MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the results of the residential mortgage survey for May 2026.

The number of mortgage applications in May increased month-on-month by 12.8 per cent to 10 767.

Mortgage loans approved in May increased by 10.1 per cent compared with April to HK$40.2 billion. Among these, mortgage loans financing primary market transactions increased by 9.4 per cent to HK$11.7 billion and those financing secondary market transactions increased by 9.1 per cent to HK$23.8 billion. Mortgage loans for refinancing increased by 17.7 per cent to HK$4.7 billion. 

Mortgage loans drawn down during May increased by 4.3 per cent compared with April to HK$23.6 billion. 

The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to HIBOR decreased from 77.8 per cent in April to 73.8 per cent in May. The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to best lending rates decreased from 1.3 per cent in April to 1.2 per cent in May.

The outstanding value of mortgage loans increased month-on-month by 0.4 per cent to HK$1,946.9 billion at end-May. 

The mortgage delinquency ratio stood at a low level of 0.11 per cent and the rescheduled loan ratio was unchanged at nearly 0 per cent.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

The results of the Central Allocation for Primary One Admission (POA) 2025 will be mailed to parents on Wednesday and Thursday (June 4 and 5).(ii) Parents who have provided a mobile phone number on the Choice of Schools Form and indicated their consent to receive the allocation results via the mobile phone number will also receive the Central Allocation results via SMS on June 4; and
(iii) Parents will also receive the Primary One Registration Form with the Central Allocation results, which will be delivered on June 4 and 5 through the Local CourierPost service provided by Hongkong Post. If door delivery by Hongkong Post fails, a Mail Collection Notification Card will be left for parents to collect it from the designated post office starting from the afternoon of the following working day. If parents have not received the mail concerned or the Mail Collection Notification Card issued by Hongkong Post by June 6, they could collect the Primary One Registration Form at the designated collection centre on June 7 or 8. Please refer to the EDB’s POA System webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/primary-1-admission/index.html) for details then.

Please refer to the related videos and Parents’ Guide on the EDB’s Primary One Application e-Platform webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/primary-1-admission/poa_eplatform/index.html) for details of the procedures for activating and logging in an ePOA account and for viewing allocation results via the e-Platform.

Registration of pupils

Parents are required to register their child with the school allocated on June 10 (Tuesday) or June 11 (Wednesday) during school hours.

Parents who cannot register their child with the school on the above dates due to matters of grave importance should notify the person in charge of registration of the school allocated in advance to make alternative arrangements. Otherwise, they would be deemed to have given up the school place allocated.

Arrangements for special circumstances

Should parents decide to give up the place allocated because of special circumstances, such as moving to another district far from the school allocated, they should not register their child with the school allocated. Under such circumstances, they are advised to go to the EDB’s School Places Allocation Section, Podium Floor, West Block, Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre, 19 Suffolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, to make necessary arrangements for transfer. They should bring along the Primary One Registration Form, the original and copies of documents showing proof of the new address (such as a rental contract, rates demand notes, or water or electricity bills bearing the name of the parent or the guardian of the child).

Any parent who finds it necessary to transfer his/her child to another school after registration is strongly advised to obtain an assurance of acceptance from that school before retrieving the Primary One Registration Form from the original school because retrieval of the registration form means cancellation of the allocated school place.

In case of inclement weather or other special circumstances during the period for the announcement of results or on any day(s) designated for registration, parents should pay attention to announcements on radio and television for special arrangements for the Central Allocation or registration.

Enquiries

Parents wishing to obtain general information regarding the POA procedures can call the EDB’s 24-hour automatic telephone enquiry service at 2891 0088. Further enquiries can be made to the School Places Allocation Section at 2832 7610 (for Hong Kong Island and Islands), 2832 7620 (for Kowloon), 2832 7635 (for New Territories West), 2832 7659 (for New Territories East) and 2832 7700/2832 7740 (for general enquiries) during office hours, as well as from 9am to 4.30pm on June 7 (Saturday) and June 8 (Sunday).

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty made by PRC foreign minister in Africa

January 12, 2026  

During a visit to Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho from January 8 to 11, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi ignored objective historical facts as he restated the so-called “one China principle” and spread distortions and falsehoods that seriously infringed upon the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan).  

Meanwhile, the foreign minister of Somalia, speaking with Wang by telephone, made the erroneous claim that the Taiwan issue was entirely an internal matter of the People’s Republic of China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protests and condemns these statements and expresses deep regret that countries are taking untenable positions to curry favor with China.

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent nation. Any claim that makes Taiwan subject to another country based on false narratives is unacceptable. China continues to use threats, enticements, and rhetoric to spread disinformation in the international sphere, which constitutes a challenge to the international order and to peace. All nations should pay close attention to such a flagrant example of authoritarian interference in the affairs of other countries. 

The ROC (Taiwan) has long made efforts to assist the development of like-minded African nations in the areas of education, medicine, and infrastructure, in which it has enjoyed considerable success. MOFA calls on other nations to hold to the principles of independence, sovereignty, and rational thinking when they promote exchanges and cooperation. This is a long-term strategy that leads to national and public well-being. The ROC (Taiwan) is willing to continue to deepen friendly collaboration with all like-minded African nations that respect its sovereign equality and uphold the principle of mutually beneficial ties so as to promote the welfare of their peoples and societies.

Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan. Only they can decide Taiwan’s future. As a force for good in the international community, Taiwan will continue to defend the values of freedom and democracy and uphold the nation’s sovereignty. MOFA calls on like-minded nations that respect democratic values to work with it to curb authoritarian expansionism, and welcomes joint efforts to make further contributions to the sustainable development of Africa and the international community. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to China’s recent attempts at military intimidation in the Taiwan Strait and across region

December 10, 2025The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns recent malicious moves by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to engage in various forms of military intimidation near several neighboring countries and in the Taiwan Strait. Such regrettable actions have heightened regional tensions. 
 
MOFA states that maintaining freedom, security, peace, and stability across the strait and in the Indo-Pacific region is a widely accepted international consensus. Furthermore, China’s unilateral military provocations and suppressive actions threaten Taiwan’s democracy and freedom and the regional status quo of peace and stability. They also destabilize the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific.
 
MOFA calls on China to act in accordance with its status as a major power and fulfill its responsibilities, promptly halt unwarranted military provocations, and respect nations in the region as well as the international order. 
 
As a responsible member of the international community and the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan is committed to firmly safeguarding the cross-strait status quo and bolstering its self-defense capabilities and resilience so as to maintain its security as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, Taiwan will work with democracies in the region to jointly preserve peace, stability, and prosperity. Meanwhile, in the face of external threats and challenges, the government will continue to collaborate with like-minded countries to uphold democracy. Working with the people, the government is determined to protect Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and security.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice today officially launched the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Information Platform today.

The platform provides legal and policy information concerning business operations, employment and daily life within the GBA. It aims to support residents and businesses in the region while promoting the construction of the rule of law.

It consolidates information across six major areas: housing, business, work, education, family and healthcare.

The website features updates on rule-of-law developments, including GBA standards for lawyers, mediation and mechanisms allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law and choose Hong Kong as an arbitration seat.

The platform implements initiatives from the Policy Address and the department’s Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the GBA.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan said the platform uses a “one question, three answers” format to address common issues that area residents may encounter with concise, practical information.

Mr Cheung expressed hope that the resource would facilitate the flow of people and economic exchanges within the GBA. 

Source: Government of Singapore

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND BAPETEN

30 June 2026 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore and The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BAPETEN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the areas of radiation protection, as well as nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

2.           The MOU was signed on 30 June 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia by Dr Benjamin Koh, Chief Executive Officer, NEA and Ir. Zainal Arifin, M.T, Acting Chairman, BAPETEN.

3.           Under the MOU, NEA and BAPETEN will collaborate in a range of areas, including nuclear regulatory policy, regulation of radiation and nuclear applications, radiological and nuclear emergency preparedness and response, as well as environmental radiation monitoring. This will be carried out through activities such as joint training, personnel exchanges, research partnerships, and technical meetings.

4.           The agreement builds on the longstanding bilateral cooperation between the two regulatory agencies, as well as information-sharing and coordination through ASEAN platforms, including the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM). These initiatives strengthen regional practices and standards on radiation protection, nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, emergency preparedness and response and regulatory capabilities.

5.           Dr Koh, CEO, NEA, said, “This collaboration builds on our longstanding bilateral partnership to strengthen cooperation in nuclear safety, regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness, as Singapore studies the potential role of nuclear energy in its future energy mix. It also reflects NEA’s commitment to working with ASEAN partners to strengthen regional cooperation, build trust, and enhance collective preparedness for radiological emergencies.”

6.           Ir. Zainal Arifin, M.T, Acting Chairman, BAPETEN, said, “BAPETEN envisions this cooperation not only as a technical exchange, but as a long-term strategic partnership that contributes to regional safety and security architecture. We believe that this partnership has significant potential to be elevated into a more strategic and impactful collaboration, particularly in strengthening regulatory capacity, enhancing safety and security oversight, and addressing emerging challenges in nuclear and radiation applications.”

7.           BAPETEN is the national authority responsible for regulating nuclear energy use in Indonesia, including ensuring safety, security and safeguards for nuclear and radiation facilities. NEA is Singapore’s national authority for radiation protection and nuclear safety, and is building capabilities to support the Government’s study of deployment of nuclear energy. Through the MOU, NEA and BAPETEN will deepen bilateral and ASEAN-level cooperation in radiation protection, nuclear safety and emergency preparedness.

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For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to statements by China’s Foreign Ministry concerning Taiwan-US tariff consensus

January 16, 2026    

At a regular press conference on January 16, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its firm opposition to the consensus reached between Taiwan and the United States on trade tariffs and related details.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, that its sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan, and that the People’s Republic of China has never governed Taiwan. These are objective facts and the internationally recognized status quo. China has no right to comment on or interfere in the sovereign actions of other nations. China’s remarks underscore its hegemonic mindset and how, as a troublemaker, it attempts to unilaterally change the international order.
 
MOFA is pleased that Taiwan’s negotiation team, led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and Minister without Portfolio Yang Jen-ni, successfully reached a consensus with the United States and concluded talks on trade tariffs and related details. On the basis of this foundation and under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te and the Executive Yuan, MOFA will continue to implement its core strategy of integrated diplomacy, working with relevant ministries to promote economic diplomacy and expand cooperation with the private sector. By encouraging large businesses to lead smaller ones, combining tangible and intangible assets, furthering public-private collaboration, and advancing foreign engagement through domestic business models, MOFA is building an economic and trade joint fleet with the United States and continuing to steadily foster a comprehensive economic and technological bilateral partnership.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to French President Macron’s remarks commending Taiwan on combating disinformation

November 22, 2025The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that during a November 19 event in Arras, France, on the topic of challenges that social networks and algorithms pose to democracies, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Taiwan for its achievements in combating disinformation. President Macron said that democratic Taiwan, which neighbored an undemocratic giant bearing it ill will, had put systems in place to counter large-scale information warfare from China. He emphasized that Taiwan’s methods were worthy of emulation by France.MOFA appreciates President Macron’s recognition of Taiwan’s measures to counter disinformation. Disinformation and foreign interference are challenges that all democracies worldwide face. Having long dealt with the threat of authoritarian expansionism and information warfare, Taiwan has gradually built social resilience and transparency mechanisms. Its experience can serve as reference for international partners.MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan is willing to continue collaborating with France and other like-minded countries to share strategies for countering information manipulation, jointly enhancing democratic resilience, combating disinformation, and upholding the values of freedom and democracy as well as the rules-based international order.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

As of this morning, 85.6% of owners of units at the eight buildings of Wang Fuk Court (Blocks A to H) had submitted Letters of Acceptance to confirm their intention of selling their titles to the Government, the Housing Bureau said today.

Among the letters submitted, 1,481 are from owners of units in Blocks A to G, representing 85.3% of the total number of flats in these seven buildings. A further 217 letters come from owners of units in Wang Chi House (Block H), representing 87.5% of the total number of flats in this block.

The bureau said Wang Fuk Court owners should return signed Letters of Acceptance today to secure first-batch flat selection priority under the Special Sales Exercise.

Owners may submit their Letter of Acceptance by post, by hand or by courier. For those sending documents by post, the postmark date will be taken as the submission date.

Owners can also leave signed letters in the drop-off box at the Housing Authority Headquarters in Ho Man Tin, or hand them over to their Engagement Team members.

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)