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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department will hold an industry-based job fair titled “Embarking on a New Journey” at MacPherson Stadium in Mong Kok on May 12 and 13 featuring more than 2,700 vacancies.

Over 60 organisations will participate, with around 30 booths set up each day. The event will primarily focus on catering, retail, construction and hotel industries, which together account for more than 2,500 of the available openings.

A wide variety of positions are on offer, ranging from technical roles like duty engineer, electrician and safety supervisor to service-oriented jobs such as cook, guest services officer and shop supervisor.

Approximately 79% of the vacancies are full-time positions, with most offering monthly salaries between $13,000 to $24,000. About 95% of the roles require an education level of Secondary 7 or below, and 54% are open to those without relevant work experience.

Job seekers can submit applications and may be invited for on on-the-spot interviews. Department staff will also be able available at a dedicated counter to handle enquiries regarding employment services.

The fair will run from 11am to 5.30pm at 1/F, MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson Street. Admission is free, with the last entry at 5pm daily.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The annual Buddha Bathing Ceremony was held at Tzu Chi Sydney, coinciding this year with Mother’s Day and the 60th anniversary of Tzu Chi worldwide. Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, accompanied by Director May Chiang, attended the event together with community leaders and Tzu Chi volunteers, praying for peace, harmony, and well-being.
DG Wu noted that Tzu Chi has long promoted charity, medical care, education, and humanitarian values around the world, demonstrating compassion and the positive spirit of Taiwan through disaster relief and community service. He also commended Tzu Chi Sydney for its longstanding contributions to Australia’s multicultural society.
The event also carried a strong atmosphere of gratitude in celebration of Mother’s Day, honoring both maternal love and the dedication of Tzu Chi volunteers.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Security Bureau today said it was notified by Guangdong Province’s Nuclear Emergency Committee Office of an operational event at Ling Ao Nuclear Power Station, in which an isolation valve remained closed longer than required.

This incident did not affect the safety of the power station’s Unit 1, the health of the workers, the nearby public or the environment, the bureau added.

On May 7, Unit 1 was undergoing a planned overhaul for refuelling. During routine testing, station staff remotely closed one of the cooling water isolation valves of the standby equipment from the main control room to adjust the cooling water flow, and restored it to normal status on the same day.

Since the isolation valve remained closed for a duration exceeding the requirement of the technical specification, this event was classified as a Level 0 deviation on May 8 in accordance with the International Nuclear & Radiological Event Scale and relevant nuclear safety regulations. 

The bureau stressed that Unit 1 remained in a safe condition throughout the event, while the three safety barriers remained intact and there was no release of radioactive substances.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In 2025, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) cracked a case of illegal goat slaughtering. The premises involved were located in a remote rural area and concealed from view. Accordingly, a key factor in foiling the perpetrators was the use of aerial intelligence.

Officers used drones to capture footage, then cross-referenced this with aerial photographs taken by the Lands Department. This allowed them to identify suspicious locations.

The FEHD outlined that using drones to collect evidence reduces the need for manned patrols, boosts efforts to combat illegal slaughtering activities, illegal meat distribution centres and unlicensed food premises, and improves staff safety.

Expanded capabilities

Explaining the limitations of traditional methods, Food & Environmental Hygiene Department Senior Superintendent (Operations) Lo Chi-man remarked: “Relying solely on manpower-based patrols, plain-clothes operatives could only conduct surveillance in the vicinity of the target premises. Operatives also faced significant safety risks such as potential violence, aggressive dogs and structural hazards.”

After the introduction of drones, however, intelligence can now be gathered at high altitude, adopting a bird’s eye view. This allows operatives to clearly map entry or exit points, personnel distribution, suspicious vehicle locations and escape routes in advance.

Smart inspections

Beyond intelligence gathering, the FEHD has been working with the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department since 2025 to study the feasibility of using drones to support street cleanliness inspections.

Under planned trials, drones will conduct automated aerial patrols along pre-set routes in order to detect accumulated rubbish, overflowing litter bins and damaged refuse collection facilities. The captured images will then be analysed using artificial intelligence, enabling the FEHD to arrange timely follow-up actions.

Food & Environmental Hygiene Department Senior Superintendent (Innovation & Technology) Kuan Man-hou highlighted that street cleaning inspections largely depend on frontline staff making in-person site visits. Officers are required to carry out visual checks and take photos to record conditions. However, some locations are remote and transport can be inconvenient, so the trips are often time-consuming.

With the automated inspection system, however, the FEHD will be able to analyse street cleanliness more quickly and accurately, enabling more effective deployment of manpower and resources.

Drone docking stations are expected to be installed on top of public toilets managed by the FEHD, serving as bases for take-off, landing and charging. The team revealed that flight tests for the project will commence soon.

Phased trials

Electrical & Mechanical Services Department Senior Engineer (Drones, Robotics & Automation) Vanessa Yau said her team is applying to the Civil Aviation Department for operational approvals.

”The trials will be conducted in two main stages. In the first stage, flights under visual line of sight and extended visual line of sight will be tested. Once stable performance is achieved, beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations will be tested for fully automated aerial patrols.”

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai confers decoration on President Santiago Peña Palacios of Republic of Paraguay, hosts state banquet  
At noon on May 8, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Santiago Peña Palacios of the Republic of Paraguay and hosted a state banquet in his honor. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Peña for firmly supporting Taiwan at numerous international venues. He stated that Taiwan and Paraguay will continue to engage with the world together, as well as deepen cooperation in various fields including the economy and trade, technology, public health, education, and talent development. President Lai said that Taiwan and Paraguay will walk hand in hand on the path of democracy, together fostering prosperity.
During the ceremony, President Lai decorated President Peña with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
This highest honor not only recognizes President Peña’s outstanding contributions to deepening the diplomatic partnership between Taiwan and Paraguay, but also represents the sincerest gratitude of the people of Taiwan.
Three years ago, in his inaugural address, President Peña mentioned the deep friendship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Paraguay, grounded in friendly cooperation. He emphasized that our two nations are not only allies, but brothers. This sentiment has remained deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of Taiwan. I attended President Peña’s inauguration ceremony that day as a special envoy of former President Tsai Ing-wen. I witnessed President Peña’s steadfast commitment to democracy, national development, and the friendship between Taiwan and Paraguay. Through that visit, I gained a profound appreciation for the close cooperative relationship between our two countries.
Since taking office, President Peña has continued to support our bilateral collaborative projects. He has also spoken up for Taiwan at many important international venues, emphasizing that the Republic of China (Taiwan) deserves a seat in the United Nations. This unwavering support has deeply moved the people of Taiwan and has shown the world that the friendship between Taiwan and Paraguay is built on shared values and mutual trust. Going ahead, Taiwan and Paraguay will engage with the world together. By deepening cooperation in various fields including the economy and trade, technology, public health, education, and talent development, we can translate these friendly diplomatic ties to our peoples’ daily lives, bringing about tangible prosperity and development.
In the face of rapidly changing global dynamics, Taiwan, as a nation that cherishes freedom and peace, will continue to act with stability and responsibility. We will stand with Paraguay and every partner who supports us to jointly address the challenges of these changing times. On the basis of our democratic values, we will share the fruits of prosperity with the international community, bringing more positive energy to the region and the world. We will let the world see Taiwan’s shining example of goodwill.
I want to thank President Peña once again for everything he has done for Taiwan. This exchange has demonstrated once more that our two countries will support each other through thick and thin. As we move forward in cooperation, we will continue to walk hand in hand on the path of democracy. I also wish President Peña the best of health. May our two countries enjoy peace and prosperity, and our alliance remain unshakable.
President Peña then delivered remarks, expressing his deep honor to be visiting Taiwan once again, and noting that this long-anticipated state visit holds significant meaning, as Taiwan is a cherished ally with whom both he and Paraguay share deep ties of friendship. He stated that he is immensely proud to be conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon, the nation’s highest order. He emphasized that this distinction is not only a personal honor, but a supreme tribute to the steadfast and enduring fraternal bond that has united our two nations for decades. He further remarked that receiving this decoration has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Republic of China (Taiwan), and stated that he will continue deepening the two countries’ diplomatic ties, shared bond, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Peña noted that Taiwan and Paraguay will celebrate the 69th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this July. He affirmed that Paraguay will remain Taiwan’s staunchest ally, standing shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan in the international arena. He also emphasized Paraguay’s steadfast, unchanging commitment to defending Taiwan’s right to participate actively in the systems of democratic nations – a commitment rooted in mutual respect and a firm belief in the shared values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights. President Peña remarked that the relationship between the two countries has evolved into a strategic partnership that delivers tangible benefits to both peoples. He highlighted the continuous progress in bilateral economic and trade cooperation in recent years, noting that Taiwan has become one of Paraguay’s key trading partners and a premier destination for Paraguayan agricultural and livestock exports. He expressed hope for continued access for Paraguay’s high-quality products to Taiwan’s high-standard market. Leveraging this economic momentum, he said, Paraguay aims to promote technological cooperation to achieve the goals of enhancing rural productivity and strengthening the competitiveness of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.
President Peña further pointed out that bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Paraguay has yielded significant results in enhancing the well-being of the Paraguayan people. He noted that the memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation for the years 2023 to 2028 signed between the two governments stands as a testament to Taiwan’s friendship and their shared vision for progress. The president detailed the extensive advancements made across various sectors, including education, public health, security, national defense, science, technological innovation, and digital connectivity. He then highlighted key initiatives including Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University, the TaiwanICDF Scholarship Program, the construction of a general hospital in Asunción, the implementation of health information systems, and social housing. President Peña also underscored projects aimed at strengthening policing capabilities and introducing modern electric buses. These efforts, he emphasized, have been instrumental in improving his fellow citizens’ quality of life and enhancing the efficiency of public administration, thereby driving the overall national development of Paraguay.
The president also noted that bilateral cooperation in the technology sector is entering a pivotal phase, highlighted by joint initiatives in cybersecurity and government digitalization. He pointed to the upcoming inauguration of the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park, a challenging project that seeks to attract investment from Taiwan and across the globe in fields such as AI, the digital economy, and high-value-added agriculture. These efforts, he stated, will help propel Paraguay toward modernization and sustainable industrialization. The president emphasized that the Taiwan-Paraguay partnership is evolving into a core strategic alliance centered on investment, innovation, and mutual prosperity. To this end, he reaffirmed his commitment to actively improving the environment for foreign investment by ensuring legal certainty and streamlining administrative procedures. The goal of this, he said, is to establish Paraguay as a land full of opportunity and a trustworthy investment destination.
President Peña expressed hope that Paraguay will be more than a diplomatic ally, but also a strategic partner for Taiwan in South America as it seeks to diversify supply chain risks and expand its technological footprint. He noted that the recently held Paraguay-Taiwan Investment Opportunities Forum and the Taiwan-Paraguay Technology and Semiconductor Forum further demonstrated Paraguay’s potential to leverage the introduction of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry to drive national industrial transformation.
President Peña emphasized that, amidst the current complex and volatile international situation, the relationship between the two countries has demonstrated a resilience that transcends political transitions and changing global circumstances. He expressed confidence that our bilateral strategic alliance will continue to be consolidated on a foundation of solidarity, mutual trust, and rock-solid commitment, always with the well-being of the peoples of both nations as its ultimate goal.
In closing, President Peña expressed hope that this visit will foster the continued deepening of bilateral relations, trade, and investment, saying that he looks forward to the two nations becoming innovation partners in the development of cutting-edge technologies, allowing the bond between our two countries to serve as a beacon of sincere cooperation for the international community. President Peña concluded his remarks by offering his best wishes for the everlasting alliance between the Republic of Paraguay and the Republic of China (Taiwan), saying, “Long live democracy and freedom!”
Also in attendance at the state banquet were Paraguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, Minister of Industry and Commerce Marco Riquelme, Chief of Staff of the Presidency Francisco Javier Giménez, and Ambassador Darío Filártiga Ruiz Díaz. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns China’s malicious claims and interference concerning President Lai’s visit to Eswatini; urges countries to uphold international order

Date：2026-05-07
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 7, 2026  No.184  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns and denounces in the strongest terms China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for issuing a series of statements on May 6 that were malicious, disparaging, and contravened international norms. The remarks were in response to media inquiries concerning President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini.

As a sovereign and independent country, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has the fundamental right to conduct legitimate and routine mutual visits and exchanges between heads of state with allied nations. Such visits are also standard diplomatic practice. 

The original flight plan for President Lai’s visit fully complied with international civil aviation regulations. Yet China used all manner of measures to preemptively obstruct the normal overflight of the chartered plane used by Taiwan’s president. This undermined the international order and the sovereignty of other countries. Then, following the conclusion of President Lai’s trip, China disseminated disparaging remarks concerning the legitimate and legal trip by Taiwan’s head of state in an attempt to distort the truth and mislead the public.

Furthermore, China’s inappropriate comments smearing the prominent political figures of Eswatini, Taiwan’s staunch diplomatic ally in Africa, amount to utterly baseless disparagement. They are deeply offensive to the sovereignty of Eswatini and the dignity of its head of state. Cooperation between the two countries is based on parity, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. China’s contempt for other countries’ sovereign choices is rooted in a hegemonic mindset. It once again demonstrates the malign nature of China’s long-standing intimidation tactic—coercing other countries into accepting its political stance. It also reveals China’s persistent disregard for the international order and universal values grounded in democracy, freedom, and human rights.

With regard to China’s absurd statement that countries deferring to China’s stance upheld the “one China principle” in refusing to issue overflight permits for President Lai’s chartered plane, MOFA reiterates that the ROC (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. 

China continues to challenge the rules-based international order and objective status quo, openly flaunting an imperious mindset. MOFA calls on the international community to take the situation seriously and to recognize that China’s continued propagation of distorted historical narratives and statements, seconded by its actions, has severely undermined peace and stability in the international community.

MOFA emphasizes that no form of suppression can negate the factual existence of Taiwan or interfere with Taiwan’s determination to engage with the world. MOFA urges global democratic partners to recognize the pressing threat posed by the PRC’s authoritarian expansionism and to jointly safeguard international law and flight safety while maintaining the shared interests of the international community. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 7,  2026   No.183    
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) thanks the Formosa Club in Europe for issuing a joint statement on May 6 that expressed support for Taiwan. The statement was issued following the group’s spring gathering, which was held at the European Parliament. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu was invited to take part in the event as a special guest and deliver remarks. 
 
The statement reaffirmed the members’ commitment to deepening interparliamentary cooperation between Taiwan and Europe, backed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, and recognized Taiwan’s indispensable role as a strategic hub in the Indo-Pacific. It also addressed the recent interference in President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini, conveying support for the international engagement of Taiwan’s democratically elected leaders and their freedom to visit Taiwan’s allies and expressing opposition to the manipulation of overflight rights to deny such freedom.
 
In addition, the statement emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and security across the Taiwan Strait and enhancing collaboration between Taiwan and the European Union. It affirmed Taiwan’s technological strengths in the advanced semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and drone-related industries, as well as its role in backing Europe’s resilience-building efforts and creating trusted non-red supply chains. 
 
Furthermore, echoing a European Parliament resolution of 2024, the statement stressed that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 did not take a position on Taiwan. It further reiterated strong support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and their meetings and mechanisms, including the upcoming World Health Assembly, adding that Taiwan’s expertise would significantly benefit the international community.
 
The spring gathering was attended by 25 cochairs and members of the Formosa Club from 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Croatia, Romania, and Kosovo, as well as the European Parliament.
 
Since its establishment in 2019, the Formosa Club has issued numerous statements and joint letters supporting Taiwan’s international participation and expressing concern over Chinese military threats against Taiwan. In October 2025, it held its annual meeting in Taipei for the first time, bringing together Taiwan’s friends in European political circles and fully demonstrating the members’ determination to back Taiwan. (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: Hong Kong Government special administrative region