MOFA response to article in US-based Time magazine concerning President Lai
Date：2025-10-24
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs
October 24, 2025
The government of Taiwan has always taken a responsible approach in staunchly safeguarding the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and promoted its cross-strait policy in a steady, rational, and pragmatic manner. Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining the status quo has never changed, nor has Taiwan ever sought to raise tensions.
President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly emphasized that peace is the only option. Maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait has been Taiwan’s consistent position and is the shared consensus of the international community. Furthermore, it should be noted that China is the source of disruption to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait due to its persistent rhetorical and military aggression against Taiwan—including military exercises, gray-zone threats, and cognitive warfare.
In facing these external challenges and threats, the government of Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities and build whole-of-society resilience so as to ensure citizens’ safety and the sustainable operation of its democratic system. Such efforts will also serve to uphold cross-strait peace and regional stability.
At the same time, as a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to cooperate with like-minded nations to jointly defend the rules-based international order and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific.
MOFA response to statement by new Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara on deepening exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan
Date：2025-10-23
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION
October 23, 2025
During a press conference on October 22, Japan’s newly appointed Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that Taiwan and Japan shared fundamental values and that bilateral economic and trade relations were close. Noting the frequent people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and Japan, Mr. Kihara also described the two countries as being very important partners and dear friends. He added that the government of Japan, based on its existing policy position, would deepen exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung highly appreciates and welcomes these remarks.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet was formally inaugurated on October 21. The public pronouncement on October 22 of a willingness to further strengthen Japan’s friendly cooperation with Taiwan demonstrates that upholding peace and security across the Taiwan Strait and advancing comprehensive partnership between the two countries remain the clear cross-party consensus in Japan, as well as the consistent stance of the Japanese administration.
Taiwan and Japan lie close to one another and their peoples enjoy strong and enduring ties. As members of the free and democratic community, the two nations are forces for good in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to promote the development of Taiwan-Japan relations and collaborate with like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific.
The 20th Eco Expo Asia opened today and will run until this Friday.
Themed “Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality”, more than 200 officials from around 44 official delegations from the Chinese Mainland, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Belt & Road (B&R) countries, along with industry elites and experts from the environmental sector, attended to exchange and share experiences and technologies on green innovations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan said Hong Kong serves as a “super connector” in the global journey towards sustainability. With its unique position as an international city within the Guangdong-Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area and a bridge between the Chinese Mainland and the world, Hong Kong brings together talent, technology and capital to foster collaboration and scale up green innovation.
Mr Tse announced that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Ministry of Ecology & Environment will sign a co-operation agreement on jointly setting up the Belt & Road Green Development Cooperation Hong Kong platform, which will connect the B&R Initiative International Green Development Coalition and promote co-operation between the B&R countries.
He added that the Hong Kong SAR Government will set up the Sustainable Green Development Training Centre next year to nurture talent in environmental protection.
During the launch ceremony, Mr Tse witnessed Director of Environmental Protection Samuel Chui exchange a memorandum of co-operation with the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. The memorandum aims to establish the East Asia Hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School in Hong Kong, providing training in water quality management and sewage treatment.
At the opening ceremony, highlights from the second series of Enchanting China produced by the bureau and the Environmental Protection Department, in collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education & Communications of the Ministry of Ecology & Environment, and Beautiful Hong Kong – Mirs Bay produced by the bureau were presented, showcasing the efforts and achievements of the country and the Hong Kong SAR Government in environmental protection and nature conservation.
The expo will be open to the public for free on its final day, to encourage citizens to participate in environmental protection and promote green living, the bureau noted.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
26 more nomination forms for Legislative Council General Election received today
Geographical constituencyThe number of nomination forms received for each functional constituency is as follows:
Functional constituency The number of nomination forms received today for the Election Committee constituency is five and the cumulative total number is 20.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 28) recorded two severe paediatric influenza infection cases. Both had underlying illnesses. The CHP reiterated its appeal to urged schools and parents to arrange for schoolchildren to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccination also reduces the risk of serious illness or death from infection.
The first case involves an 11-year-old boy. He has developed a fever, cough and shortness of breath since October 25. He attended the Accident and Emergency Departement (AED) of Princess Margaret Hospital on the following day (October 26) and was admitted for treatment. Today, he was transferred to the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit today due to hypotension. He is currently in serious condition. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock.
A recent outbreak of influenza-like illness was recorded in the school dormitory where the boy lives. Three other residents of the dormitory and two staff members recently developed respiratory symptoms. One resident, who required hospitalisation, had a nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. This resident was subsequently discharged after recovering. The symptoms of the other four patients are mild and hospitalisation was not required. The CHP has provided the dormitory with infection control advice, and will administer chemoprophylaxis to its residents and staff.
Another case involves a 11-month-old boy. He has been admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital due to his own underlying disease. He has developed a fever and cough since yesterday (October 27). He was transferred to paediatric intensive care unit of the hospital. He is currently in critical condition. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. One of his household contacts developed respiratory symptoms recently, and subsequently recovered.
Neither patient had travel history recently, nor had they received the 2025/26 SIV.
Including the abovementioned two cases, there have been 16 severe paediatric influenza cases since the start of the school year in September, including one fatal case. The affected children aged 11 months to 17 years, with 11 having good past health.　　
“Hong Kong is currently in the summer influenza season and there has been a significant increase in influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools since September. As of October 27, a total of 677 outbreaks have been reported in schools since the start of the school year in September, including 71 cases in kindergartens/child care centres, 369 cases in primary schools and 237 cases in secondary schools. Based on the current level of influenza activity and trend analysis, the local influenza activity is expected to remain at a relatively high level over the next few weeks. Furthermore, viruses tend to become more active when temperatures drop. The winter influenza season in Hong Kong typically occurs between January and March. The current summer influenza season may overlap with the upcoming winter influenza season, which could lead to more hospitalisations due to influenza infection than in previous years. I urge all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, who have not yet received the SIV, to act promptly, particularly those high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression. Members of the public may also contact their family doctors to arrange for vaccinations,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
Dr Tsui reminded high-risk individuals to wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
“Members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, should seek medical advice promptly if presented with fever and respiratory symptoms, for early treatment. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to an AED immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions,” Dr Tsui said.
In addition to issuing timely reminders to healthcare professionals and schools based on the latest seasonal influenza development, the CHP also uploads the latest seasonal influenza information on its website weekly. Members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.
Hong Kong’s ranking in the Rule of Law Index 2025 continues to rank sixth in East Asia and the Pacific, and 24th out of 143 countries and jurisdictions globally, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said.
In a statement responding to the annual World Justice Project Rule of Law Index released today, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the city’s overall score remains unchanged and is the same as the countries ranked 22nd and 23rd globally.
The scores in most of the aspects have only been slightly adjusted, the statement said, adding that Hong Kong remains high in the overall ranking and continues to be ahead of some European and American countries which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation of the city.
Hong Kong maintains its position within the top 10 globally in respect of “Absence of Corruption” and “Order & Security”. The global rankings in relation to “Absence of Corruption” and “Regulatory Enforcement” are higher than last year, ranking 9th and 15th respectively.
This shows that in addition to its comprehensive regulatory enforcement mechanism, Hong Kong remains one of the most corruption-free places in the world and that the effectiveness of its anti-corruption efforts has been recognised internationally, the statement pointed out.
This also demonstrates the Hong Kong SAR Government’s full commitment to combating acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law after the full implementation of the National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, restoring order in the community and ensuring steady economic development and its long-term prosperity and stability effectively.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said that the continuous improvement in these areas is conducive to the construction of rule of law and positive business environment, consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s unique advantages, and allowing it to fully play its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” through its connectivity with both the Mainland and the world.
Hong Kong’s rankings in respect of “Criminal Justice”, “Civil Justice” and “Constraints on Government Powers” remain almost unchanged. Its judicial system is protected by the Basic Law, while all prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective analysis of admissible evidence and applicable laws, free from any interference.
The legal framework in Hong Kong aligns with international standards and keeps up with the times, fully safeguarding the rights of all parties. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and anyone charged with a criminal offence or involved in civil and commercial cases has the right to a fair hearing.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s scores and global rankings slightly drop in the aspects of “Open Government” and “Fundamental Rights”. However, its rankings in these areas in East Asia and the Pacific remain unchanged.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said the minor drop in the rankings does not fully reflect the real situation in Hong Kong, emphasising that it will continue to strengthen its explanatory work through various channels.
Hong Kong has a robust legal framework for the protection of human rights and an open judicial system, and its Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its citizens as protected under the law, the statement said, adding that its residents can seek justice through legal means and are protected by a solid legal aid system under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance.
Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in the world. Its legal system is fair and well-established, highly aligned with international standards, and home to a deep pool of legal professionals with extensive international experience, the statement outlined.
The construction of rule of law in Hong Kong remains robust and stable, and its high standard of justice has been widely recognised and respected by the international community, it added.
The Hong Kong SAR Government will steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, fully and faithfully live up to the principle of “one country, two systems” and promote the rule of law education to comprehensively uphold the rule of law in the city.
It will also enhance its explanatory efforts through various channels, including inviting overseas people to engage in international events in Hong Kong such as international legal forums, enabling them to experience and understand its actual situation first hand.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 27) and seized a total of about four kilograms of suspected cocaine and about 12kg of suspected ketamine, with a total estimated market value of about $7.9 million. Two persons suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.
In the first case, a 26-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a batch of suspected cocaine, weighing about 4kg with an estimated market value of about $2.4 million, concealed in the false compartment of his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
In the second case, a 50-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, via Doha, Qatar, on the same day. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a batch of suspected ketamine, weighing about 12kg with an estimated market value of about $5.5 million, in her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.
For the first case, an investigation is still ongoing. The arrested woman in the second case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and she will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on October 30.
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 to 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.
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
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (October 28) that leading global trading firm IMC Trading (IMC) has expanded its Hong Kong office located in Central and plans to grow its local team. IMC aims to strengthen its role in the local market, scale its regional footprint, and continue driving global trading innovation from Hong Kong.
The Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, congratulated IMC on its expansion. She said, “IMC’s expansion in Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s appeal as a premier financial hub in the Asia Pacific. Hong Kong offers leading fintech firms like IMC access to a deep talent pool, proximity to major exchanges, and a supportive ecosystem for financial innovation. We look forward to seeing IMC thrive in the city and beyond.”
“The city’s unique combination of a sophisticated capital market, and its role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ to other Asia Pacific markets, makes it an ideal launchpad for companies to scale their operations,” she added.
The Managing Director of IMC’s Hong Kong office, Mr Andrew Fong, highlighted Hong Kong’s strengths as a leading financial hub in Asia Pacific with access to top-tier quant, technology and trading talent; its proximity to key exchanges and regulatory bodies; and strong government support for financial innovation and talent attraction. “We see strong long-term prospects in expanding our trading strategies, as well as building new research capabilities in emerging areas like AI and machine learning. We are actively seeking researchers, traders and engineers to join our expanding Hong Kong office,” he said.
IMC is a proprietary trading firm headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. With a global presence across Europe, the United States and the Asia Pacific, IMC provides liquidity in futures, options, equities and Exchange Traded Funds. Since establishing its Hong Kong office in 2006, IMC has become a key player on Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and one of the top participants in the securities market. The firm leverages advanced quantitative research and AI to contribute to market liquidity and efficiency through its technology-driven strategies.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health announced today (October 28) that frontline TACO officers will start using smart tools for issuing fixed penalty notices (FPNs) from October 30. This initiative will streamline procedures, improve data accuracy and enhance enforcement efficiency.
Frontline TACO officers are empowered to enforce the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), which includes taking prosecution actions against individuals who smoke in statutory no-smoking areas or on public transport carriers.
Currently, TACO officers need to manually fill in offenders’ personal details on printed FPNs during enforcement. Staff in the back office then check the information and input it into the backend system.
Starting October 30, when issuing FPNs to offenders, TACO officers will be able to scan offenders’ Hong Kong identity (HKID) cards using an electronic system, which will instantly import the offender’s personal details, such as name and HKID number, into the FPN. The system will also automatically record the time, location and details of the enforcement officers. Officers will print the FPNs on the spot using portable printers and issue them to the offenders. The data will be automatically synchronised with the backend system, saving processing time and manpower needs in the back office while improving overall efficiency.
Neither TACO officers nor the relevant mobile application will store images of the offenders’ HKID cards. The personal data collected during enforcement will remain the same as that currently recorded manually.
The Director of Health, empowered under section 17A of the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offences) Ordinance (Cap. 600), has specified the formats for both handwritten and mobile-printed FPNs (see Annex). Although the two versions of FPNs differ slightly in format, their content is identical and both carry the same legal effect. Offenders may still be issued handwritten FPNs by TACO or other law enforcement departments.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Youth Employment Start (Y.E.S.) of the Labour Department will hold the Chill Bazaar 2025 – Entrepreneurship Experience Day, at the Atrium of Mira Place 1, Tsim Sha Tsui, from noon to 8pm on November 1 and 2. Members of the public are welcome to visit.
The event offers business members of Y.E.S. a chance to set up retail stalls for free in the bazaar and gain entrepreneurship experience. This year, Y.E.S. received over 80 applications for the Entrepreneurship Experience Day, and 25 teams were chosen to participate after a screening and selection process. The selected members are provided with comprehensive support services by Y.E.S. and a professional consultant, including training, a one-on-one consultation prior to the event, on-the-spot support services and post-event reviews.
This year’s bazaar will feature 25 stalls selling a diverse range of handcrafted and innovative products such as handicrafts, cultural and creative products, cultural crafts, handcrafted ceramics, and eco-friendly and aromatherapy products. Visitors can explore and shop for these unique products from various retail stalls, vote for the retail stalls with the respective awards of the Most Attractive Product, Most Distinctive Stall Decoration, and Best Customer Service at the bazaar, and receive a souvenir. Moreover, visitors will receive tokens after their purchases for participating in games and taking photos at the photo booths on-site.
During the bazaar, Y.E.S. will also set up a counter to introduce its free one-stop comprehensive employment, training, and self-employment support services offered to members aged 15 to 29. Eligible young people who complete the on-site membership registration will receive exclusive welcome gifts. For more details, please visit the Y.E.S. website (www.e-start.gov.hk).