MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

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: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at Europe Day 2026 reception today (May 8):
 
Ambassador Rouse (Ambassador and Head of Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Harvey Rouse), Consulates-General, Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
A very good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you today to celebrate together the Europe Day 2026. 
 
Hong Kong and the European Union (EU) have long been maintaining a strong and close relationship. Let me use our deep economic ties as an example. At present, there are over 1 780 EU-based companies in Hong Kong. In 2025, the total merchandise trade between the two economies has reached HK$491 billion. Also, as a key entrepot linking the EU with the Chinese Mainland, re-export trade between the two economies through Hong Kong amounted to HK$293.1 billion.
 
Just last month, on April 16, our Chief Executive met Ambassador Rouse and other EU representatives, reaffirming a shared commitment to multilateralism, a rule-based international order as well as open co-operation between Hong Kong and the EU. I note that, during the meeting, Ambassador Rouse stressed the importance of embracing Hong Kong’s uniqueness as an open and international city where there is full confidence in the rule of law, open debate and the exchange of ideas. I wish to say I concur in entirety. Respect for the rule of law, fundamental human rights and open dialogue are core values which are extremely dear to my heart. They are indeed the key to Hong Kong’s success as a genuine international city. While it is perhaps very natural and not surprising that there may be different views between us on some related issues from time to time, there should not be any doubt that we share the same strong and unwavering commitment to uphold these core values. An important point is our willingness and readiness to engage in continuous and constructive dialogue with an open mind.
 
We always say that Hong Kong acts as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” between the Chinese Mainland and other jurisdictions. Owing to the unique systematic strengths enjoyed by Hong Kong under the principle of “one country, two systems”, I believe it also performs an important role in assisting our country to maintain and enhance a rule-based international order based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win co-operation. This is of utmost importance at this challenging time in international relations.
 
In the recently announced 15th Five-Year Plan, China reiterates its ideal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and the four vital initiatives to achieve this ideal, namely, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. These are not merely slogans, these are real objectives that our country strives to achieve together with other countries.
 
In this respect, Hong Kong may contribute in different ways, in particular, by strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in order to promote the international rule of law. We are honoured to host the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), the first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, which has sstarted operation since last October. There are now 41 signatory states to the IOMed Convention, out of which 13 have ratified the treaty and become formal contracting states. In fact, more than 1 000 people took part either physically or online at the Global Mediation Summit held today, which is in fact the last day of Mediation Week organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ).
 
I must also take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the General Assembly of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), based in Rome, which resolved in last December to establish its Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in Hong Kong by the end of this year. As UNIDROIT’s first overseas office outside Rome, it will strengthen regional collaboration and enhance synergies among the leading international legal organisations in this part of the world: they include, inter alia, the Hague Conference on Private International Law – Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and the DoJ Project Office for Collaboration with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.
 
To further strengthen Hong Kong’s relationship with EU members and international legal organisations, I am considering a trip to Rome and Vienna, where the headquarters of key international legal institutions are located, and perhaps other destinations in continental Europe around early December this year.
 
The relationship between Hong Kong and EU members of course goes far beyond economic and legal co-operation. I have bought tickets and will definitely attend various exciting cultural events of the French May Arts Festival. And, as a soccer fan, I wish and am confident that European teams will perform well in the World Cup Final in June and July, notwithstanding the fact that it will be played on the American continent!
 
May I conclude by wishing all of you a very joyful celebration for the Europe Day. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced the successful pricing of approximately HK$27.6 billion worth of green bonds and infrastructure bonds under its Sustainable Bond Programme and Infrastructure Bond Programme.

Denominated in Hong Kong dollars, renminbi (RMB), US dollars and euros, the bonds are expected to be settled on May 14. They will be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.

The Monetary Authority noted that the bonds were priced yesterday following a virtual roadshow.

The bonds have been assigned credit ratings of AA- by Fitch, Aa3 by Moody’s and AA+ by S&P Global Ratings.

The infrastructure bonds include a HK$3 billion 30-year tranche at 3.95%, an RMB6 billion 20-year tranche at 2.6%, an RMB6 billion 30-year tranche at 2.7%, and a US$500 million 5-year tranche at 4.052%.

A EUR750 million 8-year green tranche at 3.119% was also issued.

The offering attracted a wide spectrum of investors from more than 30 markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. It drew approximately HK$239 billion in orders, representing a subscription ratio of about 8.6 times. 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the Government has continued to issue longer-tenor HK-dollar and RMB bonds to meet institutional demand and foster the development of fixed income and currency markets.

“Issuance of RMB bonds will further enrich offshore RMB product offerings, improve the offshore RMB yield curve and promote RMB internationalisation,” Mr Chan said.

“The enthusiastic response from global institutional investors to the subscription reflects their confidence in the development prospects of Hong Kong,” he added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

From May 21 to 29, residents of the seven fire-affected blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po will be given the chance return once again to their units, in batches, to collect personal belongings, the Government announced today.

Access arrangements will be broadly similar to those previously implemented. On a staggered basis, 10 floors at a time will be opened within each block, starting from the lower floors. Residents will be able to return to their respective units at the time arranged for them.

Residents of Wang Yan House, Wang Sun House and Wang Tai House will be able to return on May 21, 22 and 23. Those of Wang Kin House and Wan Cheong House will be able to return on May 24, 25 and 26. May 27 to 29 are allocated for residents of Wang Tao House and Wang Shing House.

Morning sessions will run from 9am to 1pm, and afternoon sessions from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Four residents per unit will be able to enter their building at a time. Residents will be able to stay for up to three hours and make multiple trips.

Under the “one social worker per household” arrangement, social workers will notify households of their allocated timeslots, and assist with pre-registration.

On access days, pre-registered individuals will be instructed to proceed to Kwong Fuk Community Hall to check in and collect safety gear before going to their units. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Global Mediation Summit, the first international conference organised by the International Organization for Mediation, or IOMed, was held at the Convention & Exhibition Centre today, with Chief Executive John Lee officiating.

Speaking at the event, Mr Lee noted that the National 15th Five-Year Plan has expressed support for IOMed, and emphasised that this backing ensures Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of international disputes through mediation in the long term.

“As IOMed’s headquarters, Hong Kong is at the very heart of global dispute resolution and its promising future,” Mr Lee said.

“The National 15th Five-Year Plan, I am pleased to note, has expressed support to IOMed. That ensures that Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of disputes by mediation, long down the road,” he added.

“Hong Kong will continue to build on our partnership with IOMed. Together, we will work to develop Hong Kong as a global mediation centre, and we invite governments, companies, investors and others to make optimal use of the mediation services provided by IOMed.”

Mr Lee also highlighted that since its inauguration last October, the number of signatory states to the IOMed Convention has climbed from 37 to 41, while the number of contracting states has risen from eight to 13.

The summit drew over 400 leaders, senior officials and professionals from 48 countries and regions to share their experience and insights on international mediation.

IOMed Governing Council Vice-chairperson Willy Bett noted that establishing the headquarters in Hong Kong significantly bolsters the trust of many countries.

“IOMed’s positioning or location in Hong Kong, and the support the Hong Kong SAR and the People’s Republic of China in general, has made IOMed gain confidence with many countries,” he said.

“And Hong Kong has a lot of experience in handling international matters. And therefore, even the location of Hong Kong in itself being at the heart of Asia and the Pacific, it puts it in a unique position to be a more central place to settle most of these disputes,” Mr Bett added.

Another speaker, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Conciliator Panel Member Wolf Von Kumberg, who is an independent arbitrator and mediator himself, said Hong Kong is well positioned to become a global mediation capital.

“For mediation to work, you have to ensure that the parties feel comfortable in going to a particular venue that is both stable and also is a safe place to go,” he noted.

“Hong Kong is very well placed because for decades, Hong Kong has been a commercial hub where investors could come from all over the world into a very stable environment,” he added.

“By putting a mediation institute here, it is a place that is recognised by global stakeholders to help them then to resolve these disputes.”

With the support of the Department of Justice and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy as the key sponsors, the summit concludes Mediation Week 2026.

The event has explored international cross-cultural mediation, financial and investment dispute resolution and the development of a global mediation ecosystem.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

The symposium is organised by the Arts Education (AE) Section of the Curriculum Development Institute (CDI), the Education Bureau (EDB), with support from 13 local universities. Themed “Visual Innovation”, the symposium aims to enhance the learning and teaching of visual arts and design, facilitate participants’ grasp of the latest developments in the design field and the application of innovative technologies, cultivate visual thinking and higher-order thinking skills, strengthen vocational and professional education and training, and provide a platform for exchange among teachers and students.15 May 2026 (Friday) 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
16 May 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Venue

Exhibition Gallery, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library

For further details of the symposium and the exhibition, please visit the Arts Education Key Learning Area Webpage: Click Here

 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Global Mediation Summit under Mediation Week 2026 today (May 8):
 
Secretary-General Cheng (Secretary-General of the International Organization for Mediation, Professor Teresa Cheng), Commissioner Cui (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Cui Jianchun), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. The Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy under the DoJ are extremely honoured to be the key sponsors of today’s Global Mediation Summit organised by the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).
 
     Time really flies. I still remember that we hosted the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed on May 30 last year. Shortly after that, we completed the conversion of the Old Wan Chai Police Station into the IOMed Headquarters. On October 20 last year, the formal inauguration and first Governing Council meeting of the IOMed were held. It is indeed remarkable that, within less than a year following the signing of the Convention, the number of signatories has increased to 41, out of which 13 have ratified the Convention and hence become Contracting States.
 
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, in particular the DoJ, will continue to support the work of the IOMed in different ways. First, it will be responsible for the maintenance of the Headquarters. Second, the DoJ will continue to second Hong Kong legal professionals to the IOMed Secretariat. Since 2023, the DoJ has already seconded a total of four counsel to assist in the establishment of the IOMed. Third, the Government will actively promote the use of IOMed mediation by, among other things, taking the lead in procuring the inclusion of an IOMed mediation clause in suitable international agreements to which the HKSAR Government is a party.
 
     Furthermore, we are at the preparatory stage of the construction of an entirely new Hong Kong International Legal Service Building, which will be located adjacent to the IOMed Headquarters. In addition to the provision of training and dispute resolution facilities, space has been reserved for the IOMed in anticipation of its future needs.
 
     I would venture to say that Hong Kong provides the ideal ecosystem for the conduct of international mediation under the IOMed. 
 
     To begin with, Hong Kong is well recognised as a leading international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Indeed, one of the mandates stated in the National 15th Five-Year Plan is that Hong Kong shall strengthen its status in this respect.
 
     To be more specific on mediation, Hong Kong aims at establishing itself as the Global Capital of Mediation. Back in 2009, the DoJ launched the “Mediate First” Pledge campaign. The Pledge is a non-legally binding statement of commitment by pledgees to first explore the use of mediation to resolve disputes before resorting to other means of dispute resolution. To date, over 1 000 companies, organisations or associations and individuals have signed the Pledge. Since 2012, the DoJ has been organising the Mediation Week biennially to promote the wider use of mediation in Hong Kong. Today’s Summit is indeed the finale of this year’s Mediation Week. On November 6, 2024, the DoJ issued the Policy Statement on the Incorporation of Mediation Clauses in Government Contracts, under which the Government, as a matter of general policy, would incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts. The policy has taken effect since February 6, 2025. The Working Group on Mediation Regulatory System, established by the DoJ in October 2024, has already completed a comprehensive review and made a series of recommendations, including a proposal to introduce legislative amendments to the Mediation Ordinance. The DoJ will take forward the legislative amendment work in the second half of 2026. Furthermore, capacity-building programmes offered by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, set up by the DoJ in late 2024, would include mediation wherever appropriate.
 
     One of Hong Kong’s strengths is its strong pool of legal professionals who are proficient and experienced in international dispute resolution. It is noteworthy that 10 out of the 24 mediators designated by China to the IOMed’s General Panel of Mediators come from Hong Kong.
 
     Let us not forget that Hong Kong is located in the heart of Asia, and within a five-hour flight of half of the world’s population. It is an international, cosmopolitan city which offers a safe, inclusive and friendly environment to people coming from other parts of the world.
 
     All in all, we are very confident that the IOMed, with its Headquarters in Hong Kong, will make significant contributions to the international rule of law. The HKSAR Government, in particular the DoJ, will continue to do its utmost to promote and support the work of the IOMed in the future. On this note, ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a most constructive Summit. Thank you very much.