MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

​The spokesperson for United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (July 2):

A 47-year-old male patient in a UCH medical ward was confirmed on June 29 to be carrying Candida auris. In accordance with prevailing guidelines, UCH commenced a contact tracing investigation and found three more male patients (aged 68 to 79) from the same ward carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. Currently, all four patients are being treated in isolation in UCH. Among them, one patient is in critical condition due to his underlying disease and the remaining three patients are in stable condition.

The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:

1. thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
2. enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures; and
3. application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff, patients and visitors.

The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation in the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health for necessary follow-up.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (July 2).

The value of total retail sales in May 2026, provisionally estimated at $33.8 billion, increased by 7.9% compared with the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in April 2026 increased by 8.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first 5 months of 2026 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales increased by 10.6% compared with the same period in 2025.

Of the total retail sales value in May 2026, online sales accounted for 10.1%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $3.4 billion, increased by 32.3% compared with the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of online retail sales in April 2026 increased by 33.1% compared with a year earlier. For the first 5 months of 2026 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales increased by 31.2% compared with the same period in 2025.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in May 2026 increased by 4.8% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in April 2026 increased by 6.5% compared with a year earlier. For the first 5 months of 2026 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales increased by 8.2% in volume compared with the same period in 2025.

Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing May 2026 with May 2025, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 14.8%. This was followed by sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+25.8% in value); commodities in supermarkets (+0.9%); wearing apparel (+3.0%); commodities in department stores (+9.2%); medicines and cosmetics (+3.5%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+13.0%); motor vehicles and parts (+1.7%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (+4.7%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+4.5%); furniture and fixtures (+4.6%); and optical shops (+10.3%).

On the other hand, the value of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco decreased by 0.3% in May 2026 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of fuels (-12.2% in value); and Chinese drugs and herbs (-9.5%).

Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 4.6% in the three months ending May 2026 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 2.2%.

Commentary

A government spokesman said that the value of total retail sales continued to increase solidly by 7.9% in May over a year earlier. Sales of most broad types of retail outlet registered growth.

Looking ahead, the ongoing economic expansion and sustained growth in local labour earnings, together with continued increase in inbound visitors, should benefit the retail businesses. The Government will closely monitor the potential implications of the evolving external uncertainties on the local consumption market.

Further information

Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for April 2026 as well as the provisional figures for May 2026. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first 5 months of 2026 taken together are also shown.

Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for April 2026 as well as the provisional figures for May 2026. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 5 months of 2026 taken together are also shown.

Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for April 2026 as well as the provisional figures for May 2026. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 5 months of 2026 taken together are also shown.

Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.

The classification of retail companies follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail companies and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail companies through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail companies with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.

The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.

Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.

More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).

Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; email: mrs@censtatd.gov.hk). 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The total value of retail sales in May, provisionally estimated at $33.8 billion, was up 7.9% compared with the same month a year earlier, the Census & Statistics Department said today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales represents a 4.8% year-on-year increase.

Online sales accounted for 10.1% of the total retail sales value in May. Provisionally estimated at $3.4 billion, the value of this segment rose 33.1% from the same month a year earlier.

The value of sales of consumer goods “not elsewhere classified” increased 14.8% in May 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.

There were also increases in the following categories: jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (up 25.8%); commodities in supermarkets (up 0.9%); clothing (up 3%); commodities in department stores (up 9.2%); medicines and cosmetics (up 3.5%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (up 13%); motor vehicles and parts (up 1.7%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (up 4.7%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (up 4.5%); furniture and fixtures (up 4.6%); and optical items (up 10.3%).

Meanwhile, the value of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco dropped 0.3% in May compared with the same month in the previous year. This was followed by sales of fuels (down 12.2%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (down 9.5%).

The Government highlighted that retail sales continued to increase solidly, with sales of most broad types of retail outlet registering growth.

Looking ahead, it said that the ongoing economic expansion and sustained growth in local labour earnings, together with a continued increase in inbound visitors, should benefit retail businesses.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

June 16, 2026  No. 270  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and protests China’s rogue behavior in pressuring Kenya to block Taiwanese scholars’ participation in the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC 11), as well as the Kenyan government’s heavy-handed actions in this matter, which violated human rights and established international practices.

The Taiwanese scholars arrived in Mombasa on June 14 at the invitation of the government of Kenya, which was the host for OOC 11. They were scheduled to attend a preconference research symposium and present professional research reports. However, while completing check-in procedures at the event venue, the scholars were denied access credentials because the organizers claimed they did not recognize Taiwan passports. 

The Directorate of Immigration Services of Kenya then forcibly intervened in the matter. Despite Taiwan’s efforts to negotiate, the authorities confiscated the scholars’ passports and mobile phones and detained them for over 20 hours. Having restricted these individuals’ personal freedom and right to communicate, the authorities finally agreed to let the scholars leave the country by plane. 

The other members of Taiwan’s official delegation, which had been organized by the Ocean Affairs Council in line with established practice, were already en route to Kenya at the time of the incident but subsequently decided not to attend OOC 11, given the hostile actions of the Kenyan government and in consideration of delegation members’ safety. 

As an indispensable partner in global efforts to ensure ocean sustainability, Taiwan has participated in the OOC since 2015. Taiwan has upheld the principles of professionalism, pragmatism, and making contributions to promote exchanges and cooperation in international maritime affairs. It has also encouraged scholars to attend and share Taiwan’s marine ecological conservation efforts and research findings. 

Disregarding Taiwan’s noteworthy contributions to the OOC over the years, the Kenyan government precluded the Taiwanese scholars from attending this year’s conference, and even detained them. MOFA strongly protests the actions of host nation Kenya, which decided to serve as a political accomplice of China in direct contravention of the OOC principles of inclusivity and collaboration. This incident once again exposes China’s unreasonable and hegemonic diplomatic behavior and its maneuvering to prioritize politics over expertise on oceanic sustainability.

MOFA solemnly demands that China cease such behavior, which has undermined global cooperation on oceanic affairs. It also calls on friendly nations to take this matter seriously and engage in joint action to prevent China from escalating its diplomacy of intimidation.

A maritime nation, Taiwan has consistently been an active participant in global efforts to conserve marine ecology and ensure environmental sustainability. Taiwan does not fear and will not bow to China’s arbitrary, domineering actions. It will continue to work with the international community to promote global cooperation on oceanic affairs. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns brazen and unprecedented intrusion into waters around Taiping Island by Chinese government vessels, urges international community to jointly counter China’s illegal actions

Date：2026-06-12
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 12, 2026  No. 264  Two Chinese government vessels committed a brazen and unprecedented intrusion into waters around Taiwan’s Taiping Island on the morning of June 11.

Following the illegal harassment by Chinese government vessels of cargo ships exercising their right to freedom of navigation in Taiwan’s eastern waters in recent days, this was another hostile escalation of gray-zone activities and part of a pattern of aggressive behavior that constitutes a grave threat to Taiwan’s sovereign rights and interests and maritime security, as well as regional peace.

The Chinese government’s unreasonable activities are a serious breach of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and a flagrant attempt to undermine the international order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns China’s unlawful actions, which harm Taiwan’s sovereignty, undermine regional peace and stability, and challenge the international order.

Furthermore, MOFA reiterates that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other and that the South China Sea Islands are part of the territory of the ROC. That the ROC enjoys all rights over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea is beyond dispute and challenge. The incursion of Chinese government vessels into the waters surrounding Taiping Island has severely violated Taiwan’s sovereignty and jeopardized the safety of Taiwanese vessels and personnel. China’s malicious provocations and heavy-handed actions have severely contravened the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, other international laws pertaining to maritime safety, and the law of the sea. They have blatantly challenged the international order and disrupted regional peace, security, and stability.

MOFA once again urges the international community to recognize the serious and immediate threat that China’s illegal actions pose to regional peace and stability, and to jointly counter China’s unlawful conduct. Taiwan is a party committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. The government of Taiwan will continue to staunchly safeguard maritime security and continue to seek the support of like-minded nations in jointly maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes visit to Taiwan by US Deputy Permanent Representative to the WTO Bisbee

Date：2026-06-10
Data Source：Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs

June 10, 2026  
No. 260  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) extends a warm welcome to David Bisbee, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the World Trade Organization, who is visiting Taiwan from June 10 to 14.
 
Deputy Permanent Representative Bisbee is a senior official at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). He has extensive experience in international trade and economics, having previously served as a delegate at the USTR’s Geneva office, a deputy assistant US trade representative, and a director in the Southeast Asia and Pacific office of the USTR.
 
While in Taiwan, Deputy Permanent Representative Bisbee will call at the Office of Trade Negotiations, the Mainland Affairs Council, and the International Trade Administration. He will also attend a luncheon hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and visit Taiwanese technology companies. Through the trip, Deputy Permanent Representative Bisbee will gain a deeper understanding of current developments in trade, economics, technology, democracy, and other areas in Taiwan.
 
Amid the rapidly changing international geopolitical and economic landscape, the United States remains a staunch partner of Taiwan. MOFA looks forward to further deepening interactions and exchanges between the two countries both in bilateral spheres and multilateral trade frameworks to jointly promote the continued development of the Taiwan-US partnership. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly opposes China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law; urges international community to jointly counter authoritarian expansionism

Date：2026-07-01
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

July 1, 2026  
No. 303  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses strong condemnation and solemn opposition to the Chinese government’s enactment on July 1 of the so-called Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law. Through this domestic legislation, China is attempting to exercise long-arm jurisdiction and transnational repression, thereby expanding its threats against and intimidation of the people of Taiwan and other countries, while seriously infringing on the sovereignty of all nations and violating international human rights.
 
MOFA notes that the above law, in the form of domestic legislation, explicitly grants jurisdiction over organizations and individuals outside China. It serves as a legal pretext for China to expand its long-arm jurisdiction and transnational repression, posing a significant threat to global freedom, democracy, and human rights. In the future, individuals worldwide whose words or actions are deemed unacceptable by China may be targeted or prosecuted under this law. The international community must unite in condemning China’s repeated attempts to advance authoritarian expansionism through domestic legislation.
 
Furthermore, multiple provisions of the law are based on ill-defined concepts, such as what China terms “undermining ethnic unity,” “creating ethnic division,” and “acting detrimentally to ethnic unity and progress.” This gives Chinese law enforcement agencies room for arbitrary interpretation, making it difficult for people to assess risks, which could lead to self-censorship and a chilling effect. Such measures severely contradict the principles of legal clarity and proportionality upheld by countries governed by the rule of law.
 
MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. No domestic legislation enacted by China has any binding force over Taiwan, and China has absolutely no right to fabricate legal grounds to criminalize Taiwan’s people. As a free and democratic country, Taiwan guarantees its people the freedoms of speech and thought in accordance with the law. China has no right to comment on or interfere in these matters.
 
MOFA emphasizes that when authoritarian regimes export fear, democratic countries must enhance their social resilience; and that when authoritarian forces attempt to sow division, like-minded partners must deepen collaboration to mount a collective response. As an important member of the democratic camp, Taiwan will continue to leverage international cooperation to bolster social resilience and counter the Chinese government’s transnational repression. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to commentary regarding Taiwan’s handling of Japan-Philippines negotiations on maritime boundaries

Date：2026-06-05
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 5, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once again reiterates that future negotiations on the demarcation of maritime boundaries between Japan and the Philippines and any associated outcomes would have no effect on the sovereign rights enjoyed by Taiwan in accordance with international law and the law of the sea, and would not impact the implementation of fishing agreements between Taiwan and Japan or Taiwan and the Philippines. This has been publicly confirmed by the relevant countries and is substantiated by the fact that, based on the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and international juridical precedent, the legal validity of bilateral treaties or agreements applies only to their signatories.To protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and sovereign rights in its surrounding waters, MOFA has instructed relevant overseas missions to pay close attention to matters pertaining to the negotiations and any associated developments. It has also conveyed Taiwan’s concerns through relevant channels. It is understood that at present, Japan and the Philippines have not set out a concrete timeline for negotiations.In commentary regarding MOFA’s actions, several media and political figures have cited media reports alleging that Japan turned down a proposal by Taiwan to take part in negotiations on the demarcation of boundaries. MOFA solemnly clarifies that Taiwan has not approached Japan or the Philippines with a request to join their bilateral negotiations on the demarcation of boundaries. The headlines and content of the relevant reports are clearly inconsistent with the facts.MOFA urges all parties to look at associated issues with a rational eye and refrain from causing misunderstandings because of one-sided information.In recent years, China has continued to employ multiple tactics—including legal, propaganda, and maritime law enforcement operations—in a bid to expand its maritime claims and undermine regional stability. The government of Taiwan firmly opposes this and will staunchly defend Taiwan’s national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.MOFA will pay close attention to the situation and to associated developments. In coordination with relevant ministries and agencies, it will maintain close communication with Japan and the Philippines through existing bilateral mechanisms and dialogue channels, taking concrete actions to preserve Taiwan’s maritime rights and interests and the security and operational rights and interests of Taiwan’s fishers.