MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA urges nationals to postpone tourism and business travel to Uganda

Date：2026-08-13
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

August 13, 2026  
No.384  
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has learned that on the afternoon of August 12, three ROC (Taiwan) nationals—a business traveler and accompanying family members—had their passports withheld by immigration officials upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Although the nationals were eventually granted entry, the officers unreasonably demanded that they produce Chinese passports to receive entry stamps before having their Taiwan passports returned, stating that the measure was part of Uganda’s “one China policy.” 

The incident follows another recent episode, in which officials at the airport confiscated the passports of two Taiwan nationals, one of whom was subsequently deported.

MOFA promptly gained an understanding of the situation, and the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland, which covers consular affairs related to Uganda, immediately provided necessary care and assistance to the affected nationals.

The government of Uganda has yet to officially announce any adjustments to its visa and entry requirements for Taiwan nationals. However, in consideration of recent cases of Taiwan nationals encountering difficulties entering Uganda, MOFA urges nationals to carefully consider the necessity and potential risks of travel and advises them to postpone their journeys. MOFA also reminds nationals who are in Uganda to remain vigilant and stay in touch with the representative office in Somaliland. The office and other relevant overseas missions will continue to monitor the situation, negotiate with the Ugandan government, and offer appropriate assistance to affected nationals.

Nearly 70 Taiwan nationals are currently in Uganda. Around 35 Taiwanese businesses have investments in the country, which contribute to local job creation. In recent years, a growing number of Taiwanese tourists have visited Uganda, bringing significant economic benefits. 

MOFA expresses serious concern over the recent entry restrictions targeting Taiwan nationals at Uganda’s airport. It urges the Ugandan government to face the internationally recognized reality that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. MOFA calls on Uganda to refrain from imposing inappropriate and politically motivated border controls that interrupt normal bilateral exchanges and harm mutual interests. 

In the event of a crisis or emergency in Uganda, MOFA reminds nationals to seek necessary assistance by calling the emergency hotline of the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland at +252-636-292-616 or the MOFA emergency hotline for overseas nationals at +886-800-085-095. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes joint statement by US and 40 other countries expressing concern over recent missile test in Pacific

Date：2026-08-12
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

August 12, 2026  
No. 382  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the joint statement issued by the United States and 40 other countries on August 11 expressing concern over recent missile testing in the Pacific Ocean. 

The joint statement pointed out that recent missile testing in the Pacific did not adhere to standard notification and coordination practices adopted by most nations, and it called for all countries to establish transparent and regularized advance notification arrangements to reduce the risk of miscalculation and unexpected escalation.

Minister Lin commends the United States and other members of the international community for conveying their concern over the security of the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrating the importance they attach to this issue. He also once again condemns China for taking various coercive actions that disregard regional stability.

Published by the US Department of State, the statement was jointly issued by the United States, Japan, South Korea, the Marshall Islands, Palau, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and 33 other countries. 

Minister Lin also welcomes a statement made on August 11 by a US official at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. The official expressed concern over the fact that China had not provided sufficient and appropriate prelaunch notification for the test-firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on July 6.

China continues to significantly expand militarily, seeking to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific through such gray-zone tactics as military intimidation, economic coercion, cognitive warfare, and intrusions by military aircraft and vessels. These actions not only pose a threat to Taiwan but also present a grave challenge to security and peace in neighboring countries and the region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region has become an international consensus and is in the interests of all parties in the region. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work closely with the United States and other like-minded partners to jointly uphold peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific. (E) 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA expresses deepest condolences on passing of Marshall Islands Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua

Date：2026-08-12
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

August 12, 2026  
No. 381  

On behalf of the people and government of the ROC (Taiwan), Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conveys his deepest condolences to the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a Pacific ally of Taiwan, on the loss of Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, who passed away on August 11 at the age of 81. Minister Lin also expresses sympathies to the Kabua family.

Iroijlaplap Kabua worked his entire life to maintain and strengthen ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. He visited Taiwan on numerous occasions and established cordial relations with all sectors of Taiwan’s society. He was a strong proponent of traditional Marshallese culture, values, and national identity. He was respected and loved by the Marshallese people, and his contributions to Marshallese society and traditional culture were widely recognized.

Iroijlaplap Kabua’s passing is not only a great loss for the Marshall Islands. Taiwan is bereft of a great and good friend. MOFA expresses great sadness, and it will always remember Iroijlaplap Kabua’s support of and contributions to the bilateral relationship. His staunch support of traditional Marshallese culture and of Taiwan-Marshall Islands ties will long be cherished by the people of both countries. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes joint statement by Australian and Philippine defense ministers reaffirming importance of Taiwan Strait peace

Date：2026-08-07
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

August 7, 2026  
No. 372  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the joint statement issued following the 3rd Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting on August 7. The statement reaffirmed the importance of cross-strait peace and stability, opposed any unilateral action to change the status quo, and encouraged dialogue rather than coercion or the use of force.

The meeting was held in Darwin, Australia, and was attended by Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

The joint statement once again demonstrates that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the Indo-Pacific region has become an international consensus.

Taiwan, Australia, and the Philippines are like-minded partners that share the common values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded countries to safeguard the rules-based international order and jointly promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region. (E) 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today arrested the keeper of the dog involved in the case where a dog attacked other dogs in Yuen Long on Monday.

The AFCD also collected the keeper’s statement about this case. The dog concerned is currently put under observation at the AFCD’s animal management centre.

The department revealed that the canine was previously detained by the department on July 10 this year in connection with another dog attack case. It was subsequently reclaimed by its keeper.

At that time, the AFCD warned the keeper that the dog must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length in public places, and must be kept under proper control.

The department is currently investigating the two afore-mentioned cases, and will instigate prosecution if there is sufficient evidence.

It once again reminds all dog keepers to keep their dogs under proper control at all times. In particular, they should securely hold large dogs on a leash to prevent them from causing nuisance or injury to other people or animals.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A new survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council revealed that Hong Kong has been the top favourite springboard for Mainland enterprises in exploring overseas opportunities, with 83% of surveyed enterprises regarded the city as their preferred service platform.

The trend of strong global expansion plans among Mainland firms underscored earlier in June when Chief Executive John Lee led a high-level Hong Kong and Mainland delegation Central Asia.

The study of more than 2,000 internationalised enterprises found 82% plan to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% intend to launch new ventures abroad.

Belt & Road markets emerged as the top choice, favoured by 94% of respondents, while 91% expressed interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN nations, particularly Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.

The council’s Research Director Bruce Pang said the surveyed Mainland enterprises expressed a growing interest on going abroad.

“Actually we see a quite balanced interest in these destinations or what they are going to expand their international business, including emerging markets as well as the developed markets as well,” Mr Pang said.

However, going global presents hurdles. Surveyed firms cited market uncertainty, intensifying competition overseas and funding shortages to adjust operations or supply chains as key challenges.

To navigate these obstacles, 83% of the surveyed enterprises identified Hong Kong as their preferred service platform, followed by the Mainland and Singapore.

Mr Pang pointed out that they chose Hong Kong as a top destination that can provide a wide range of professional services and financial services.

“Hong Kong is a super-connector, super value-adder, actually providing a full range, full-scale of services, including financial services, legal, accounting, as well as risk management, ESG, et cetera.”

The 11th Belt & Road Summit will be held on September 9 and 10 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Under the theme “Advancing High-Quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey”, this year’s summit will feature a dedicated “Go Global Chapter” and a new “GoGlobal Connect” zone. The organisers will also arrange a GoGlobal business mission to Nansha, Guangzhou.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office (TACO) today said it has issued notices to two online platforms requiring them to cease any activities that may contravene the statutory prohibition on tobacco advertising, in following up a complaint.

The notices were issued following the TACO’s investigation into a a public complaint claiming that an animation containing tobacco advertisements was posted on the two online platforms concerned.

The TACO, operating under the Department of Health, stressed that the animation in question does far more than depicting a character smoking. It repeatedly, continuously and prominently displays cigarette packs and tobacco products from multiple angles.

Such depictions are suspected to involve product placement and dissemination of tobacco advertisements, in breach of the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, the office added.

From 2022 to 2025, the TACO received approximately 1,100 to 4,600 complaints or referrals each year concerning smoking product advertisements. It issued a total of 180 summonses and 45 warning letters for suspected violations during the same period.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) today announced that it will actively support Mainland insurance funds to participate in mutual access schemes between the Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets. The move will allow Mainland insurance institutions to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Hong Kong through Stock Connect.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, alongside the Executive Director of Investment Products of the Securities & Futures Commission Elisa Ng and the Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited Bonnie Chan, visited the NFRA today and met with its Vice Minister Xiao Yuanqi to discuss measures to further promote the co-ordinated development of the Mainland and Hong Kong capital markets.

Under the newly announced measures, Mainland insurance funds will be allowed to invest in ETFs included under the Southbound trading of Stock Connect. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government warmly welcomed the measure.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed his sincere gratitude to the Central People’s Government and the NFRA for their support.

“The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial centre, strengthening its role as a global offshore renminbi business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre,” Mr Lee said.

“Building on the mature experience of Mainland insurance funds investing in Hong Kong’s stock market through Stock Connect, the policy measures announced further facilitate Mainland insurance companies in diversifying their asset allocation via Hong Kong, while promoting the development of the local ETF market and strengthening its ecosystem. The measures represent the strong support of our country for the development of Hong Kong’s capital market and asset management industry, and are of profound significance.”

Mr Lee emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being closely connected with the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, further enhancing the mutual access mechanism and working closely with Mainland regulators to deepen market co-operation.

“The Government is pressing ahead at full speed with the formulation of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, and will spare no effort in taking forward the preparatory work to seize the opportunities presented by our country’s development, serve our country’s high-level financial opening up, and better integrate into and contribute to the overall national development,” he added.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that enabling Mainland insurance funds to invest in ETFs in Hong Kong through Stock Connect is a win-win initiative with benefits on multiple fronts.

“It not only provides Mainland insurance companies with broader and more diversified investment channels, but also drives the development of the market of exchange-traded products in Hong Kong, further deepening the connectivity and concerted development of the two capital markets.” Mr Chan said.

“We will continue to join hands with the financial regulators and market stakeholders to expand and enhance the competitiveness of this market, opening up more new channels for asset allocation and new investment opportunities for investors from both the Mainland and overseas,” he added.

Source: Government of Singapore

Record nominations signal growing public passion for sustainability

18 August 2026 – Today, 14 individuals were presented with the EcoFriend Awards by the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu, for their exceptional contributions towards a more sustainable and resilient Singapore. In her address at the 17^th edition of the biennial awards ceremony organised by the National Environment Agency (NEA), Minister Fu highlighted that every Singaporean has a stake in the nation’s environmental future, emphasising climate adaptation as a key priority for Singapore’s long-term sustainable development.

2.           The EcoFriend Awards honours individuals from various sectors [1] and backgrounds for their selfless dedication and outstanding efforts in shaping Singapore into a sustainable home. This year’s awards saw nominations exceeding 500 for the first time in more than a decade. The strong response of 510 nominations reflected heightened public consciousness and commitment to sustainable living, a testament to how the EcoFriend Awards has grown since its inception in 2007 into a trusted platform for recognising environmental excellence and stewardship.

3.           With 186 Eco-Heroes commended to date, NEA continues to support recipients post-award, including connecting them with like-minded partners and facilitating potential collaborations through NEA’s people, public, and private (3P) network. Recipients are also invited to apply for funding under NEA’s Partnership Fund, with grants of up to $30,000 or 80 per cent of supportable costs to scale their projects and amplify environmental change. More information about this grant can be found at https://go.gov.sg/neapf.

Leveraging deep-tech, ground-up efforts, and artificial intelligence to champion sustainability

4.           For the complete list of 17^th EcoFriend Awards recipients, please refer to Annex A. Some recipients for this year include:

• Carlo Charles is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flint, a Singapore deep-tech startup developing cellulose-based batteries as a sustainable alternative to conventional lithium batteries. Operating from its office and lab in Singapore, Flint produces around five million batteries annually and has earned international recognition for its innovative battery technology, which has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%. Designed for use in everyday devices such as keyboards, computer mice and wearables, Flint’s batteries demonstrate how Singapore-grown innovation can advance cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
• Iswandie Wanhar founded the Tampines West Green Action for Communities (GAC) in 2023. As its Founding Chairman, GAC has grown into a thriving resident-led movement that has engaged over 1,000 residents through litter-picking drives, composting workshops, beach cleanups and nature walks, supported by partnerships with NEA, the Public Hygiene Council and other national agencies. Beyond engaging residents, Iswandie has built a strong network of trained environmental champions who are empowered to lead future sustainability initiatives.
• Ong Xuan Wan is the Head of Department of Science and Head of Greenovators Applied Learning Programme (ALP) at Dazhong Primary School. She designed the school-wide programme to empower students to identify environmental issues, develop green solutions and advocate for sustainable practices through maker-based projects and overseas immersion trips. Xuan Wan also conceptualised hands-on outdoor learning journeys incorporating artificial intelligence and virtual reality to connect sustainability concepts to real world challenges, nurturing a strong pipeline of young eco-stewards.

“We First” spirit: past recipients pay it forward

5.           Past recipients of the EcoFriend Awards continue to give back through mentorship of the next generation of eco-champions, exemplifying the “We First” spirit of looking beyond self-interest towards a shared, greener future. Mr Veerappan Swaminathan, Ms Pek Hai Lin, Ms Samantha Thian and Mr Loo Deliang, who received the Awards in 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2022 respectively, are currently YOUth for Environmental Sustainability (YES) Advisors under NEA’s YES Leaders Programme. Joining them as new Advisors are Mr Preston Wong, Mr Ernest Goh, Mr Tan Shi Zhou and Mr Carlo Charles who received the EcoFriend Awards in 2022, 2024, 2024 and 2026 respectively.

6.           Beyond mentorship, past recipients also continue to contribute through community engagement and public outreach. Ms Nuryanee Anisah, a 2024 EcoFriend Awards recipient and Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commenhers LLP, continues to support NEA’s public outreach efforts. She actively participates in initiatives such as the Say YES to Waste Less campaign. She is also a booth partner at NEA’s events where she engages the public on sustainable fashion and the importance of reducing and recycling.

7.           The sustained efforts of past recipients demonstrate that lasting environmental change is built not on individual efforts alone, but on the shared commitment for a cleaner and greener future. NEA would also like to recognise all past nominees and the many individuals whose efforts, big or small, move Singapore towards the Singapore Green Plan 2030 goals. It is this collective spirit that will carry our sustainability journey forward.

8.           Members of the public who wish to nominate individuals for the next EcoFriend Awards may visit https://go.gov.sg/efa for more information when nominations open in 2027.

[1] The different sectors include the private, public, non-government and grassroots volunteers, educational institutions, and students and youth. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region