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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today congratulated Hong Kong, China athletes for their outstanding achievements at the 20th Asian Games, where both total medal count and gold medals hit record highs.

The Hong Kong, China delegation consisted of around 580 athletes competing across 38 events at the Games. Mr Lee noted that all participating athletes gave their utmost in every competition, securing a total of 54 medals. This impressive tally comprised 11 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze medals.

Gold medals were claimed in wushu, swimming, rowing, squash, sailing, tennis, windsurfing and rugby sevens. Notably, the squash, sailing and tennis teams achieved historic results, writing a glorious new chapter for Hong Kong sports.

Mr Lee remarked that such an encouraging achievement demonstrates the perseverance and standards of excellence of Hong Kong, China athletes, which have brought honour to both the country and Hong Kong.

“The courage, relentless spirit, perseverance and unyielding determination shown by Hong Kong, China athletes on the field of play are the finest embodiment of the Hong Kong spirit,” he said.

Mr Lee added that the excellent results at this latest edition of the Asian Games demonstrate that the Government’s policies and its strategic resource support are on the right track. He also thanked the Hong Kong Sports Institute, the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, various national sports associations, and the coaching and medical teams for their unwavering support and dedication to nurturing local athletes over the years.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

September 27, 2026  No. 469  
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung will lead a business delegation to Taiwan’s Central American allies Belize and Guatemala from September 27. In Belize, Minister Lin will meet with Governor-General Froyla Tzalam, Prime Minister John Briceño, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Francis Fonseca, and other key political leaders. During his visit to Guatemala, he will meet with President Bernardo Arévalo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez, and other prominent Guatemalan officials. He will also host a reception with Minister Martínez to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala and Taiwan’s 115th National Day. These activities will serve to demonstrate the steadfast ties between Taiwan and each ally.
 
To better understand the achievements of Taiwan’s cooperation projects in each nation, in Belize Minister Lin will inspect the construction of San Pedro General Hospital, the planned site for the Taiwan Caribbean Prosperity Academy, and a 50-unit social housing project. He will also sign a joint communiqúe and a cooperation agreement on diplomatic personnel training and exchanges with Minister Fonseca.
 
In Guatemala, Minister Lin will preside over a plaque unveiling ceremony marking renovations at the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will also attend the inauguration of a monitoring, emergency response, and incident command center at the international airport in Guatemala’s capital and visit the planned site for a specialized cancer hospital. These pursuits will open a new chapter for bilateral cooperation in numerous areas.
 
A key objective of this trip is to actively expand business opportunities between Taiwan and Belize and between Taiwan and Guatemala. To this end, the delegation will hold various meetings and enterprise  matchmaking events in both countries, aiming to further expand industrial cooperation and economic and trade exchanges. Representatives from the US-Taiwan Business Council have also been invited to join the delegation, and exchanges will be conducted with local US chambers of commerce. This will boost trilateral connections among companies from Taiwan, the United States, and Taiwan’s allies and help in building strong democratic business alliances.
 
To realize President Lai Ching-te’s values-based diplomacy and vision of transforming Taiwan into an economy on which the sun never sets, Minister Lin has actively promoted integrated diplomacy and eight flagship programs under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. Under these initiatives, Taiwan is sharing its experience of successful industrial development and helping Taiwanese enterprises expand their worldwide presence, enter international markets, and foster global connections.
 
The delegation led by Minister Lin comprises over 30 representatives from Taiwan’s green energy, smart transport, AI and digital technology, aerospace technology, biotechnology, healthcare, tourism, finance and trade, and other sectors. Integrating public and private sector resources to form a novel international flying geese paradigm with a combined fleet and leveraging the favorable geographic positions of Belize and Guatemala, which connect North America, Latin America, the Pacific, and the Caribbean, the group aims to draw on complementary strengths and expand industrial collaboration. This will allow Taiwan to work with its diplomatic allies to spur development, advance mutual benefit, and achieve prosperity, while further deepening enduring bonds of friendship. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

September 25, 2026  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that following the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, China has continued to distort the facts to advance its own position and claims. In particular, China’s Foreign Ministry issued a press release in which it urged the United States to “prudently handle the Taiwan issue,” “take the correct path of opposing Taiwan independence,” and “create a solid basis for strategic cooperation between China and the United States and the development of bilateral ties.”
 
The position of the ROC (Taiwan) government is firm and clear: Neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; Taiwan’s sovereignty rests in its people; the Chinese Communist Party regime has no right to represent the people of Taiwan; and Taiwan’s future can only be determined by Taiwan’s people collectively and in a democratic manner.
 
President Lai Ching-te has reaffirmed on many occasions that Taiwan serves as a responsible party that strives to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the region. This has been the consistent and staunch position of the ROC (Taiwan), as well as the greatest consensus of the 23 million people of Taiwan.
 
The reality is that China engages in gray-zone harassment and military threats in the East and South China Seas, the Taiwan Strait, and the areas surrounding Taiwan. Indeed, China is undermining regional peace and stability. It is viewed by nations concerned as the greatest threat to the region. Countries around the world have taken note of, and made precautions against, China’s efforts to interfere in their routine exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan. 
 
On the eve of the Trump-Xi summit, many nations reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait during the United Nations General Assembly. This position was reiterated in a joint statement by the foreign ministers of the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, as well as in a joint statement by the foreign ministers and high-level representatives of eight nations, namely Australia, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom. These statements fully demonstrated the international community’s consensus in support of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and against attempts to unilaterally change the status quo.
 
Additionally, over 60 members of the US House of Representatives and Senate from across the political aisle voiced support for Taiwan. Taiwan will continue to collaborate closely with the United States and other like-minded nations to jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and ensure freedom, openness, and prosperity in the region.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Lu Rong, or velvet antler, is a highly valued Chinese medicinal material. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, only the antlers of Sika deer or Red deer are classified as authentic, while those from other species are considered “adulterants”. However, verifying the authenticity of Lu Rong slices through traditional DNA testing methods is both complex and time-consuming.

The Department of Health’s Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI) is dedicated to developing efficient testing methods involving advanced equipment and innovative technology. Since its establishment in 2017, it has completed 22 thematic research projects, including a rapid DNA detection method that authenticates genuine Lu Rong slices.

Rapid testing

Under this method, laboratory staff add an extraction solution to powdered Lu Rong samples to replicate and amplify the DNA within the samples. Following specific processing steps, authentic samples glow orange under ultraviolet light. The method slashes the testing procedure from three days to less than a day.

Assistant Director of Health (Chinese Medicine) Dr Darwin Mak said the method developed by the institute reduces both time and costs, helping to boost quality control and efficiency.

In response to the growing popularity of compound Chinese medicine granules in recent years, the institute has also developed a more efficient chemical marker analysis. Dr Mak explained that compound Chinese medicine granules contain multiple Chinese medicines, each of which previously required separate quality tests. The institute’s versatile chemical analysis protocol enables simultaneous assessment of multiple chemical markers across various formulations.

Taste digitisation

The GCMTI’s permanent building in Tseung Kwan O began operating in phases from late last year. Spanning a total floor area of approximately 27,000 sq m, the facility greatly boosts the institute’s research and development (R&D) capabilities.

Dr Mak outlined that the institute’s four advanced laboratories are fitted with highly advanced equipment, including an electronic sensory analysis system commonly known as the “electronic tongue”. A pilot project has been launched, using this system, to digitise the taste of Chinese medicines in a database, allowing for the development of identification techniques based on taste data.

Industry benefits

In addition to R&D, technology transfer remains a core mission for the GCMTI. The institute regularly organises seminars for Chinese medicine’s testing and certification sectors, and arranges laboratory visits for industry representatives to observe and learn firsthand about various testing technologies – including a new simplified method of identifying herbal powders under a microscope.

Federation of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Chinese Medicine Traders Association President Tommy Li said that relying solely on experience or appearance can lead to confusion when authenticating herbs. Through microscopic identification, the industry can determine the authenticity of Chinese medicines more effectively, saving considerable time and money.

Mr Li added that testing companies routinely adopt technologies developed by the GCMTI. As Chinese medicine enterprises without their own laboratories tend to outsource test reports to these companies, the institute’s work benefits the industry as a whole.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong, China Delegation today won four gold, two silver and two bronze medals, reaching a record total of 54 medals at the Asian Games 2026. Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law congratulated the athletes on their best-ever results. 

The four gold medals were clinched by the Men’s Rugby Sevens Team, tennis player Coleman Wong in the Men’s Singles, and windsurfers Wong Tsz-ho and Cheung Tsz-yuet in the Boys’ Windsurfing iQFoil and Girls’ Windsurfing iQFoil respectively.

The silver medals were secured by sailor Huang Zixi in the Girls’ Dinghy ILCA4 and windsurfer Ma Kwan-ching in the Women’s Windsurfing iQFoil.

Additionally, the Women’s Rugby Sevens Team bagged a bronze, while sailor Cheng de Villemor Salgado Tiago also took bronze in the Boys’ Dinghy ILCA4.

Miss Law noted that the delegation has delivered an outstanding performance at this edition of Asian Games. With the total medal count reaching 54, including 11 gold medals, the team has broken all previous records and scaled new heights.

She commended the Hong Kong, China Men’s Rugby Sevens Team for their flawless performance in the final, where they won without conceding a single point to secure a third consecutive championship and write a new page in history. Miss Law also praised the Hong Kong, China Women’s Rugby Sevens Team, noting they performed admirably to win bronze at two consecutive Asian Games.

As for the tennis gold, Miss Law described it as a milestone of great significance.

“Coleman Wong fought in his best form, making history by securing Hong Kong, China’s first Asian Games Men’s Singles tennis gold, while also earning qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games,” she said.

Miss Law added that the sailing team was equally impressive. She highlighted that all four young athletes competing today won medals, with Wong Tsz-ho and Cheung Tsz-yuet each capturing gold, Huang Zixi taking silver, and Cheng de Villemor Salgado Tiago securing bronze.

“Together with the silver medal won by Ma Kwan-ching, the sailing team collected a total of ten medals – four golds, four silvers and two bronzes – its best-ever performance at an Asian Games, earning the applause of all Hong Kong citizens!” she added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today congratulated the Hong Kong, China Football Team on winning the championship in the FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup 2026 (Division 2). The team defeated Cambodia 2-0 at Kai Tak Stadium to clinch the first-ever title of FIFA-organised cup competition.

 

Miss Law said: “The Hong Kong, China Football Team advanced to today’s final after winning both group-stage matches, with nearly 32,000 fans in attendance to cheer them on.”

 

“The Hong Kong team demonstrated excellence in both attack and defence throughout, delivering an outstanding performance on the pitch. While benefiting from home advantage, they also fully showcased the Hong Kong football team’s fighting spirit and professionalism,” she added.

 

Miss Law highlighted that several Southeast Asian national teams had gathered in Hong Kong over the past week to compete. She hoped the mega event had brought local fans and visiting tourists a top-tier spectator experience, while showcasing Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a capital of international sports events.

 

She noted that the Government will continue to give full support to the development of local football and actively align with the national policy direction of promoting the “three major ball games”. She also looked forward to the Hong Kong football team achieving further success in upcoming competitions and further fostering a vibrant football culture in the city.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department said today it is investigating an incident involving the quality of steel reinforcement in a house at One Stanley in Stanley, adding that it will pursue the matter seriously if any parties are found to have violated the Buildings Ordinance (BO).

The department made the statement in response to a media report concerning the incident. It emphasised that it is highly concerned over the matter, noting that it has been following up seriously and conducting an investigation since receiving the initial report. 

The occupation permit of the house was issued in July 2023, and the owner subsequently carried out decoration works after purchasing the property. 

In January this year, the department received a report from the owner’s representative regarding the structural safety of the floor slabs in the house. Following an appointment made with the owner, departmental staff conducted an on-site inspection in March and concluded that the overall structure of the house posed no obvious danger. 

An investigation was then launched. The department also wrote to the development’s registered structural engineer to request a report and relevant information, including material test reports and certificates.

Between June and September, departmental staff were deployed to the house multiple times to carry out inspections, tests and examinations. These included rebound hammer tests on concrete strength, cover-meter surveys, surface penetrating radar surveys to check reinforcement alignment, concrete core compressive strength tests, and on-site open-up inspections. 

As the department analyses the data obtained, findings have indicated that the concrete cover of one of the beams on the ground floor was not installed with wire mesh as required by the approved plan. Furthermore, the steel reinforcement of some slabs deviated from the approved plan. 

Although these conditions do not pose an obvious danger, the department considers that the quality of works warrants concerns and follow-up actions. It will conduct further investigation and has written to the relevant parties – including the authorised person, the registered structural engineer, the registered contractor, and the developer – requesting interviews to assist in the investigation and to provide further information.

The department reminded the industry that under the BO, building professionals and contractors must supervise and carry out building works in accordance with approved plans. Those found to have failed to properly supervise or execute building works during department audits or upon complaint investigation face prosecution and disciplinary action. 

The Development Bureau will submit a bill to the Legislative Council by the end of this year to amend the BO, which will include increasing penalties under the relevant provisions.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region