MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to European Parliament resolution emphasizing need to deepen security and defense cooperation with Taiwan

Date：2026-02-13
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

February 13, 2026  In a plenary session on February 11, the European Parliament voted to adopt a resolution on a report concerning EU strategic defense and security partnerships. The report indicates the need to deepen security and defense cooperation with Taiwan and expresses concerns over the challenges China poses to European and Indo-Pacific security. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conveys his sincere welcome and affirmation of the adoption of the resolution.The report addresses the threats China presents to Europe, noting that the European Union’s dependence on China for critical raw materials constitutes a significant geopolitical and economic vulnerability. It adds that given China’s wartime economic support of Russia, the European Union must reassess its continued economic cooperation with China and strengthen its economic resilience through measures such as derisking. The report also clearly indicates that China is a key enabler and supporter of Russia’s war of aggression and that the European Union must properly address strategic competition with China.The report was drafted by the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence to further the European Union’s security and defense partnerships. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its appreciation to the European Parliament for its concrete actions backing the enhancement of Taiwan-EU security and defense cooperation. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance security exchanges and defense industry cooperation with the European Union to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and respond to emerging global threats and challenges.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

Date：2026-02-11
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

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 sentencing of Jimmy Lai, founder of Hong Kong media outlet Next Digital

Date：2026-02-10
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

February 10, 2026

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong media outlet Next Digital, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on February 9 under Hong Kong’s National Security Law. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) urges the international community to collectively and strongly condemn the Chinese government and the Hong Kong government for using national security as a pretext to once again suppress and undermine the freedom and human rights of the people of Hong Kong. 

This action by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments not only violates international human rights standards but also contravenes the spirit of international law, clearly denying individuals their rightful liberty and squashing the freedom of the press and freedom of speech. It also denies the people’s fundamental right to demand accountability of their leaders, demonstrates Beijing’s extreme disregard for freedom and human rights, and highlights its attempts to create a chilling effect. 

MOFA notes that the governments and all sectors of society of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, and other countries, as well as the United Nations, the European Union, and various international human rights organizations, have voiced grave concern over the case and have pointed out that China has withdrawn from its international commitments and eroded freedom and human rights. Moreover, they have called for the immediate humanitarian parole or unconditional release of Mr. Lai. 

MOFA urges the international community to continue paying close attention to developments in Hong Kong regarding democracy, freedom, and human rights and demanding that China promptly stop undermining freedom and human rights. Meanwhile, Taiwan will continue to work closely with its allies and partners to jointly uphold the line of defense for freedom and democracy.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Regarding the attack on a Hong Kong resident in Japan, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) today said that it had immediately approached 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 (OCMFA) and the Chinese Consulate-General in Sapporo to understand the situation and follow up.

Practicable assistance was provided according to the Hong Kong individual’s wishes.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong SAR Government expressed its concern to the Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong, urging the Japanese Government to ensure the personal safety of Hong Kong travellers in Japan in accordance with the law. It also reminded Hong Kong residents to attend to their personal safety when travelling to the country.

The ImmD added that it will maintain close contact with the OCMFA as well as the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in Japan to provide assistance to Hong Kong residents in Japan.

Hong Kong residents outside Hong Kong who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the ImmD’s Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit at (852) 1868. Alternatively, they may call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD mobile application, send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, or submit an online assistance request form.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene has ordered two fresh provision shops in Mong Kok to suspend business for 14 days, as the licensees repeatedly breached the Food Business Regulation (FBR) by extending their business areas illegally.
 
     The two shops, located at Shop 30 and Shop 29 on the ground floor at 15-19 Cheung Wong Road respectively, were ordered to suspend business from today (February 19) to March 4.
 
     “Two convictions for the above-mentioned breach were recorded against the shop licensee of Shop 30 in November last year. A total fine of $5,200 was levied by the court, and 30 demerit points were registered against the licensee under the department’s demerit points system. While in September and November last year, two convictions for the above-mentioned breach were recorded against the shop licensee of Shop 29. A total fine of $5,000 was levied by the court, and 30 demerit points were registered against this licensee under the department’s demerit points system. The contraventions resulted in the 14-day licence suspension for these two shops,” a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said.
 
     The licensee of Shop 30 had a record of two convictions for the same offence in July last year. A total fine of $6,000 was levied, and 30 demerit points were also registered. While in October 2024 and April last year, the licensee of Shop 29 had a record of two convictions for the same offence. A total fine of $4,500 was levied, and 30 demerit points were also registered. The breaches led to business suspensions of both shops for seven days during last September and June respectively.

     The spokesman reminded licensees of food premises to comply with the FBR, or their licences could be suspended or cancelled.
 
     Licensed food premises are required to exhibit their licence and a sign at a conspicuous place of the premises, indicating that the premises are licensed. A list of licensed food premises is available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/licence-foodPremises-search.html).

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin confers Friend of Foreign Service Medal on Governor Hirai of Japan’s Tottori Prefecture

Date：2026-02-10
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

February 10, 2026  No. 049  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conferred the Friend of Foreign Service Medal on Tottori Prefecture Governor Shinji Hirai on February 10 in recognition of his outstanding contributions over the years to advancing Taiwan-Japan exchanges in such areas as agriculture, youth affairs, and urban development.In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that he formed a friendship with Governor Hirai while serving as Taichung City mayor and minister of transportation and communications. Minister Lin lauded Governor Hirai for staunchly promoting Taiwan-Japan relations in a wide range of fields since becoming governor nearly 20 years ago. Minister Lin pointed out that last year the number of visits between Taiwan and Japan exceeded 8 million, setting a record. He also expressed pleasure that direct flights between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Yonago Airport in Tottori Prefecture were officially launched in May 2025, adding that he anticipated bilateral exchanges would grow even closer in the future.In his remarks, Governor Hirai thanked Minister Lin for welcoming him as an old friend and for fully supporting substantive exchanges with Tottori Prefecture during his tenure as Taichung City mayor. Governor Hirai said that Tottori Prefecture and Taichung City were linked by pear grafting and that the two sides had signed a partnership agreement in 2018, entering a relationship that had continued to now. In addition, he noted that Tottori Prefecture was scheduled to host four events in next year’s Kansai World Masters Games and that he expected to continue fostering exchanges with Taiwan in the field of sports.Since being first elected in 2007, Governor Hirai has actively promoted cordial exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. In 2023, Taichung City awarded him an honorary citizen medal. Due to his endeavors, many towns and municipalities in Tottori Prefecture have established stable and friendly exchange relationships with local governments in Taiwan. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai congratulates LDP President Takaichi Sanae on re-election as prime minister of Japan  
On February 18, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that President Lai Ching-te, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, sincerely congratulates Liberal Democratic Party President Takaichi Sanae on her re-election as Japan’s 105th prime minister in a vote to designate the prime minister held at a special National Diet session. Spokesperson Kuo stated that President Lai wishes the Japanese government led by Prime Minister Takaichi success in implementing all its policy objectives and guiding the nation toward continued development and prosperity. The president also expressed hope that the friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan will continue to deepen, enhancing the well-being of both peoples, and that we can jointly address regional challenges and promote the prosperity and security of the Indo-Pacific region.
Spokesperson Kuo stated that Taiwan and Japan have long been steadfast partners who always help each other out, and that the peoples of both nations have forged precious bonds of friendship. She noted that Prime Minister Takaichi has on multiple occasions expressed support for Taiwan at important international venues. She expressed hope that, going forward, Taiwan and Japan will continue to strengthen the regional partnership across many areas including trade and the economy, technological cooperation, and disaster prevention, building on the strong existing foundation of our cooperation to reach new milestones in Taiwan-Japan relations and together contribute to realizing the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Tens of thousands of residents and visitors lined both sides of Victoria Harbour to watch this evening’s 8pm firework display marking the arrival of the Year of the Horse.

Themed “Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong”, the “2026 Chinese New Year Fireworks Display” lasted for 23 minutes and comprised eight distinct scenes, with 31,888 pyrotechnic shells being released.

The show kicked off with a dazzling 15-second burst of high-density fireworks simulating the energy of galloping horses.

Fireworks in the shape of the number 8 and golden ingots illuminated the sky, conveying wishes for prosperity and abundance in the Year of the Horse.

In the fourth scene, star-like fireworks shot across the sky, resembling horses galloping peacefully on the horizon. Conveying love and hope for the world, this scene also featured a Chinese character expressing good fortune.

The show’s finale involved crown-shaped and “dragon egg” fireworks, as well as a rapid-fire cascade of high-density bursts, expressing heartfelt wishes for national prosperity.

The event was co-ordinated by the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee

Tonight’s spectacular fireworks show, bursting with symbolic Chinese New Year images, will light up Victoria Harbour for 23 thrilling minutes.

The fireworks’ thundering sound will also echo the spirit of the Year of the Horse, now in its second auspicious day. 

It is a sound that captures the essence of what we say in Chinese: 萬馬奔騰 – literally, “ten thousand horses galloping forward” – a powerful image of energy, momentum, and shared progress.

My thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for sponsoring tonight’s fireworks extravaganza. The Jockey Club, let me add, has launched the Year of the Horse campaign, featuring international equestrian shows and wide-ranging cultural, sports and family events, all year long, offering yet more reasons to visit and explore Hong Kong.

Tonight, as that spirit of galloping forward fills the sky, we see why Hong Kong is where East meets West – where ancient traditions and modern celebrations light up the night together.

To everyone here, I wish you all vitality, prosperity and happiness in the Year of the Horse. Let’s enjoy the show! Thank you. 多謝大家！

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the “Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong” Year of the Horse Fireworks Display on February 18.