MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Hong Kong Customs today (May 16) urged members of the public to stay alert to a model of unsafe slingshot toy and a model of unsafe tangram. Test results indicated that the slingshot toy could pose an injury risk to children’s or other people’s eyes or faces, and that the components of the tangram may pose suffocation risks to children. To avoid accidents, parents should immediately stop letting their children play with the slingshot and tangram toys. Traders should also remove the slingshot and tangram toys from their shelves.
      
     Customs officers earlier test-purchased various toys from the Lunar New Year fair stalls for safety testing. Test results revealed that one model of slingshot toy had a projectile with a certain amount of kinetic energy but did not have a leading part made of a resilient material. It also did not carry the required warnings and cautions about the potential hazards, nor did it carry the required identification markings under the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (TCPSO). It could cause injuries to other people if the object was aimed at the eyes or the face.
 
Customs also discovered one model of tangram contained small components but lacked the required warnings and cautions about age recommendations and the potential hazards. It also did not carry the required identification markings under the TCPSO. It could pose a danger of suffocation for children if accidentally swallowed.
 
In the operation, Customs seized a total of about 700 slingshot toys and tangrams. A prohibition notice on the related person was also served to prohibit the continued sale of the unsafe toys by the retailer. Customs officers also conducted a territory-wide surveillance of the toys, but no such toys were found available for sale.
 
An investigation is ongoing.
 
Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and playing with slingshot toys and tangram toys:
 

• Pay attention to age recommendations shown on labels;
• Pay attention to and follow the instructions associated with the toys;
• Do not put items other than original accessories into toys for shooting;
• Do not shoot items into eyes or faces; and
• Beware of whether the small parts of toys are easily detachable. Detached small parts may block a child’s throat and lead to suffocation if swallowed.

 
Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on toys and children’s products to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.
 
Under the TCPSO it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import unsafe toys or children’s products. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on a subsequent conviction.
 
Members of the public may report information relating to suspected unsafe toys or children’s products via 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: Republic of China Taiwan

Presidential Office responds to remarks by US President Donald Trump in media interview  
Regarding recent comments made by United States President Donald Trump during a media interview, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated on May 16 that the office has noted multiple reaffirmations from the US side, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the consistent US policy and position toward Taiwan remain unchanged. Spokesperson Kuo emphasized that it is a clear fact that President Lai Ching-te has consistently advocated for continuing to contribute to regional peace and stability and remaining committed to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. This also remains the unwavering commitment of the 23 million people of Taiwan who love freedom and democracy. The Republic of China is a sovereign, independent democratic country; this is self-evident, and Beijing’s claims are therefore without merit. Our nation is grateful to President Trump for his continued support for security in the Taiwan Strait since his first term in office. Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the US to achieve peace through strength, ensuring that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are not threatened or undermined, which serves the common interests of Taiwan, the US, and the global democratic community.
Addressing public attention regarding military  procurement, Spokesperson Kuo stated that, as is widely known, China’s escalating military threat is the sole destabilizing factor within the Indo-Pacific region, including the Taiwan Strait. This threat is also the primary reason why countries along the first island chain are actively collaborating with the US to strengthen their defense capabilities, and Taiwan cannot and will not be an exception. Furthermore, military sales between Taiwan and the US are not only a reflection of the US security commitment to Taiwan as stipulated in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also serve as a mutual deterrence against regional threats. Our nation appreciates President Trump’s longstanding, continuous support for security in the Taiwan Strait, including the ongoing provision of various advanced equipment to our country, with the scale and monetary value of these sales repeatedly reaching historic highs.
Spokesperson Kuo concluded that Taiwan-US cooperation has always been demonstrated through action. Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work with the US under the firm commitments of the Taiwan Relations Act, collaborating with global democratic friends and allies to jointly address the risks posed by authoritarian states to geopolitical security, global order, and stability. 

Source: Government of Singapore

16 May 2026 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) launched the National Dengue Prevention Campaign 2026 today, as Singapore enters the traditional peak dengue season of May to October. At the launch event at Tampines Regional Library, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Janil Puthucheary, urged members of the public to stay vigilant and eradicate mosquito breeding sources to minimise the risk of dengue transmission in the community. 

Dengue Outlook in 2026: Dengue risks persist; Vigilance needed to prevent dengue surge

2.      Over 600 dengue cases were reported as of 15 May 2026, a decrease of 66 per cent as compared to the same period last year. This is significantly lower than the same period in 2024 and 2025. Over 4,000 dengue cases were reported in 2025, a decrease of 70 per cent compared with 2024’s 13,651 cases. This represents the lowest annual total since 2018. Since 2023, the mid-year surge in dengue cases was largely subdued [1] due to strong and sustained community vigilance against breeding and mosquito suppression efforts under Project Wolbachia. 

3.      As dengue is endemic in Singapore, several risk factors remain. Singapore’s role as an international transport hub, low population immunity and the circulation of all four dengue virus serotypes all heighten transmission risk. Our tropical climate and high population density create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive year-round, with the traditional peak period with warmer temperatures seeing accelerated mosquito development and virus multiplication. Climate change and shifting weather patterns are expected to exacerbate the situation, globally and locally.

4.     As Singapore observes 2026 as the Year of Climate Adaptation [2] , it is critical that residents and stakeholders remain vigilant and alert to the risks of mosquito-borne diseases.  Everyone is encouraged to regularly practise the ‘B-L-O-C-K’ steps to suppress the Aedes mosquito population and ‘S-A-W’ actions to prevent mosquito bites and minimise dengue transmission risk.

NEA’s multi-pronged vector control strategy helps reduce dengue transmission risk 

5.      In 2025, NEA conducted about 565,730 mosquito inspections islandwide and uncovered about 20,469 mosquito breeding habitats. At dengue cluster areas, about 65 per cent of Aedes mosquito breeding detected were in homes, 23 per cent in public areas, 4 per cent at construction sites and 8 per cent in other premises types. During the same period, over 9,800 enforcement actions [3] were taken against owners and occupiers of premises for mosquito breeding. About 810 fines and 37 Stop Work Orders were issued to construction sites, and 73 contractors were charged in court for repeat offences.

6.      The community, grassroots organisations, non-governmental organisations, schools and corporates provided strong support in 2025, partnering NEA in holding more than 1,400 outreach activities to raise dengue prevention awareness. Over 880 NEA volunteers were deployed to conduct dengue outreach activities at around 260 locations across Singapore. In 2025, under the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force (IADTF) members and Town Councils more than 160 staff were trained on dengue prevention and control to help lead dengue control efforts at the premises under their charge.

7.      As part of Singapore’s multi-pronged vector control strategy, NEA’s Project Wolbachia specifically targets Singapore’s primary dengue vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, to help suppress Aedes aegypti mosquito populations and minimise dengue transmission risks. The programme is set to cover more than 800,000 households or about 50 per cent of all households in Singapore by end 2026. Studies showed that the risk of contracting dengue was lowered by over 70 per cent at Project Wolbachia sites and 45 per cent at adjacent areas. 

Collective action remains critical in our fight against dengue

8.      The National Dengue Prevention Campaign 2026 [4] emphasises that dengue prevention is a social responsibility. The campaign mobilises residents and stakeholders to maintain vigilance and minimise dengue transmission risks.

9.     Everyone has a critical role to play in dengue prevention and control. NEA urges all residents and stakeholders to make the ‘B-L-O-C-K’ steps a regular habit to remove stagnant water [5] and eradicate potential Aedes mosquito breeding grounds:

• Break up hardened soil 
• Lift and empty flowerpot plates 
• Overturn pails and wipe their rims 
• Change water in vases 
• Keep roof gutters clear and place BTI insecticide inside 

10.     Beyond removing breeding sources, protecting oneself from mosquito bites is equally important, particularly for those living in active dengue cluster areas or who have been diagnosed with or are suspected to have dengue. Carrying out the ‘S-A-W’ actions helps prevent mosquito bites, which is how the disease spreads to more mosquitoes and people. 

• Spray insecticide in dark corners around the house 
• Apply insect repellent regularly 
• Wear long-sleeve tops and long pants 

11.     Residents and premises owners are encouraged to stay informed by checking the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg) regularly for dengue updates and using the myENV mobile app to set alerts on areas with dengue clusters and high Aedes aegypti mosquito populations. 

———————-

[3]  Enforcement figures provisional as of 30 April 2026.

[5]  The B-L-O-C-K steps remains key to reducing the breeding grounds for other common mosquito species as well. 

~~ End ~~

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

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Nature Conservancy (TNC)’s Asia Pacific Council’s 25th Anniversary Dinner today (May 15):

Dr Fred Hu (Global Board Member and Asia Pacific Council’s Co-Chair of TNC) and Mrs Abby Hu, Mrs Jennifer Morris (Chief Executive Officer of TNC), Mr George Tahija (Asia Pacific Council’s Co-Chair of TNC), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) commended Hong Kong’s resilient economic growth in a statement published today outlining its assessment of the city’s economic and financial situation.

The IMF conducts annual health checks on economies known as Article IV Missions. This year’s mission in Hong Kong noted in a concluding statement that the city’s economy has continued to recover, supported by robust technology-related exports, improving private demand and a rebound in financial market activity.

It also reaffirmed Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre and “super connector”.

The mission observed that policy initiatives such as the Northern Metropolis are conducive to fostering innovation and high-value services, while supporting economic growth and structural transformation.

Moreover, the mission considers Hong Kong’s fiscal stance appropriate in light of current economic conditions, while supporting a focus on achieving stronger medium-term consolidation to rebuild fiscal reserves and address rising spending pressures. 

The mission states that financial sector risks are manageable, supported by strong buffers and robust regulatory oversight. It also recognises that Hong Kong is well placed to build further on its digital and sustainable finance agenda.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan welcomed the mission’s assessment of Hong Kong’s ongoing economic recovery and its support for the Government’s efforts to drive economic growth and achieve economic diversification.

“The Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026,” he said. “Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic growth outlook is positive, underpinned by strong global demand for AI-related electronics, sustained growth in visitor arrivals and robust cross-boundary financial activities.”

Mr Chan added that a favourable business environment and gradually improving consumer sentiment will continue to support domestic demand.

“We will closely monitor the development of the situation in the Middle East, dynamically assess the economic situation, and react flexibly,” he said.

The Financial Secretary also mentioned that the Government takes note of the mission’s views on Hong Kong’s commercial real estate (CRE) sector.

He stressed that the global CRE market has faced challenges in the post-pandemic era, amid changing office work and consumption patterns.

He outlined that the Government has in recent years introduced a series of market-stabilising policy measures, adding that Hong Kong’s CRE market has indeed stabilised, with transaction and leasing volumes rising significantly, and prices and rents becoming steady.

Regarding the pace of fiscal consolidation, Mr Chan said the Government’s programme is progressing as planned.

He remarked that, according to the Medium Range Forecast set out in the Budget, the Operating Account will record surpluses for each of the next five years, with surpluses increasing year by year. This, he said, indicated the effectiveness of the Government’s measures to increase revenue and control expenditure.

Nevertheless, Mr Chan said, the Capital Account will still record deficits during this period, resulting in a deficit – before issuance and repayment of bonds – in the Consolidated Account, mainly due to the Government’s infrastructure spending in accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis and driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development.

“These investments for the future will bring broader economic benefits and tax revenues to Hong Kong,” he emphasised. “We will make good use of market forces to finance these infrastructure projects.”

Furthermore, Mr Chan highlighted that two major credit rating agencies recently affirmed Hong Kong’s credit ratings and “stable” outlook. He said this reflected a resilience underpinned by the city’s sound economic fundamentals, robust public finances, and a well-established financial system.

“The Government will analyse and study the various recommendations put forward by the mission,” he said.

The mission visited Hong Kong from March 16 to 27 and held discussions with Government officials, financial regulators and private sector representatives.

The full report will be discussed by the IMF Executive Board later this month.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region