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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced that the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region made the 2026 Implementation Rules for Amending the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the National Security Law.

Exercising the power conferred under Article 43 of the law, the Chief Executive and the Committee introduced amendments to refine the enforcement of measures related to safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The amendments were published in the Gazette and took effect today.

Under Article 43, law enforcement authorities investigating national security offences may apply measures used for serious crimes under existing laws, as well as specific measures stipulated in the article.

The article also authorises the Chief Executive in conjunction with the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, to make implementation rules for such measures. The original rules were first enacted on July 7, 2020.

The Government stated that the amendments published today draw on the experience gained safeguarding national security and will help enhance the city’s enforcement capabilities.

Citing a complex and volatile geopolitical climate, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it must remain vigilant and fulfill its constitutional duty to continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security.

The Government stressed that the amendment rules conform with both the Basic Law and the National Security Law. It noted that the amendments incorporate judicial oversight to ensure that while national security threats are effectively prevented and punished, the lawful rights and interests of individuals and organisations are fully protected.

The Government assured that the amendment rules will not affect the lives of the public or the normal operation of organisations, as the offences are clearly defined.

A joint meeting of the Legislative Council’s Panel on Administration of Justice & Legal Services and the Panel on Security has been proposed for tomorrow. Representatives from the Security Bureau and the Department of Justice will brief lawmakers on the amendments. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

On the last day of his visit to Beijing, Financial Secretary Paul Chan co-chaired the eighth meeting of the Mainland & Hong Kong Economic & Trade Co-operation Committee with Assistant Minister of Commerce Yuan Xiaoming.

Marking the committee’s first physical meeting in the capital, the session reviewed progress in the economic and trade sectors and mapped out future co-operation.

Discussion focused on implementing the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and jointly advancing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Members also explored ways to support Hong Kong’s participation in the Belt & Road Initiative and regional economic collaboration.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Commissioner for Belt & Road Nicholas Ho also attended the meeting.

Mr Chan returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The New Taipei City Council delegation led by Speaker Chiang Ken-huang and a municipal team led by Mayor Hou Yu-ih met in Sydney during their visit to Australia. In addition to engaging with the Taiwanese community, the delegations, with the assistance of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney (TECO Sydney), jointly visited the Parliament of New South Wales to further strengthen bilateral exchanges.
During the visit, the New Taipei City Government delegation conducted exchanges on a wide range of municipal initiatives, including water resources management, policing, tourism, and healthcare. Both sides expressed their commitment to advancing municipal and parliamentary cooperation between Taiwan and Australia, with the aim of delivering greater policy benefits to their respective peoples.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General Wu Cheng-wei attended a meeting of the Sydney National Day Celebration Committee, witnessing the handover between the outgoing and incoming conveners for the upcoming celebrations. During the event, sincere appreciation was extended to Mr. Michael Wu, Convener of the 114th ROC National Day Celebration Committee, and his team for their outstanding contributions and dedicated efforts. Their work elevated the Double Ten National Day Gala in Sydney to a historic new height, strengthening community cohesion and encouraging greater participation from the younger generation.
At the meeting, Ms. Kathy Sieh, President of the Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association, was selected as Convener of the 115th National Day Celebration Committee. Building on the strong foundation laid by previous conveners, the Taiwanese community in Sydney looks forward to another successful and vibrant series of Double Ten National Day celebrations this year.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

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

Under the new arrangement, beneficiaries will continue to pay $2 for trips with an adult fare of $10 or less. For trips with an adult fare above $10, beneficiaries will pay 80% less than the full fare. The adjustment also applies to interchange journeys.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the $2 Scheme aims to build a caring and inclusive society by encouraging the elderly and eligible persons with disabilities to participate more in community activities.

“The ‘$2 flat rate or 80% discount’ adjustment preserves the policy intent of the scheme while striking a balance between enhancing the sustainability of the scheme and minimising impacts on beneficiaries,” he added.

Speaking to the media, Mr Sun said that the new arrangement is expected to save $550 million in public funds annually.

The Government said that the targeted beneficiaries of the $2 Scheme remain unchanged. Eligible beneficiaries can continue to enjoy the concessions using a JoyYou Card or a Personalised Octopus with a valid “Persons with Disabilities Status”.

To ensure the public is well-informed of the new arrangement, the Government will launch a series of promotional activities.

These include Announcements in the Public Interest on television and radio, displaying posters and distributing leaflets at major public transportation networks and through district networks that provide services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, as well as displaying advertisements on public transport.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau will also hold two briefing sessions today for members of the 18 District Councils and District Services & Community Care Teams to explain the changes.

The Government will also deploy service ambassadors at MTR stations and public transport interchanges from April 3 to assist the public and answer their enquiries.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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News releases

2026-03-20

Presidential Office thanks US and Japan for commitment to peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Following the meeting held on March 19 (US EST) between United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during which they expressed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and their opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo , Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated on March 20 that the government of Taiwan sincerely welcomes the meeting and appreciates the key consensus reached on strengthening the US-Japan alliance  and the security of the Indo-Pacific region. Spokesperson Kuo said that the US and Japan once again reaffirmed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to regional security and global prosperity. She also noted that their shared opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion reflects a high degree of consensus within the international community.
Spokesperson Kuo stated that our government will continue to adhere to the principle of peace through strength and that Taiwan remains committed to enhancing its self-defense capabilities and bolstering whole-of-society defense resilience. She also stated that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded countries to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity.