MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation from University of Tokyo cross-strait relations research group

Date：2025-09-02
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

September 2, 2025 
No.315 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from the University of Tokyo’s cross-strait relations research group on September 1. The delegation was led by Professor Yasuhiro Matsuda and included Professor Yukihito Sato, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Developing Economies; Professor Momoko Kawakami of Kanagawa University; Professor Naoko Eto of Gakushuin University; Professor Rira Momma of Takushoku University; and Dr. Huang Wei-hsiu, Special Research Fellow at the University of Tokyo. The two sides exchanged views on cross-strait relations and developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
 
Minister Lin welcomed the research group back to Taiwan and stated that Taiwan and Japan had enjoyed close and cordial ties in recent years. He remarked that exchanges and cooperation had continued to deepen, while the number of tourist visits had also grown significantly. Minister Lin emphasized that Taiwan and Japan were both located in key positions in the first island chain and were like-minded democratic partners. He thanked the Japanese government for publicly reiterating the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at numerous international events. He affirmed that Taiwan would continue to work hand in hand with the international community to safeguard democracy, peace, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and the globe.
 
Minister Lin added that in the face of serious challenges, such as those posed by China’s authoritarian expansionism, he had been fully committed to promoting integrated diplomacy and the three strategic chains since assuming office. He said that in addition to strengthening cooperation with diplomatic allies, Taiwan had also been actively expanding interactions with other countries in such domains as the economy, trade, and technology, thereby creating mutually beneficial outcomes. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan would further collaboration in critical areas such as semiconductors, AI, and new energy, as well as jointly building more secure and resilient non-red supply chains.
 
In his remarks, Professor Matsuda extended his gratitude to Minister Lin for taking time to meet with the delegation and for facilitating other meetings during their stay. He noted that bilateral discussions helped enhance the group’s understanding of cross-strait relations and Taiwan’s current diplomatic landscape. He also observed that Taiwan and Japan both faced common challenges in addressing the tariff policies of US President Donald Trump.
 
The delegation will also call on President Lai Ching-te and representatives from the National Security Council and the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association. (E) 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

August 30, 2025 
No. 311 

In line with President Lai Ching-te’s values-based diplomacy and vision for a country on which the economic sun never sets, and with coordination provided by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, a Taiwan trade delegation traveled to the Philippines from August 25 to 30. The visit was made possible by close collaboration between the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office. The delegation was jointly led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Huang Chao-chin; Chairman Joseph Lyu of CIECA, Taiwan; and Executive Vice President Lotta Danielsson of the US-Taiwan Business Council (USTBC).
 
The visit demonstrated how Minister Lin’s policy of integrated diplomacy is connecting the Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor with the Luzon Economic Corridor, a project launched by the Philippines, the United States, and Japan. It also underscored joint efforts by Taiwan and the United States to bolster cooperation in third countries. The trip was a pivotal breakthrough in expanding Taiwan’s diplomatic presence and deepening its strategic partnership with the Philippines.
 
Since assuming office, Minister Lin has actively advanced Taiwan-Philippines relations. With the support of President Lai and the Executive Yuan, the government established the Executive Yuan economic diplomacy task force and the Taiwan-Philippines task force. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has integrated resources across agencies and departments to promote cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines in such areas as ports, shipping, new energy, smart agriculture, and semiconductors. In addition to synergizing government policies, MOFA has leveraged the strengths of the private sector in technology, manufacturing, AI, and smart solutions to create a novel flying geese paradigm with a combined fleet and launch the Team of Teams Platform. This collaboration facilitates joint efforts by the government and private sector to enhance Taiwan’s economic and trade networks as well as its diplomatic space.
 
Taiwan is one of the top 10 trading partners of the Philippines, and the economies of the two countries are highly complementary. After months of preparation, MOFA successfully organized this trade delegation to promote the Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and implement the objectives of the Taiwan-US Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue. The trip was also facilitated by a memorandum of understanding between CIECA and the USTBC signed in May. It advanced the Taiwan-US goal of boosting development in third countries.
 
The delegation paid special visits to key areas of the Luzon Economic Corridor and explored a range of investment and cooperation opportunities in the Philippines. In addition to participants from the Ministry of Agriculture, CIECA, and the USTBC, the delegation included members of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, SEMI, the CNFI, and the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association. They represented a wide range of industries and supply chains—from ICT, semiconductors, energy, AI and smart manufacturing to port facilities, smart agriculture and livestock, cold chain logistics, food processing, and tourism. 
 
The delegation’s visit not only underscored the determination of Taiwan and the Philippines to create coprosperity, it also marked a significant milestone in the deepening of economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan, the Philippines, and the United States. MOFA will continue to promote bilateral cooperation with the Philippines in the domains of semiconductors, AI, smart agriculture, and new energy, leveraging Taiwan’s technological advantages and the Philippines’ talent and labor resources to jointly support non-red supply chains and build a democratic, free, and economically prosperous first island chain alliance. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that Wong Sai-fat will take up the appointment as Director of Marine on September 8, following an open and in-service recruitment exercise.

 

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung pointed out that Mr Wong was a seasoned directorate civil servant who had served in the Marine Department for almost 28 years.

 

She added that he has fully demonstrated his outstanding leadership and management skills, extensive maritime experience, and in-depth knowledge of the shipping industry throughout his service, especially during his tenure as the Acting Director of Marine.

 

Ms Yeung said: “I have every confidence that Mr Wong will continue to lead the Marine Department to provide high-quality services to the public and meet future challenges.

 

“His profound knowledge of the maritime industry will also help strengthen communication and collaboration with the shipping industry, thereby fostering the future development of the industry and strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) today (September 5) published its Social Bonds Allocation Update and Impact Report 2025 (Report). The Report mainly discloses the allocation of the net proceeds of the three social bond issuances launched by the HKMC in 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as their social impacts as of June 30, 2025. An Independent Practitioner’s Limited Assurance Report was issued by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the reported allocation and selected information disclosed in the Report.
 
Details of the Report and the Independent Practitioner’s Limited Assurance Report are available at www.hkmc.com.hk/eng/investor_relations/sustainable_finance.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that Mainland perfume brand To Summer officially opened its first store in Hong Kong today (September 5), marking a pivotal moment in the brand’s global expansion strategy, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as an international hub for culture, art, and commerce.

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, “We are delighted to welcome To Summer to Hong Kong, a city that serves as a vital bridge between Mainland China and the global market. Hong Kong’s unique position as an international financial and cultural hub provides an unparalleled platform for brands like To Summer to showcase their products and connect with a diverse international audience.”

Founded in Beijing in 2018, To Summer, known for its modern interpretation of Eastern aesthetics, chose Hong Kong as the location for its first store outside Mainland China due to the city’s rich cultural heritage and its role as a gateway to international markets, according to the brand.

The spokesperson for To Summer, said, “Hong Kong’s unique blend of Eastern and Western inspiration aligns perfectly with our brand’s vision. This store is not just a retail space but a cultural bridge that connects Eastern fragrance traditions with global audiences. We are excited to deepen our connection with Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and community.”

The spokesperson added, “We will focus on the development of the Hong Kong market and our local clientele first. With the Causeway Bay store as a core base, we will then continue to invest resources and steadily expand our operations. We plan to use Hong Kong as a base to expand its influence across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond, with a focus on Southeast Asian and international markets.”

The new store in Causeway Bay offers an immersive brand experience, showcasing To Summer’s full range of products, including art perfumes, home fragrances, and body care items. The store also features cultural publications and collaborative projects with local artists and designers, highlighting the brand’s dedication to shared cultural creativity.

For more information about To Summer, please visit www.tosummer.cn/en.

For a copy of the photo, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328775853.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Labour Department (LD) will hold an online briefing about the employment of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) at 7pm on October 10 (Friday). Enrolment is now open.

The briefing will provide an overview of the employment rights and obligations of employers of FDHs. A representative from the Equal Opportunities Commission will also share best practices for creating an inclusive workplace for FDHs. Employers of FDHs, especially first-time employers, are welcome to attend.

The online briefing will be conducted in Cantonese via Zoom, and admission is free. Interested parties may register online at the LD’s dedicated FDH Portal (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/home.html), or download the enrolment form (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/res/pdf/Enrolment_Form_ER.pdf) and submit it by email (fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk) or by fax (3101 0604). The deadline for enrolment is October 8 (Wednesday). The quota will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For enquiries, please contact the LD at 3582 8995.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong:

     The Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong today (September 5) announced that applications for the 2026 Chinese Medicine Practitioners Licensing Examination will open on September 22, 2025. 

     Applicants who are non-listed Chinese medicine practitioners taking the Licensing Examination for the first time should submit their applications by October 31, 2025. Listed Chinese medicine practitioners or repeaters who wish to undertake the 2026 Licensing Examination should submit their enrolments from December 1, 2025, to January 30, 2026.

     The 2026 Licensing Examination consists of Part I Written Examination and Part II Clinical Examination. The written examination will be held in late May or June 2026, while the clinical examination will be held from late July to August 2026.

     According to the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549), any person who wishes to apply for registration as a registered Chinese medicine practitioner must first undertake and pass the Licensing Examination. Other than listed Chinese medicine practitioners who are required by the Board to undertake and pass the Licensing Examination before they are eligible for registration as registered Chinese medicine practitioners, a person is eligible to undertake the Licensing Examination if the applicant has satisfactorily completed an undergraduate degree course of training in Chinese medicine practice or its equivalent as approved by the Board.    

     The undergraduate degree courses of training in Chinese medicine practice of no less than five years’ duration offered by the universities and Chinese medicine institutes stated in Table 1 of the “Candidates’ Handbook for the 2026 Chinese Medicine Practitioners Licensing Examination” are recognised by the Board. Other than clinical internship and clinical practice, the course must be fully conducted in the university/institute awarding the bachelor’s degree in Chinese medicine.

​The “Candidates’ Handbook for the 2026 Chinese Medicine Practitioners Licensing Examination”, the application form and the enrolment form are available at the Council’s Secretariat at Room 2201, 22/F Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office of the Department of Health, and the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres. To obtain relevant information, please visit the Council’s homepage (www.cmchk.org.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (the Amendment Regulation) comes into effect today (September 5), updating the safety standards for metal content in food. The amendments aim to enhance consumer protection, facilitate the food trade, and keep local food safety standards on par with international standards.

A Government spokesman said that the Amendment Regulation has taken into account factors such as the metallic contamination standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, relevant standards adopted by major sources of food import, local food consumption patterns and dietary practices, and risk assessment results. It adds 27 new maximum levels (MLs) of specified metals (including lead, cadmium and methylmercury) in specified foods (food pairs), and updates nine MLs of lead in the existing relevant food pairs. As a result, the total number of MLs stipulated in the Amendment Regulation has increased from 144 to 171.

To allow the trade sufficient time to adapt to the updated MLs and food safety standards, the Amendment Regulation provides a grace period of 18 months. During the said period, any food product would be deemed compliant as long as it complies wholly with the pre-amendment or revised requirements under the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132V). Upon the lapse of the grace period on March 5, 2027, all food must fully comply with the requirements of the Amendment Regulation.

The Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has issued updated user guidelines to facilitate the trade’s compliance. For details of the Amendment Regulation, please refer to the webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/whatsnew/whatsnew_fstr/whatsnew_fstr_PA_Food_Adulteration_Metallic_Contamination_2.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government published in the Gazette today (September 5) the Banking (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (Commencement) Notice to appoint November 3 as the commencement date for the Banking (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (23 of 2025) (the Ordinance) to come into operation.
 
     The Ordinance was gazetted on June 13. The Ordinance introduces a voluntary mechanism for banks and relevant law enforcement agencies to share with each other, swiftly and safely via electronic means, information of corporate and individual accounts through secure platforms designated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, when banks become aware of suspected prohibited conduct (i.e. money laundering, terrorist financing or financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction). The Ordinance also provides legal protection for banks that disclose relevant information. The mechanism will enable banks and relevant law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to intercept illicit funds and expedite intelligence gathering.
   
     A Government spokesperson said, “The commencement of the Ordinance will enable timely implementation of the new mechanism. This important measure will provide better protection to the general public of Hong Kong from fraud and associated money laundering activities.”
 
     The Notice will be tabled before the Legislative Council next Wednesday (September 10) for negative vetting.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman: 

     The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (September 5) announced the completion of a full investigation into the Property Management Services Authority (PMSA)’s complaint handling mechanism, with 14 recommendations on improvement measures made.
 
       A statutory body established under the Property Management Services Ordinance, the PMSA is empowered to investigate complaints against licensed property management companies and licensed property management practitioners for suspected disciplinary offences or where it is alleged that they no longer meet any prescribed criteria required for holding a licence. Upon receiving information from a complainant, the PMSA will conduct a preliminary assessment and assign the case to an investigator if an investigation is warranted.  The PMSA pledges to conclude complaints within six months upon receipt of sufficient information. During this period, the PMSA will acknowledge receipt within 10 calendar days and give the complainant monthly updates in writing or by other proper means. If the investigation reveals prima facie evidence supporting the complainant’s allegations against the complainee, the PMSA will consider initiating disciplinary proceedings.

      Mr Chan said, “The Office received a complaint in which the complainant alleged that the PMSA had failed to take action against a certain property management company (Company A) in response to her complaint. The complainant also alleged that the PMSA had not provided any substantive replies on the investigation progress or results, other than repeating that the complaint was being followed up in accordance with procedures. 

      “The Office’s investigation found that the PMSA had continued its contact, investigation and follow-up with Company A. As the complainant raised further allegations and provided supplementary information on multiple occasions, the PMSA had to seek further information from Company A. The complainant’s case involved complex issues, including interpretation of legal provisions and the deed of mutual covenant, tendering procedures, conflict of interest, and disciplinary offences. Given the complexity of the case, it is understandable that the investigation took time.

      “However, in its acknowledgement letter and interim replies to the complainant, the PMSA merely reiterated that it was following up on her complaint in accordance with procedures, without providing any substantive update. While the PMSA took a longer time in processing the complainant’s complaint due to factors including the complexity of the case, for almost a year, the complainant received only repetitive and brief messages, making it difficult for her to know the progress of the investigation. This may have led her to believe that the PMSA had not taken any substantive action at all, which is far from satisfactory.”

      The Office is pleased to note that the PMSA has responded positively to the full investigation and has proactively proposed measures to improve its procedures and mechanism for responding to public complaints. This Office has incorporated the Authority’s views into this investigation report. Overall, the Office has made 14 recommendations for improvement to the Authority and all the recommendations have been accepted by the PMSA.

      The recommendations for improvement include:
 

• properly informing complainants through interim replies that more time may be required to process a case if it is complex or involves new allegations or supplementary information;
• considering publishing cases, summary of cases or adapted cases via the website or annual report of the PMSA for public and industry reference;
• considering revising and formulating performance pledges for investigating and responding to complaints based on the complexity of cases, and announcing any revised and newly formulated performance pledges;
• exploring the use of mediation to handle simple complaints wherever possible as a feasible solution for resolving complaints swiftly and amicably; and
• stepping up publicity and education to raise awareness of the benefits of mediation, and encouraging voluntary participation of the public and industry to achieve win-win outcomes.

 
      The full investigation report has been uploaded to the website of the Office of The Ombudsman at www.ombudsman.hk for public information.