MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Civil Service College (CSC) launched the Executive Series on Brokering North and South: China in a Multipolar World. The fifth seminar in the series, on the topic of “Upholding Principles and Innovation in Chinese Arts and Culture and International Communication”, was delivered by Vice President of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Professor Gao Shiming, and chaired by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the China Institute of Fudan University, Mr Eric Li, at the CSC today (October 21).

     Addressing the seminar, the Head of the CSC, Mr Oscar Kwok, said that Hong Kong is rooted in profound traditional Chinese culture while also being deeply influenced by Western culture, developing a cultural perspective that blends the East and the West. It is especially evident in the realm of popular culture, such as film and music, where Hong Kong has made unique contributions and has served as an important window for the world to appreciate the diverse charms of both Hong Kong and Chinese culture. Hong Kong thus serves as a “cultural interpreter” in strengthening international cultural exchange. Hong Kong attracts outstanding talent from around the world, boasts world-class arts and cultural infrastructure, and stands as one of the world’s leading arts trading centres. As an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Hong Kong should fully leverage its advantages to promote innovative development in arts and culture while advancing mutual learning among civilisations.

     About 140 civil servants in directorate, senior, and middle ranks from 39 bureaux/departments attended the seminar in person or online today.

     The Executive Series on Brokering North and South: China in a Multipolar World invites renowned scholars and leaders from the Mainland and overseas as guest speakers to inspire civil servants to reflect on the influence of China, as a major player in a multipolar world, on the global community amid the rise of the Global South and profound changes in the international landscape, and to explore how Hong Kong, as a city where East meets West, should leverage its strengths in its unique role in connecting the country with the world. It covers subjects pertaining to the rise of the Global South and international order, upholding principles and innovation in arts and culture and international communication, and a holistic approach to national security and global initiatives, among others.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting tomorrow (October 22) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on reforming the mechanism for tackling water seepage problems. The motion, moved by Dr Chan Han-pan, is set out in Appendix 1.
 
     Mr Chan Hok-fung will move a motion on promoting rural tourism. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Kenneth Lau, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Mr Luk Chung-hung and Mr Yiu Pak-leung will move separate amendments to Mr Chan Hok-fung’s motion.
 
     In addition, the Chairman of the Panel on Manpower, Mr Lam Chun-sing; the Chairman of the Panel on Commerce, Industry, Innovation and Technology, Mr Jeffrey Lam; the Chairman of the Panel on Transport, Mr Chan Siu-hung; the Chairman of the Panel on Economic Development, Mrs Regina Ip; the Chairman of the Panel on Constitutional Affairs, Mr Lai Tung-kwok; the Chairman of the Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, Mr Ma Fung-kwok; the Chairman of the Panel on Development, Dr Lo Wai-kwok; the Chairman of the Panel on Financial Affairs, Mr Robert Lee; and the Chairman of the Panel on Security, Ms Carmen Kan, will present the reports of the related Panels and address the Council respectively.
 
     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
 
     The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Education Bureau (EDB) held the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression – “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” Book Giving Ceremony cum Thematic Talk today (October 21). The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, presented “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” to representatives of school councils and school heads’ associations to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression with enriched content. 

Addressing the event, Dr Choi said that during the period of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column steadfastly resisted Japanese aggression, and rescued trapped cultural figures and allied members, making significant contributions to the War of Resistance efforts in Hong Kong and across the country. “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” is a very precious historical record of the War of Resistance. Dr Choi said she expected that schools would incorporate the content of the book into the learning and teaching of relevant subjects, deepening students’ understanding of Hong Kong’s participation in the War of Resistance. This way, students could appreciate the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation, cherish the hard-earned peace and prosperity today, and be inspired to contribute to the country and society. 

She noted that in order to implement the initiatives outlined in the Policy Address to advance patriotic education, the EDB continuously adopts a multipronged and co-ordinated approach to integrate patriotic education into daily learning and teaching for strengthening students’ affection for and sense of belonging to the country.

     Co-Chief Editor of “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” Professor Lau Chi-pang hosted the subsequent thematic talk which was about the development, history and contributions of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column during the War of Resistance.

Other guests attending the event included the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo; Co-Chief Editor of “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” Professor Liu Shuyong; members of the Working Group on Patriotic Education, Professor Gu Minkang and Mr Kwok Wing-keung; representatives from school councils and school heads associations of primary and secondary schools, and principals and teachers from primary and secondary schools.
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All primary and secondary schools (including special schools) in Hong Kong will receive a complimentary copy of “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” via the post. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA extends sincere congratulations to LDP President Takaichi on election as prime minister of Japan

Date：2025-10-21
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

October 21, 2025 
No. 411 

During a special session of the National Diet of Japan convened on October 21 to elect a new prime minister, Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi obtained the votes required to become 104th prime minister of Japan. She will now go on to form a new cabinet.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung extends his sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi and has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan to transmit a congratulatory telegram to Ms. Takaichi and the entire cabinet on behalf of the government of Taiwan.
 
Taiwan and Japan share such core values as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law and have long enjoyed close and friendly interactions. Cooperation in a wide range of areas, conducted through values-based diplomacy, alliance-based diplomacy, and economic diplomacy, continues to yield fruitful results.
 
Prime Minister Takaichi will be Japan’s first female prime minister. As an individual of great vision and courage, she has always staunchly supported Taiwan. Numerous members of her cabinet maintain close ties with Taiwan and have led delegations to Taiwan on many occasions, conducting extensive and in-depth exchanges with various sectors of Taiwan on issues of mutual concern and helping deepen friendly exchanges and collaboration between both nations.
 
Building upon this solid foundation, Taiwan looks forward to advancing cooperation with Prime Minister Takaichi’s new government. Continuing to promote a mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership in all areas of common concern and interest, Taiwan will work together with Japan to make even more contributions to Indo-Pacific peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to statement by EP delegation regarding importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Date：2025-10-18
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

October 18, 2025The Bureau of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) issued a statement after the 42nd EU-China Inter-Parliamentary Meeting was held on October 16. The document emphasized that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were in the interest of the European Union and the world and reiterated opposition to any distortion or misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758. It also confirmed that the European Union would continue to pursue close cooperation with Taiwan and reject any unilateral change to the status quo through force or coercion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates and welcomes this statement by the EP delegation.Since the start of its current (10th) term, the European Parliament has included pro-Taiwan wording in numerous statements, such as resolutions on the PRC’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and continuous military provocations around Taiwan, the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, and the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. These statements further demonstrate the European Parliament’s unwavering support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. They also reflect the European Union’s grave concern over China’s unilateral attempts to distort international law and UN resolutions. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the European Parliament on the current solid foundation so that the two sides can jointly strengthen democratic resilience and promote a partnership centered on shared values.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to media inquiries regarding speech by Foreign Minister Lin at Dutch think tank HCSS

Date：2025-10-17
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

October 17, 2025Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung delivered a keynote speech on the topic of “Taiwan’s Role in the Strategic Reindustrialization of Europe” at a closed-door luncheon in The Hague, Netherlands, on September 15 at the invitation of The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS), a Dutch think tank. Around 40 participants from various circles attended the event and engaged in exchanges.During his address, Minister Lin emphasized that authoritarian nations were collaborating to undermine the free and democratic international rules-based order. Suggesting that democracies must unite and help one another in establishing non-red supply chains, he said that Taiwan and its trusted technologies were the best partners for Europe.Following his speech at the HCSS, Minister Lin used remarks at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland on September 29 to further reiterate that Taiwan was an indispensable partner in Europe’s ReArm Europe plan and efforts to reindustrialize. He called on Taiwan and Europe to strengthen cooperation on initiatives promoted by President Lai Ching-te, such as the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and a global semiconductor democratic supply chain partnership initiative.Building upon the foundation of democratic values shared by Taiwan and Europe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to actively promote the strengthening of bilateral relations so as to jointly safeguard peace, stability, prosperity in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Incheon, Korea and met Chair of the Meeting, the Republic of Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy & Finance Koo Yun-cheol.

This year’s meeting is focused on key issues including the economic situations and outlook, regionally and globally, as well as digital finance and the fiscal policies of member economies.

Mr Chan spoke at various sessions of the meeting. During a session on the economic outlook, he remarked that global growth momentum has weakened amid rising challenges from unilateralism and tariffs.

He stressed that the global economy is facing heightened uncertainty, with some economies having to choose between co-operation and coercion, as well as between shared prosperity and narrow self-interest.

Against this backdrop, Hong Kong, China remains firmly committed to upholding a free and open trade and investment environment, providing global enterprises and investors with a stable, consistent and predictable business environment.

Mr Chan called on all member economies to safeguard a rules-based multilateral trading system and to work together in promoting sustainable regional economic growth.

At the session on digital finance, he spoke about how blockchain technology and artificial intelligence are creating rapid advances in digital financial services. These technologies not only improve efficiency and reduce costs, but also play a key role in driving financial inclusion. Drawing on Hong Kong, China’s experience, he shared three key observations on developing a robust fintech ecosystem.

At the session on fiscal policy, the finance chief shared Hong Kong, China’s economic strategy, which includes solidifying its strengths as an international financial and trading centre, while fostering growth of emerging industries such as innovation and technology.

He also outlined the Government’s fiscal consolidation plan, which focuses primarily on containing expenditure growth, complemented by modest revenue measures based on user-pay and affordability principles.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

On the second day of their visit, the Delegation of National Model Workers & Craftsmen met major local labour organisations, employees and representatives.

This morning, the delegation exchanged views with labour bodies, trade union representatives, awardees of the industry role model stars award, clients of the Labour Department’s employment services, and trainees from the Employees Retraining Board. The delegates also shared their experience, which motivated employees across various sectors to embrace change, pursue innovation, as well as uphold a spirit of dedication and professionalism, thereby enhancing capabilities and driving the overall advancement of their respective industries. Guests taking part in the sharing session included Under Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming and Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Chinese Culinary Institute, the Hotel & Tourism Institute and the International Culinary Institute.

During exchanges with the National Model Workers & National Great Craftsman, local students and WorldSkills Competition competitors were deeply inspired, and motivated to hone their skills and build a solid foundation for their professional development.

Additionally, the delegation toured the Legislative Council Complex, and attended a dinner banquet hosted by Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun. The attending guests included Permanent Secretary for Labour & Welfare Alice Lau, Mr Ho and Mr Hui.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today accompanied a delegation led by Vice Minister of Agriculture & Rural Affairs Zhang Zhili to visit the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market under the Fish Marketing Organization (FMO).

Welcoming the delegation, Mr Tse said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to the local agriculture and fisheries industries and promotes their sustainable development by complementing the direction of national development.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to implement measures under the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture & Fisheries to help fishermen and farmers switch to modernised and sustainable operation modes, attract more young people to join the industry, integrate into the development plan of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and enhance the quality, quantity, and output value of local agricultural and fisheries products in the long run.

By inspecting the landing and sale of catch at the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market, the delegation understood that the FMO has been providing the fisheries industry with services such as wholesale of chilled fish and live seafood, supply of clean seawater, as well as promoting local fisheries products. All profits are then used to support the development of local fisheries.

The delegation also met local fishermen and tasted local processed speciality fisheries products.