

Mr Ho added that Hong Kong is the ideal Belt & Road trading hub. Compared with 2020, Hong Kong’s total merchandise trade with Central Asia had increased by 27% in 2025.

He expressed confidence that the Chief Executive’s visits will further promote economic and trade development between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

“For this mission, we are hoping to first expand into new markets. Second is to build these communication mechanisms.

“We are hoping that this mission will open big doors between government to government, and also chamber to chamber, business to business. These are important communication channels.

“Third is the hub to hub model, we hope that Hong Kong can be Central Asian companies’ hub to access the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Chinese Mainland, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and beyond. And in return, we are hoping that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan can be Hong Kong companies, GBA companies and ASEAN companies’ hub to access into Central Asia.”

Trading partners

Kazakhstan has the most developed economy in Central Asia and is rich in oil resources. In 2025, Kazakhstan was Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and the leading export market in the region.

Hong Kong has also made a significant investment in Kazakhstan, with the city ranked as the country’s 10th largest net-investor globally and its fourth largest Asian net-investor as of January 2026.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Principal Economist Alice Tsang said the council tracks the development of this emerging market closely because there is always new potential.

“We can see that more Kazakhstan companies are actually seeking for listing in Hong Kong, as well as (organisations) like the Development Bank of Kazakhstan also have a ‘dim sum’ bonds issuance in Hong Kong, so we can see that in the services sector there will be huge potential; in particular, there are 14 Hong Kong companies already registered in the Astana International Financial Centre.

“We believe that there are more Hong Kong businessmen or companies that are interested in these new Central Asian markets.”

Rail links

The most populous Central Asian country, Uzbekistan is home to more than 38 million people. It also boasts a diverse range of natural resources, including hydrocarbons, gold and cotton.

In 2025, Uzbekistan was Hong Kong’s third largest trading partner in Central Asia. 

Uzbekistan is actively working to open and integrate into international transport corridors, with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as one of its top priorities. Once completed, the railway will provide Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan with their first direct rail connections to China.

HKTDC Director of Research Bruce Pang noted that some of the countries have introduced serious economic reforms.

“They want to diversify their economy. Like Uzbekistan, the policy-makers vow to better upgrade their light industry. So we may expect more imported products from their light industries.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the State Council’s approval of exemption of the requirement of a guarantee and implementation of temporary ship nationality registration for Hong Kong and Macau yachts temporarily entering and exiting the Chinese Mainland through designated ports in the nine cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and only navigating within these cities.

The Transport & Logistics Bureau noted that under the new policy, the exemption for the requirement for a guarantee will significantly reduce the financial burden on owners of Hong Kong and Macau yachts when handling cross-boundary procedures.

Meanwhile, the temporary ship nationality registration allows Hong Kong and Macau yachts to obtain temporary ship nationality certificates issued by Chinese Mainland without affecting their original ship registration, enabling individual yacht travel within the waters of the nine Chinese Mainland cities in the GBA.

In addition, the Marine Department is actively co-ordinating with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration on facilitation measures for southbound travel for yachts from the Chinese Mainland. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs today (May 29) seized 153 turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, with a total estimated market value of about $1.58 million.

Through risk assessment, Customs today intercepted an incoming lorry at the control point. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species concealed in the socks inside the paper boxes.

The batch of turtles was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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 Development Bureau (DEVB) announced today (May 29) the implementation of two land lease arrangements to facilitate industry development, which are:
 

1. a three-year “Pay for What You Build” Pilot Scheme, which allows lot owners to carry out non-residential development in phases and pay the required land premium as determined according to the actual gross floor area (GFA) constructed in each phase and the “preferred use” proposed by the lot owner; and
2. the arrangement of granting longer-term tenancies of up to 21 years to industries with the support of relevant policy bureaux.

A DEVB spokesman said, “The Policy Address last year proposed to introduce flexible land-grant arrangements such as ‘Pay for What You Build’ and longer-term tenancies, with a view to reducing initial capital outlay and financing costs, thereby enhancing investment incentives in industry sites and accelerating industry development.”

“Pay for What You Build” Pilot Scheme

The “Pay for What You Build” Pilot Scheme is applicable to all lease modification and land exchange applications for non-residential developments throughout the territory. It allows lot owners to carry out phased development, provided that the GFA under the initial phase of the development must amount to at least 60 per cent of the total permissible maximum GFA of the whole development and be completed in time in accordance with the building covenant. The land premium will be assessed based on the full market value of the GFA under the initial phase of the development (i.e. at least 60 per cent of the total permissible maximum GFA of the whole development) and the “preferred use” of the land proposed by the lot owners. This arrangement supersedes past practices. Land premium assessment will no longer be based indiscriminately on the permissible maximum GFA of the lot and the use having the highest market value as assumed by the Lands Department.

To optimise land use, the Government expects the developer to decide whether to take forward the development of the remaining portion of the total permissible maximum GFA (i.e. 40 per cent or less of the total permissible maximum GFA) through another lease modification application within 10 years after the completion of the initial phase of the development, and pay the land premium at the then prevailing full market value in accordance with the use to be stipulated in the modified lease. Considering that under fragmented ownership, it is generally difficult to reach a consensus among various owners on whether to proceed with the remaining development in the future, the Pilot Scheme will also include safeguard measures. The entire site will be subject to alienation restrictions within 10 years after the completion of the initial phase of development, unless approval is obtained from the Lands Department through a lease modification application to develop the remaining portion of the permissible maximum GFA.

If the developer does not come forward for such a lease modification upon expiry of the 10-year period, the Government may, on application from other lot owners in the district, redeploy the development intensity and infrastructure capacity of the remaining balance of the total permissible maximum GFA of the relevant land to other lots in the district. In other words, although the land owner will retain ownership of the relevant land at that time, there is no guarantee that they can continue to develop the remaining portion beyond the 10-year period. Upon the expiry of the 10-year period, the land owner may apply to remove the alienation restrictions through a lease modification.

The Pilot Scheme will start accepting applications on June 1. Details can be found on the website of the Lands Department. (www.landsd.gov.hk/doc/en/practice-note/lpn/PN 2_2026.pdf)

Providing industries with longer-term tenancies of up to 21 years

The DEVB is also introducing a flexible arrangement on the term of government tenancies. For sites provided through short-term tenancies, the Lands Department may, with policy support of the relevant bureaux, provide longer-term tenancies with a total tenure of all the terms not exceeding 21 years. Specifically, tenants can enjoy renewal option upon the expiration of the first fixed term (up to seven years), maximum for two renewals and up to seven years each time, i.e. the longest possible tenancy arrangement is “7+7+7”. The individual tenure may be tailor-made pursuant to the needs of the specific industry. Rent review will take place only when the tenancy is due for renewal having regard to the prevailing market rental, which could increase and decrease.

Compared to the current fixed tenancy term of a maximum of seven years only, the new arrangement of up to 21 years provides greater tenure certainty, and the lengthened payback period is also conducive to industry investment. Furthermore, the rent, once adjusted upon a tenancy renewal, will remain unchanged during that tenancy term, which further enhances investment stability. The arrangement for adjusting rent upon tenancy renewal provides flexibility for both the Government and tenants, allowing market conditions to be reflected in a timely manner. The DEVB will continue to discuss with relevant policy bureaux to identify which government sites are suitable for granting under longer-term tenancies to accelerate industry development. Subject to the fulfilment of the policy objective of promoting industry development, both new tenancy and existing tenancy upon renewal may be considered for the longer-term tenancies arrangement. Details of the arrangement can be found in the relevant circular. (www.devb.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_2398/DEVB General Circular 2_2026.pdf)

The DEVB has consulted the industries and stakeholders on the “Pay for What You Build” Pilot Scheme and the arrangement of providing industries with longer-term tenancies of up to 21 years. They have expressed support for these two initiatives.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

An incident occurred at the Tseung Kwan O Government Offices Dental Clinic under the Department of Health (DH) today (May 29), in which a dental light became detached from a dental chair. The dental light briefly struck a person who had undergone dental service, but the person concerned sustained no serious injury. The DH has apologised to the person and has immediately contacted the local supplier of the medical device in question to follow up the incident. A comprehensive inspection of all dental lights from the same batch is currently underway to ensure patient safety.
 
The DH’s preliminary investigation revealed that, this morning, after a person received dental service in a consultation room, the dental light suddenly became detached while the dentist was preparing to move it aside so that the person concerned could get off the dental chair. The dental light struck the person’s right shoulder. After an examination, no serious injury was found and the person concerned declined for accompanying by staff to hospital for further assessment. The dental light in question was repaired by the supplier’s personnel in mid-April and had been operating normally since then.
 
The DH immediately suspended the use of the dental chair in question and arranged the supplier for conducting a comprehensive inspection of all dental lights from the same batch at the dental clinic on the same day to ensure that all have been functioning normally.
 
The concerned dental light in question is a Class I (low risk) General Medical Device under the Medical Device Administrative Control System. The DH has requested the supplier to immediately inspect all dental lights from the same batch to ensure safety and reliability, and to conduct an investigation and to submit an investigation report.
 
In addition, the DH issued a special alert on the Medical Device Division’s website and notified stakeholders, including the Hospital Authority, all private hospitals, licensed private healthcare facilities and relevant medical professional bodies, informing them to contact the local supplier, Henry Schein Hong Kong Limited, as soon as possible if they are using the concerned device.
 
The DH will continue to liaise closely with the supplier and take appropriate follow up actions to safeguard patient safety.