MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets delegation led by US Congressional Black Caucus Vice Chair Lucy McBath
On the afternoon of June 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Congressional Black Caucus Vice Chair Lucy McBath. In remarks, President Lai thanked Congress for its longstanding and robust support for democratic Taiwan and for continuing to deepen Taiwan-US relations. He expressed hope for even more collaboration and exchanges to jointly advance development in both Taiwan and the US in such areas as technology and advanced science. The president also expressed hope for the swift passage of legislation on the avoidance of double taxation between Taiwan and the US, which will further reduce investment barriers, increase companies’ willingness to expand, and create a more favorable environment for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I would first like to warmly welcome this delegation from the Congressional Black Caucus to Taiwan. I am delighted to meet and exchange views with Vice Chair McBath and Representative Valerie Foushee on their first visit to our nation. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US, as well as the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. Furthermore, tomorrow is Juneteenth, a day marking key civil rights developments in the US. Your presence at this time lends even greater significance to this trip. Be it the founding process of the US, the spirit of Juneteenth, or Taiwan’s democratic development, these things all remind us that democracy and freedom can never be taken for granted. Rather, they are common ideals that must be safeguarded, strengthened, and passed down from generation to generation.
I would like to thank Vice Chair McBath and Representative Foushee, as well as the US Congress, for their longstanding and robust support for democratic Taiwan, and for continuing to deepen Taiwan-US relations. Through our joint efforts, Taiwan became the fourth largest trading partner of the US last year. In the first quarter of this year, the US became Taiwan’s largest external trading partner. This is not only representative of our close economic and trade exchanges, but also demonstrates our rock-solid friendship.
At the present moment, faced with a rapidly changing international landscape, Taiwan will continue to strengthen its economic resilience and enhance its self-defense capabilities. We will advance defense exchanges and cooperation with the US so as to jointly maintain regional stability, and will also continue to deepen industrial cooperation with various US states. I understand that both of you have long focused on technological innovation and talent cultivation. I am delighted to share that just last month, we signed a letter of intent on establishing the Taiwan-US Semiconductor Education Alliance. We look forward to combining our bilateral advantages and jointly cultivating the next generation of tech talent. This will lay an even firmer foundation for industrial development.
In particular, the states of Georgia and North Carolina, represented by Vice Chair McBath and Representative Foushee, respectively, are major hubs for emerging industries and technological R&D in the US. Their current development trajectories align closely with the AI and high-tech industrial upgrading that Taiwan is strongly promoting. In the future, we look forward to both sides engaging in even more collaboration and exchanges. This will jointly advance development in both Taiwan and the US in such areas as technology and advanced science.
We also hope that Congress can swiftly complete the passage of legislation on the avoidance of double taxation between Taiwan and the US. This will further reduce investment barriers, increase companies’ willingness to expand, and create a more favorable environment for bilateral economic and trade cooperation. In closing, I once again welcome our guests, who have traveled a great distance to be here. I wish this delegation a successful and fruitful visit, and hope that your time here in Taiwan is memorable.
Vice Chair McBath then delivered remarks, stating that the purpose of the delegation’s visit is to reaffirm the enduring support for Taiwan in the US Congress, and that this visit is an important opportunity to meet face to face, discuss our shared economic future, and gain firsthand experiences that will inform their work moving forward.
Vice Chair McBath noted that both Taiwan and the US intimately understand that democracy is not something to be taken for granted; it must be constantly tended to and nurtured, and the health and well-being of a democratic institution demands engagement and participation from all its citizens. Marked not only by our shared democratic interests, the vice chair said, the US-Taiwan relationship is one rooted in mutual respect for economic prosperity and innovation. For decades, she said, US policy has recognized that a secure and prosperous Taiwan contributes directly to regional stability and to the credibility of US commitments worldwide; it is also representative of our shared trust and support for the prosperity of our people.
Vice Chair McBath expressed hope that this visit will demonstrate the importance of the longstanding partnership between our nations and the commitment of the Congressional Black Caucus to peace and stability here and across the Taiwan Strait. She added that our economic relationship is a foundation for prosperity for the US and Taiwan. At a time when our world becomes more centered around technology, she stated, innovation led by Taiwan helps pave a way forward and keeps our world connected. The vice chair closed by stating that they look forward to strengthening US relations with Taiwan and hope that we may all live in peace, respecting the dignity of our shared democratic ideals. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Asia Society Hong Kong Game Changer Award today (June 18):

Deputy Commissioner Hua You (Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Chairman Ronnie Chan (Chairman of Asia Society Hong Kong Center), Sir Gordon Wu (Chairman of the Board of Hopewell Holdings Limited), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. I am very delighted to join you, tonight, for this very special occasion. We are here to honour Sir Gordon Wu, to present the founder and Chairman of Hopewell Holdings with the Asia Society Hong Kong Game Changer Award.This Award recognises the achievements of remarkable individuals, those who have established a singular connection with Hong Kong and an outstanding track record in advancing understanding of Asia through culture, ideas and innovation.

Sir Gordon is richly deserving this award. He is a visionary dedicated to promoting the economic development of Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Southeast Asia, and beyond. More than advancing understanding, he has trailblazed connectivity. He builds bridges, roads, tunnels and infrastructure that bring people, cities, regions and countries together.

A pioneering believer in the boundless promise of our country, China, Sir Gordon has spearheaded countless critical infrastructure and construction projects on the Chinese Mainland.

His far-reaching enterprises have ranged from power stations serving millions in the Pearl River Delta region to Guangzhou’s China Hotel, one of the country’s first five-star hotels.

The China Hotel became China’s first major development to incorporate the Build-Operate-Transfer model. Sir Gordon then applied this smart financing and delivery model to highways and power plants, laying a solid foundation for decades of infrastructure projects across the region.

One of the earliest advocates of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a lot of people may not know this, Sir Gordon should be immensely proud of its grand realisation. The Bridge has been instrumental in propelling the Greater Bay Area’s economic development. No wonder Sir Gordon has earned his name as “King of Highways”. Well deserving.

His public and community service in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, the rest of Asia and the world beyond, is equally commendable. He has been Chairman of the then Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board, a member of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, as well as the Commission on Strategic Development of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council, an advisor to the Urban Renewal Authority, and a great deal more. If I keep on repeating, you will not have time for dinner.

He has also been a member of the United Nations Association of China, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the World Bank’s IFC Business Advisory Council and the APEC Business Advisory Council.

In 2004, Sir Gordon was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star for his contributions to society and Hong Kong’s logistics and maritime development.

This evening’s tribute, and presentation of the Asia Society Hong Kong Game Changer Award, brings it all together. It is a much welcomed opportunity to honour Sir Gordon for a lifetime abounding in achievement.

And let me add — this comes at a proud moment for Hong Kong. Today, the International Institute for Management Development ranked our city second globally in competitiveness, up one place from last year and the highest since 2019.

Also today, the newly released QS World University Rankings ranked five of our universities in the world’s top 100, with, for the first time ever, two Hong Kong universities ranked in the global top 20, and four in the top 50 for the first time in six years. I am glad that these two pieces of good news of Hong Kong add to the happy moment this evening of tonight’s award ceremony.

I know you all can’t wait. Sir Gordon, this is your evening, congratulations. And to everyone here, I hope you have a memorable one. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Commission on Poverty (CoP) released its “Report on Impact of Targeted Poverty Alleviation Strategy in Hong Kong” today.

The report details how the Government’s major policies help alleviate, combat and prevent poverty. It also elaborates on the impact of targeted poverty alleviation measures, and outlines future strategies for supporting vulnerable groups.

At a press conference this afternoon, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, as the CoP’s Chairperson, said the title of the report, “Collaborate for Greater Impact, Envision Targeted Support”, summarises the Government’s achievements while demonstrating its commitment to sustaining efforts to provide targeted support.

The Government will continue to work with the CoP, the business sector and society to foster a greater sense of achievement, belonging and satisfaction among grassroots families, Mr Chan stressed.

The Government added that innovative elements have been introduced to the CoP’s report in order to illustrate how the Government’s allocation of resources improves beneficiary households’ living standards. For example, the report for the first time adopted the concept of “social transfer values” to quantify the social resources transferred to households that benefit from regular housing, health, education, and welfare measures.

Furthermore, 50 written real-life stories, and 30 examples of testimony in audio format are included in the report to illustrate the Government’s targeted poverty alleviation schemes and regular measures.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed an announcement by the Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) today that Mainland government bond futures will be launched in the city.

The SFC made the move in response to an announcement by the central authorities.

Hailing the launch, Chief Executive John Lee highlighted that the National 15th Five-Year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial centre.

Since the launch of Bond Connect in 2017, Mr Lee noted, the scale of Chinese bond assets held by overseas investors has steadily increased, rising from around RMB0.8 trillion in June 2017 to over RMB3 trillion in April 2026.

“With growing demand for renminbi-denominated products and related hedging instruments, the introduction of Mainland government bond futures in Hong Kong marks an important development milestone, providing an effective offshore risk management tool for investors.

“It enables investors to manage their interest rate exposures more efficiently and conveniently, further attracts international investors to participate in the Mainland bond market and to hold renminbi treasury bonds on a long-term basis, and fosters the healthy development of the treasury bond market, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a bond centre.

“I sincerely thank the Central People’s Government and relevant Mainland regulators for their support all along.”

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the introduction of Mainland government bond futures marks a pivotal step in enhancing Hong Kong’s renminbi product ecosystem and deepening mutual market access.

“It is conducive to driving the development of structured products, as well as asset management and risk management services in Hong Kong, further consolidating Hong Kong’s status as the world’s leading offshore renminbi hub and an international risk management centre.”

According to the announcement, a five-year Mainland government bond futures contract will be launched in Hong Kong. Mr Chan said the Hong Kong SAR Government and financial regulators will implement necessary arrangements expeditiously.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To sustain the promotion of “Sport for All” and encourage regular exercise under the goal of fitness for all, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold the Sport For All Day (SFAD) 2026 on August 2 (Sunday). Members of the public are welcome to participate.

     “Stay Active, Healthy and Happy!” will continue to be the slogan of the SFAD 2026, encouraging people of different ages and abilities to regularly take part in sports and physical activities and build up a healthy lifestyle. With the 20th Asian Games to be held this September, the SFAD 2026 adopts the theme “Asian Games in Motion, City in Action”, bringing the community together to celebrate the Games and cheer on Hong Kong athletes.

     This year, the LCSD will for the first time open a number of leisure facilities for free public use for two consecutive days on August 1 and 2. These facilities include indoor badminton courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, squash courts, table tennis tables, fitness rooms, activity rooms and dance rooms; outdoor tennis courts, bowling greens, baseball pitches, archery ranges and golf facilities; and public swimming pools and water sports centres (crafts hiring).

     A series of free leisure programmes featuring Asian Games sports, such as wushu, handball, football, rowing, equestrian and skateboarding, will be provided at designated sports centres across the 18 districts on August 2 (2pm to 6pm). Fitness corners with sports demonstrations and fun activities for families, children, youngsters, the elderly and persons with disabilities will also be set up. In addition, the LCSD has choreographed a new set of fitness exercises to the SFAD theme song for public participation. The arrangements for booking leisure facilities and distributing activity coupons for free will be announced in mid-July.

     The LCSD thanks for the continued support of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), which will collaborate with the LCSD in organising various activities at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre, the prime venue of the SFAD 2026, on August 2. A number of organisations will also open their facilities or roll out leisure programmes for the public free of charge on August 1 and 2. The dedicated website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/sfad) will provide the latest information on the SFAD 2026.

     The SFAD 2026 is co-organised by the SF&OC, Department of Health, the Sports Medicine Team of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Sports Medicine and Health Science Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, and the Sports Association for the Physically Disabled of Hong Kong, China.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region