MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Laos

Date：2026-06-07
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 7, 2026  No. 252  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) refutes and condemns in the strongest terms the false claims regarding Taiwan made in a joint statement between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. In the statement, issued on June 6, Laos pledged to support China in its efforts to realize “national unification.” Such baseless sentiments aim at downgrading Taiwan’s sovereignty, encourage the use of force against Taiwan, and affect regional peace and stability. MOFA strongly condemns China’s repeated use of joint statements with nations deferring to its stance to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and distort the truth. Laos continues to ignore the facts despite repeated corrections and admonitions from Taiwan, demonstrating its persistent stance in collaborating with China to suppress Taiwan. MOFA again cautions the Laotian government that appeasement of authoritarianism will lead the people of Laos into a vicious cycle of being entrapped in China’s political and economic coercion.The Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign country, and neither it nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. These are undeniable objective facts and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. MOFA once again calls on the world to pay heed to China’s long-standing attempts to rationalize its heavy-handed expansionist ambitions and undermine the sovereign decisions of other nations. Taiwan is willing to collaborate with all nations that support freedom, democracy, and human rights to oppose authoritarian expansionism, staunchly defend peace and security across the Taiwan Strait, and uphold a free and stable Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks AU ECOSOCC Presiding Officer Sissoko for defending sovereignty of African nations following postponement of President Lai’s visit to Eswatini

Date：2026-05-04
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 4, 2026  No.177  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely appreciates and affirms the social media posts made by Mr. Louis Cheick Sissoko, Presiding Officer of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (AU ECOSOCC), on May 3 following the postponement of President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini due to the cancellation of overflight permits by certain African nations. 

In his posts, Presiding Officer Sissoko expressed indignation over the recent external interference in the airspace management of the African nations Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar. He called on all nations to maintain autonomy in their airspace management. 

Presiding Officer Sissoko’s posts clearly stressed that concessions could not be made regarding national sovereignty and that the sovereign right of nations to choose their partnerships should be respected. His statements reflected strong support for President Lai’s visit and accurately identified the problem of external interference and intimidation aimed at blocking the president’s flight. Moreover, they demonstrated African public opinion leaders’ firm opposition to external interference and commitment to upholding fairness and justice throughout the world.

MOFA notes that the AU ECOSOCC serves as a dialogue mechanism between the African Union and Africa’s civil society and that Presiding Officer Sissoko’s public statements explicitly revealed that Africa’s civil society has become increasingly aware of the threat to Africa from external hegemonic powers.

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan), all African nations, and the African Union attach great importance to national sovereignty and autonomy and remain committed to international relations that are based on the principles of parity and reciprocity. 

Taiwan will not yield in the face of underhanded and politically motivated manipulation of aviation and trade in the international arena, as well as efforts to undermine international norms. Instead, Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with friendly countries and partners in Africa so as to jointly uphold the principle of equitable engagement, resolutely resist all forms of diplomatic coercion, and safeguard the international order, which is founded on mutual respect and trust. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns absurd claims by China’s Foreign Ministry concerning President Lai’s visit to Eswatini

Date：2026-05-02
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

May 2, 2026  
No. 176  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and denounces China’s Foreign Ministry for its statement of May 2 concerning President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini, which reveals its lack of understanding of international diplomatic affairs. 
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has always been a sovereign, independent nation. Neither it nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. As a member of the international community, Taiwan has the fundamental right to conduct foreign visits to diplomatic allies in line with international norms. Indeed, such visits are entirely common practice. 
 
By contrast, China has engaged in unreasonable obstruction, coercion of disadvantaged countries, and disruption of international rules in this matter, showing itself to be the troublemaker. In fact, China has been criticized by the international community for its weaponization of flight safety, which has undermined both security and stability.
 
There have been numerous international precedents in which the destination of a head of state’s visit was announced only following their arrival in consideration of their safety and diplomatic dynamics. President Lai’s visit comported with international law, international norms, and diplomatic practices. It was also in compliance with Taiwan’s own laws and regulations. 
 
MOFA emphasizes that democracy and freedom are not provocative. Exchanges and cooperation between countries rooted in mutual benefit and respect lead to peace, while threats and the disruption of rules have the opposite effect. The Beijing authorities’ disproportionate response—pressuring African countries and distorting international rules—caused global discord and friction. It is clear which party is the troublemaker. China’s actions will not earn it respect. MOFA urges China to cease its intimidation tactics and suppression of Taiwan’s international space and to align with international norms so that peace and prosperity can be achieved. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan issued by China’s Foreign Ministry following China-Australia foreign ministers’ meeting

Date：2026-05-01
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

May 1, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly denounces and protests the false claims regarding Taiwan in a press release issued by China’s Foreign Ministry on April 29 following a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong for the China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue. The seriously distorted content of the press release included erroneous statements that Australia “adheres to the one China policy” and “does not support ‘Taiwan independence.’”
 
MOFA condemns the Chinese government for continuing to invoke the names of other countries in statements that disregard internationally recognized objective facts and for repeatedly spreading false narratives that attempt to downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty at international events.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. No attempt by China to utilize spurious claims or rhetorical and military intimidation will change Taiwan’s steadfast commitment to freedom and democracy. No nation has the right to obstruct or deny Taiwan, and no unilateral political declaration can change this objective reality.
 
Taiwan and Australia are like-minded partners that share such common values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Safeguarding cross-strait peace and preserving Indo-Pacific stability have become an international consensus. In recent years, the Australian government and its foreign minister have issued public statements on numerous occasions reaffirming the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposing any unilateral actions to change the status quo, and calling on all parties to resolve differences through dialogue rather than coercion or force. MOFA welcomes and affirms these statements.
 
As a responsible partner, Taiwan will continue working with like-minded countries to defend the rules-based international order and ensure that freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity endure across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing Authority today announced that applications for the “Express Flat Allocation Scheme (2026) & Resale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) Flats and Recovered Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS) Flats” (EFAS (2026)) will open on July 3 and run until July 16.

The scheme offers eligible public rental housing (PRH) applicants an earlier allocation opportunity. By submitting a single application form, applicants can choose to either rent a PRH unit or purchase a resale GSH flat or a recovered TPS flat.

Flat selection is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year.

To qualify for the scheme, applicants must hold a valid PRH application registered on or before March 31, 2025, and maintain a valid chance of flat allocation. Additionally, at least half of the family members listed in the application must have lived in Hong Kong for seven years.

The scheme will offer unsold and rescinded Type A flats from three GSH developments, namely Ko Wang Court, Kam Pak Court and Wang Chi Court, with saleable areas ranging from approximately 17.1 to 20.7 square metres. Unsold recovered TPS flats from previous sale exercises will also be put up for resale under the EFAS (2026).

Call 2712 2712 or 2712 8000 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region