MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Listing Ceremony of Hang Seng Gold ETF (exchange-traded fund) today (January 29):
 
Kelvin (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, Dr Kelvin Wong), Luanne (Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Ms Luanne Lim), Rosita (Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hang Seng Investment Management Limited, Ms Rosita Lee), ladies and gentlemen, and distinguished guests,
 
     Good morning. It is a great privilege to address you today as we mark a pivotal new chapter in Hong Kong’s financial market. With our determined efforts to position the city as a premier international gold trading hub, as indicated by the Chief Executive’s Policy Address, the listing of the Hang Seng Gold ETF represents strong support for this vision and contributes to the growth and innovation of Hong Kong’s gold market.
 
     In recent years, sovereign and financial investors have increasingly sought diversification for reserves and asset allocation. Gold’s attributes – as a commodity, an investment vehicle, and a safe-haven asset – have strengthened further, driving sustained price appreciation. Global gold demand in value terms surged 44 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of last year, reaching a record US$146 billion. Gold ETF holdings also rose substantially, climbing by 222 tonnes in the quarter to exceed 3 800 tonnes, underscoring robust investor appetite amid geopolitical uncertainties and market volatility.
 
     We are delighted to welcome the listing of the Hang Seng Gold ETF. As the first ETF in Hong Kong that supports physical gold redemption at bank, it seamlessly blends the flexibility and liquidity of an ETF with the security of physical commodities. This enables smooth trading, secure storage, and flexible redemption – all conducted entirely within Hong Kong. We are also encouraged by the continued momentum of financial innovation here and look forward to even greater advancements. The exploration of distribution through licensed digital asset exchanges will help bridge traditional and digital finance, unlocking new opportunities.
 
     This initiative aligns fully with the vision set out in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, which calls for accelerated development of a world-class international gold trading market. Key measures include establishing a central clearing system for gold in Hong Kong that provides efficient, reliable services in strict compliance with international standards, while inviting participation from the Shanghai Gold Exchange to facilitate collaboration with the Mainland.
 
     A landmark milestone was achieved this Monday with the signing of a co-operation agreement between my bureau and the Shanghai Gold Exchange at the Asian Financial Forum earlier this week. This partnership lays a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s gold central clearing system to connect with the Mainland market.
 
     The Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited, wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government, will operate this system. Together with our partners, we will drive its efficient development, ensuring alignment with international standards and also promoting greater trust, transparency, and innovation in the gold market.
 
     In closing, I wish the listing every success. By working hand in hand with the market, we are building a more connected, efficient, and innovative gold ecosystem that benefits investors regionally and also globally. Thank you.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by former Israeli Minister of Religious Services Kahana

Date：2026-01-27
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

January 27, 2026  
No. 034  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from the Israel Defense and Security Forum led by former Israeli Minister of Religious Services Matan Kahana on the morning of January 27. They exchanged views on a broad range of issues, including regional developments and Taiwan-Israel cooperation.

In his speech, Minister Lin welcomed Mr. Kahana and thanked him for actively supporting Taiwan-Israel relations during his tenure as a member of the Knesset. He noted that 72 cross-party Knesset members had issued a statement backing Taiwan’s international participation for the first time last July, demonstrating the great importance that they attached to enhancing bilateral relations and fully recognizing Taiwan’s contributions to the international community. He reiterated Taiwan’s appreciation for the statement. Adding that Taiwan and Israel shared the core values of freedom and democracy, he said that he looked forward to furthering collaboration and exchanges on that basis in such domains as artificial intelligence and academic research.

Mr. Kahana stated that he was pleased to visit Taiwan at the invitation of the government and that the trip provided an opportunity to deepen his understanding of the latest developments. He also conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Taiwan for its prompt support and assistance following the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, as well as Iran’s attack on Israel last year. Mr. Kahana emphasized that Taiwan and Israel were like-minded partners committed to safeguarding democratic ideals. And faced with rapidly changing regional and global security dynamics, he expressed hope that bilateral exchanges would only expand in the future.

In recent years, Taiwan and Israel have steadily advanced collaboration in such areas as emerging technologies, democratic supply chain resilience, agriculture, health care, medicine, and academic exchanges. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue building on the existing solid foundation to bolster bilateral cooperation across domains. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts luncheon to welcome delegation led by US Senator Gallego

Date：2026-01-24
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

January 24, 2026  
No. 030  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome banquet at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 23 for a delegation led by US Senator Ruben Gallego. The two sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation and the regional security situation.
 
In his remarks, Minister Lin welcomed Senator Gallego back to Taiwan and thanked him for his long-term support for the further development of Taiwan-US relations, in particular his role in bringing about direct flights between Taiwan and the city of Phoenix, Arizona, and in endorsing the resolution of double taxation issues. Minister Lin said that such actions demonstrated Senator Gallego’s high regard for bilateral economic and trade links. 
 
Minister Lin also pointed out that the trade relationship between Taiwan and the US continues to grow stronger, with the two sides completing tariff negotiations recently. He expressed hope that this would create more opportunities for collaboration based on the existing foundation and for jointly building secure, reliable, and resilient supply chains. He added that the recently launched direct flights between Taipei and Phoenix would serve as an important bridge for bilateral business, technological, educational, and cultural exchanges. This, Minister Lin concluded, would lead to even closer bilateral ties. 
 
Meanwhile, Senator Gallego expressed his pleasure at witnessing ties between Taiwan and Arizona grow closer. He noted that he had called for direct flights on a previous visit to Taiwan in 2018, adding that taking a direct flight for this journey had been very meaningful. He pledged to continue to support stronger people-to-people exchanges in the future.
 
Senator Gallego further emphasized that Taiwan’s sovereignty and independence enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the United States. He affirmed President Lai Ching-te’s proposed defense budget, which he said had garnered significant attention in Washington, DC. He explained that Taiwan’s increased investment in defense and asymmetric warfare demonstrated to the United States that Taiwan was determined to upgrade its self-defense capabilities. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the delegation led by Senator Gallego and thanks the US Congress for its long-term support of Taiwan through concrete actions. Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the US administration, Congress, and friends across all sectors to promote bilateral relations and advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to European Parliament resolution supporting enhanced cooperation with Taiwan in drone technology

January 26, 2026  
 
The European Parliament on January 22 passed by a substantial majority a resolution titled “Drones and new systems of warfare—the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges.” The resolution called for enhancing security and defense cooperation and partnership with the European Union’s Indo-Pacific partners, including Taiwan, particularly in drone technology and relevant industries; and stressed the importance of building secure, non-red supply chains underpinned by democratic values.
 
This resolution demonstrates the European Parliament’s recognition of Taiwan’s standing in the drone sector and regard for jointly building democratic supply chains. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and appreciates the resolution and looks forward to the strengthening of relevant cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Europe going forward.
 
In facing the threat of authoritarian expansionism, and as a reliable partner of the democratic community, Taiwan has long invested heavily in drone and key technology industries and remains committed to working with like-minded countries to establish secure and resilient non-red supply chains aligned with democratic values. For example, in November 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung led a delegation to Lithuania to attend the Drone Industry Business Forum, where he witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance and the Lithuanian Defense and Security Industries Association. MOFA has also established a drone diplomacy task force.
 
Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with such like-minded partners as the European Union in relevant areas so as to jointly address current security challenges and advance regional peace and global stability.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s claim at World Economic Forum regarding presence of Taiwanese components in Russian missiles

January 23, 2026  The Republic of China (Taiwan) firmly opposes all acts of aggression. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government of Taiwan has worked closely with the international democratic community to impose strict controls on exports of high-tech products to Russia. To date, Taiwan has expanded its sanction list six times, placing restrictions on a total of 3,300 Russian entities.Taiwan has also striven to prevent the possibility of Taiwanese components or products reaching Russia through third-country transshipment. However, the United States, the European Union, and Taiwan all face the prospect of controlled goods being unlawfully and intentionally shipped to Russia by malicious third parties. To tackle this challenge, Taiwan has continued to cooperate closely with the United States, the European Union, and other like-minded partners so as to enhance relevant containment measures and sanctions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) urges and welcomes the government of Ukraine providing concrete information to Taiwan in order to jointly counter aggressive tactics of authoritarian and dictatorial regimes.China is internationally recognized as a decisive enabler in the Russia-Ukraine war. MOFA calls on the international community to collectively recognize the grave threat this problem poses to international peace and security. Only through such recognition can the real obstacles undermining Ukraine’s peace be resolved.MOFA reiterates Taiwan’s sincere hope that the Russia-Ukraine war will be brought to a swift conclusion, bringing relief to the people of Ukraine from the brutality and suffering of war. Taiwan will continue to stand with like-minded countries in strictly enforcing sanctions against Russia and jointly defending global freedom, peace, and prosperity.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to EU and Republic of Korea reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait at second EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue

January 23, 2026High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union Kaja Kallas and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Hyun jointly held the second EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue in Brussels on January 22. During the talks, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts in the South China Sea to change the status quo by force or coercion, stating that this could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) also reiterated their condemnation of third-country support for Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine.Following the first EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue, this marks another instance of the EU and the ROK issuing a joint statement underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and appreciates the statement. Facing authoritarian expansionism, which threatens regional peace, Taiwan, as a responsible member of the democratic alliance in the Indo-Pacific region, will continue to strengthen cooperation with such like-minded partners as the EU to jointly defend the values of freedom and democracy and uphold the international rules-based order.
 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to European Parliament resolutions expressing concern over China’s threat to cross-strait peace and stability and supporting deepening of Taiwan-EU cooperation

January 23, 2026  The European Parliament on January 21 voted to adopt resolutions concerning the annual reports on the implementation of the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The resolutions once again voiced opposition to China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait through force or coercion. They also lent support for further deepening comprehensive Taiwan-EU cooperation and exchanges. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes and appreciates these resolutions. The CFSP resolution reiterated that China’s territorial claims over Taiwan had no basis in international law, that neither Taiwan nor China was subordinate to the other, and that only Taiwan’s democratically elected government could represent the people of Taiwan. It further condemned China’s military exercises last year, including Strait Thunder-2025A and Justice Mission 2025, for threatening peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as well as adjacent international waters. The resolution also expressed concern over China’s escalating coercion against Taiwan through political, economic, military, cyber, and cognitive measures. It emphasized that Taiwan was a key democratic partner for the European Union in the Indo-Pacific region and urged the EU and its member states to engage in closer cooperation with Taiwan in order to further boost economic, trade, and investment ties. Meanwhile, the CSDP resolution emphasized that military escalation in the Taiwan Strait had serious consequences for European security and supply chains. It condemned China’s unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and its refusal to rule out the use of force against Taiwan, both of which constituted a serious threat to regional stability. The resolution affirmed recent freedom of navigation operations conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in the Taiwan Strait; called for regular exchanges between Taiwan and the European Union on relevant security matters; and welcomed granting Taiwan access to the EU’s IRIS² secure satellite internet constellation, as well as greater Taiwan-EU cooperation on countering foreign information manipulation and interference and protecting submarine cables. Last year, the European Parliament sent a delegation from its Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, as well as groups led by Ivars Ījabs, Vice President of the Renew Europe Group, Reinis Pozņaks, a member of the European Parliament, and Anders Vistisen, Chief Whip of the European Patriots Group, to Taiwan. This demonstrated the European Parliament’s commitment to supporting a stronger Taiwan-EU partnership and democratic resilience through concrete actions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanks the European Parliament for its key role in furthering Taiwan-EU relations. Taiwan will continue to build on the existing foundation to expand cooperation and exchanges with the European Parliament so as to jointly build a solid, mutually beneficial network of values-based alliances.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) today invited the public to vote online to select their top 10 mind-boggling weather and climate events in the past five years.

Through this activity, the HKO hopes to spark the public’s interest in significant weather and climate events in Hong Kong and around the world, and enhance their understanding on climate change and its impact on human lives.

It noted that in recent years, extreme weather conditions such as scorching high temperatures, super typhoons and torrential rain have affected Hong Kong and various parts of the world.

Meanwhile, under the influence of climate change, extreme weather events have become increasingly frequent and caused severe damage globally and even loss of life.

Participants can select five weather and climate events from the shortlist in each of the “Hong Kong” and “Worldwide” categories that they consider the most significant or impactful or the most representative in the climate crisis.

They may have a chance to get an HKO souvenir.

Voting for the 2021-2025 Top 10 Mind-boggling Weather & Climate Events Selection will end on February 28.

The results will be announced in late March.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The transformation of the Cianjhen Technology Industrial Park (CTIP) gains new momentum as Wistron Corporation held the topping-off ceremony on December 10, 2025 for its Kaohsiung Smart Factory, marking a major milestone as construction smoothly enters a new phase. With a total investment nearing NT$10 billion, the facility is designed as a nine-story building above ground with two basement levels. Upon completion next year, it will house advanced fully automated production lines and is expected to create approximately 4,500 job opportunities. This project represents a key component of Wistron corporation’s strategy to establish a smart manufacturing base in southern Taiwan, while also demonstrating tangible progress in industrial upgrading and spatial revitalization at the Cianjhen Technology Industrial Park.
The ceremony was hosted by Lai Chih-Chung, Senior Vice President for Asia-Pacific Global Manufacturing at Wistron, and was attended by Chuang Ming-Chih, Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), along with Liu Chi-Chuan, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP). Their presence underscored the significance of this construction milestone. Once completed, the new facility is expected to substantially enhance smart manufacturing capacity within the park and inject fresh momentum into Kaohsiung’s industrial growth.
In his remarks, Chief Secretary Chuang Ming-Chih expressed appreciation for Wistron Corporation’s continued investment in Kaohsiung, noting that it aligns with President Lai’s policy of balanced regional development across Taiwan. Integrated with the “Greater Southern New Silicon Valley” initiative under the six major regional industry and living circles, Wistron’s investment further strengthens the S-Corridor industrial supply chain spanning from Chiayi through Kaohsiung to Pingtung.
Chief Secretary Chuang also highlighted that BIP is actively advancing the “Revitalization Program 2.0”, which involves the demolition and reconstruction of five aging factory buildings. Upon completion, total floor area will expand from 44,360 square meters to 244,570 square meters, representing a 5.5-fold increase in industrial space. These efforts aim to encourage enterprises to remain rooted in Taiwan by providing a more attractive and competitive investment environment.
The Cianjhen Technology Industrial Park traces its origins to the Kaohsiung Export Processing Zone, established in 1966 as the world’s first special-purpose zone of its kind. Through tax incentives and a single-window service mechanism, the zone successfully attracted overseas and foreign investment in its early years, laying a solid foundation for Taiwan’s economic takeoff. Within the park, Kaohsiung Opto-Electronics Inc. (formerly Kaohsiung Hitachi) has operated since 1967. Following its acquisition by Wistron in 2021, the company has undergone transformation and upgrading, showcasing the park’s continued evolution and growth potential.
Looking ahead, BIP will continue to enhance living facilities such as employee dormitories and dining services to improve overall environmental quality. It will also assist enterprises in recruiting, developing, and retaining talent to meet industry demand for advanced R&D professionals, thereby sustaining Kaohsiung’s ongoing industrial transformation and development.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Yu, Shu-Hui (Director of Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-823-9301
Email: yush@bip.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Health Bureau said today that as of Tuesday, 75 of the 79 patients admitted to Hospital Authority (HA) hospitals following November’s fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had recovered and been discharged, while the remaining four were in a stable condition.

All individuals injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals are entitled to receive full fee waivers for all necessary healthcare services throughout the entire process of their treatment and rehabilitation.

Moreover, all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, including foreign domestic helpers, are eligible for full medical fee waivers until December 31 of this year. As of Tuesday, the HA had provided such services to around 1,900 affected residents.

District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses across all of the city’s 18 districts are operating hotlines to provide personalised case management services for affected residents. As of Tuesday, the hotlines had received 369 enquiries.

Regarding mental health services, the bureau said that from the time of the Tai Po blaze to January 27, the 18111 Mental Health Support Hotline had received over 19,500 calls, around 760 of which were related to the fire. An associated WhatsApp service has handled over 900 messages, with about 50 of these concerning the fire.

In addition, the HA’s 24-hour Mental Health Direct hotline had received 107 calls related to the blaze, with 45 of these coming from affected citizens.