MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to statement by Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi on deepening exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan

February 11, 2026On February 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan held its first press conference since the recent House of Representatives election. During the briefing, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Taiwan and Japan shared fundamental values and maintained close economic ties and people-to-people exchanges. He said that Taiwan was an extremely important partner and valued friend for Japan, adding that the government of Japan would maintain its existing position and further deepen bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung appreciates and welcomes the remarks. Both following the inauguration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet last October and this election, Japan has promptly expressed its willingness to further strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Taiwan. The statements are concrete demonstrations of the profound friendship shared by the two countries and the Japanese administration’s consistent stance of attaching great importance to cordial Taiwan-Japan ties. Building on the existing solid foundation of bilateral relations and guided by the policy of integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to work with Japan to deepen substantive cooperation in all spheres, further elevate ties to a mutually beneficial and comprehensive partnership, and jointly contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to US government emphasizing strategic importance of Taiwan in National Security Strategy

December 6, 2025  

The White House released the National Security Strategy of the United States of America (NSS) on December 4. In addition to stating that Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, it emphasizes Taiwan’s vital geostrategic location and importance to global shipping, underscoring Taiwan’s significant influence on the US economy. The NSS also notes that the United States is prioritizing preserving military overmatch to deter conflict across the Taiwan Strait and that it will maintain its long-standing policy on Taiwan, including not supporting any unilateral change to the cross-strait status quo.
 
The NSS also stresses that the United States will build a military capable of denying aggression anywhere in the first island chain. It calls on allies and partners in the first island chain to invest more resources in collective defense and critical deterrent capabilities to enhance the ability of the United States and its allies to jointly prevent any attempt to seize Taiwan and to avoid a military imbalance so unfavorable that it would be detrimental to the defense of Taiwan. 
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes these statements and thanks the United States for clearly indicating in the NSS Taiwan’s importance to key supply chains and geostrategy, for stressing that the United States will work with allies and partners to ensure Taiwan’s security, and for reiterating concerns over unilateral attempts to alter the cross-strait status quo. 
 
The Trump administration has continued to show support for Taiwan. President Trump recently signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act—the first Taiwan-friendly bill of his second term—and his administration announced its first batch of arms sales to Taiwan. 
 
Taiwan is committed to steadily advancing security cooperation with the United States to ensure security and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region. The Taiwan government will also continue to actively bolster its defense capabilities, including through a special defense budget announced by President Lai Ching-te of NT$1.25 trillion over the next eight years. These actions demonstrate to the international community Taiwan’s steadfast determination to protect itself and maintain the status quo.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

ROC (Taiwan) government expresses sincere condolences on passing of Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha

Date：2026-06-16
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 16, 2026  No. 271  The government of the ROC (Taiwan) expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand. President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai have conveyed the sympathies of the people and government of Taiwan over the loss of Princess Bajrakitiyabha through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand. On June 16, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger visited the Thailand Trade and Economic Office in Taipei to pay his respects and deliver a message of condolence on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Princess Bajrakitiyabha devoted her life to the nation and people of Thailand, serving in such key positions as prosecutor in the Office of the Attorney General and Thailand’s ambassador to Austria. She was also a long-term campaigner for elevating the status of women and vulnerable groups. Her wisdom and compassion were deeply admired by the Thai people. The cabinet of Thailand has ordered a 15-day period of national mourning. MOFA asks citizens visiting Thailand to observe royal mourning protocols as a mark of respect to the country during this somber time. (E)

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 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: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in a joint press release issued by PRC foreign minister and AU

January 9, 2026

During a visit to Ethiopia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a joint press release with the African Union (AU) on January 8 following the China-African Union Strategic Dialogue. The joint press release blatantly disregarded objective historical facts and contained false statements, including the claim that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.” 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and protests the Chinese government’s continued efforts to spread lies and falsehoods in the international community so as to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty. It also expresses deep regret at the AU’s submission to and parroting of China’s political position, which deviates from international reality.
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other. Taiwan has long played an active role in the international community and has made substantive and constructive contributions to its African and global partners. MOFA calls on the AU, an important regional organization, to adhere to objective facts and exercise independent judgement in its public remarks and statements. 
 
China continues to repeatedly disseminate false narratives on international occasions, engaging in political suppression and discourse manipulation. Such actions, which contradict facts and undermine the international order, are not just absurd; they expose China’s attempts at authoritarian interference.
 
The sovereignty of the ROC (Taiwan) belongs to the people of Taiwan. Only they can decide Taiwan’s future. As a force for good in the international community, Taiwan will continue to defend the values of freedom and democracy and strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries to firmly defend the nation’s sovereignty, curb authoritarian expansionism, uphold the values of freedom and democracy, and further contribute to the international community.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to French Minister Delegate for Europe Haddad reiterating France’s commitment to upholding freedom of navigation in Taiwan Strait

February 27, 2026  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that on February 25 Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for Europe of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, stated that France was an active and engaged power in the Indo-Pacific and had conducted joint patrols in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea with the navies of the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries to uphold freedom of navigation. He added that France would continue to coordinate with its European partners to make safeguarding collective security and peace in the region a top priority. Minister Delegate Haddad made the remarks in response to questions about cross-strait security raised by Brigitte Devésa, Deputy Chair of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group.
 
In her remarks, Deputy Chair Devésa pointed out that Taiwan had long been subjected to a wide range of threats from China. She added that a major crisis in the Taiwan Strait would have a severe impact on the European economy. Deputy Chair Devésa stressed that with democratic Taiwan under constant pressure from China, Europe should carefully consider a prudent response. She urged the French government and the European Union to assist Taiwan in countering China’s imperialism.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks France for its continued attention to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan and France are like-minded partners that share the universal values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. They play key roles in maintaining a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan will continue to work closely with France and other democratic countries in taking concrete actions to uphold cross-strait peace and stability, defend the rules-based international order, and jointly promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and the world.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the translation of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the reception in celebration of the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (July 1):

Distinguished guests, fellow citizens,

Today marks the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China and the fourth anniversary of the current-term Government.

Four years ago, President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the inaugural ceremony of the current term of the HKSAR Government. In it, he put forward “four musts” and “four proposals” for Hong Kong. These have become the heart of my governance blueprint. Over the past four years, I have changed the culture of the Government and formed a “result-oriented” Government, focusing on tackling long-standing issues. We have built a safe and stable Hong Kong by fulfilling the historic task of enacting local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law and strengthening the shield of national security. We have improved the electoral system and strengthened district governance, fully implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. We have deepened the reform of governance systems, and are steadily seeing results.

We have rationalised traffic among the three road harbour crossings to alleviate the long-standing congestion common to the crossings. We have formulated the Basic Housing Units Ordinance with the aim of eradicating, in an orderly manner, substandard subdivided units that have emerged over the past ten years or so. We have made much effort to shorten the waiting time for public rental housing, including expediting and increasing public housing production, and filling the supply gap during construction stage with the innovative Light Public Housing. The Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing has reduced by 1.5 years, down from 6.1 years to 4.7 years, the shortest time recorded in over 8 years. In addition, through cracking down on public rental housing tenancy abuse, we have recovered about 10 000 units. That’s equivalent to a medium-sized housing estate, enabling earlier flat allocations for some 10 000 families while saving about $10 billion in public rental housing construction costs.

As for the economy, it has shifted from a negative growth of 3.7 per cent, when the current-term government took office, to a positive growth of 3.6 per cent in 2025. The economic growth momentum has continued over the year, with a significant rise of 5.9 per cent in the first quarter, the strongest quarterly growth in five years. Hong Kong has secured third place in the Global Financial Centres Index. In the latest World Competitiveness Ranking, Hong Kong’s position has risen one spot further to rank second globally. And in the World Talent Ranking, Hong Kong has moved up 10 places to rank the fourth globally. Hong Kong also continues to come first as the world’s freest economy.

​Faced with a competitive external environment and rapid technology changes, it is imperative that we drive reform and innovation from a longer-term perspective, coupled with more systematic planning. I am leading the HKSAR Government in formulating Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, the public consultation for which has begun. Consultation for my Policy Address also commenced this week. Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan is a strategic, forward-looking and directional guiding document providing clear directions for Hong Kong’s economic and social development. In line with the directions and requirements of the Plan, the annual Policy Address of the Chief Executive will establish a number of specific targets, report on progress, and introduce policy measures having regard to the actual situation of the year. Hong Kong will seize the opportunities brought by national development, and leverage its advantage of being connected to both the Mainland and to the world, as well as its international prospects, to bolster economic development and enable the public to better share the benefits of development.

Looking ahead, we will focus our efforts in three main areas:

First, we will press ahead with the formulation of Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan is taken as a vital step towards ensuring economic and social advancement. As an important vehicle for pursuing the vision of “people-oriented” governance, it covers a wide range of areas concerning people’s livelihood and well-being, including the economy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing and so on. We will actively integrate into and serve the overall national development through further reinforcing and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as a premier international hub in finance, shipping, trade, and innovation and technology; promoting the development of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub; strengthening Hong Kong’s functions as a global offshore Renminbi business hub; fostering the establishment of a commodity trading ecosystem; developing Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent; deepening international exchanges and co-operation; and opening up new markets to consistently promote Hong Kong’s competitiveness.

Second, we will fast-track the development of the Northern Metropolis with the vision of incorporating industries, technology and a university town, and creating an environment ideal for living, working and travelling — marking a breakthrough in Hong Kong’s development. The Northern Metropolis development has progressed from the blueprint phase to maturity. The Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone was officially opened last year, with two wet laboratory buildings already completed and fully leased. Construction of five other buildings will be completed within the year, and the Government will put up the remaining land for tender. University Town, another key component of the Northern Metropolis, will comprise university town areas bearing five major elements: education, technology, talent, industries and urban development. The University Town development has expanded in scale and vision from campus sites of just 100 hectares to university town areas spanning over 1 000 hectares. This will further promote the integrated development of industry, academic and research sectors, while bringing together more high-calibre talent.

Third, we will further improve people’s livelihood. My vision for governance has all along focused on enhancing people’s well-being, particularly in such areas as housing, transport, healthcare, education, welfare, youth development and so on, aiming to provide a better living environment for our citizens, greater prospects for young people, and enhanced care for the elderly as we work towards building an inclusive and caring community where everybody can enjoy social harmony and stability.

July 1st this year also carries another significance — for today marks the special occasion of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. As stated in the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, leadership by the Communist Party of China is the overriding principle of the political system of the People’s Republic of China. The HKSAR, established under the Constitution, has maintained the previous capitalist system and way of life. Our common law system continues to operate, and we enjoy the free flow of people, capital, data, goods and more. The vibrancy and prosperity of our country has always been Hong Kong’s strongest backing. Later this morning, the HKSAR Government will host the Launch ceremony of activities in celebration of the 105th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China, celebrating this extraordinary and meaningful occasion with all sectors of our community.

Distinguished guests, fellow citizens, we have long been braving the strong winds and waves together, and today we will set sail for new horizons. I believe that, with our unique advantages under “one country, two systems”, coupled with the resilience and drive to succeed of our citizens, Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient, will ride the wave of flourishing national development and sail with the wind, steering towards a brighter and more prosperous future!

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (July 1) the Chief Executive has, pursuant to section 10A of the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547) (the Ordinance), appointed the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa, as an official member of the District Council Eligibility Review Committee (DCERC) commencing on July 1, 2026.

Pursuant to section 10A of the Ordinance, the DCERC is to consist of the Chairperson; at least 2 but not more than 4 official members; and at least 1 but not more than 3 non-official members. Section 10A(4) of the Ordinance further provides that only a principal official appointed pursuant to a nomination under Article 48(5) of the Basic Law is eligible for appointment as the chairperson or an official member.
 
The appointment has been published in the Gazette today and reported to the Central People’s Government for the record. The current membership list of the DCERC is as follows:

Chairperson
————–
Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki

Official members
——————-
Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa

Non-official members
————————
Miss Maria Tam Wai-chu
Professor Wong Yuk-shan
Mr Johnny Mok Shiu-luen

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
      
     Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
      
     The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
      
     A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work” to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees’ risk of heat stroke.
      
     Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
      
     The LD issued the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work”, detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers’ and employees’ reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department’s thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.