MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Egypt

Date：2026-09-03
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

September 3, 2026
No.414

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims made in a joint statement released by China and Egypt, including that Taiwan was an inseparable part of China.

The joint statement was issued following Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s state visit to Egypt on September 1 and 2. The document seriously distorts and ignores the objective status quo. MOFA solemnly protests and strongly condemns China’s government for continuing to manipulate the international community, for demanding that the governments of other nations accept its unilateral political narrative that disrupts peace and stability, and for issuing absurd statements that denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty. 

MOFA reiterates that no narrative aiming to undermine the nation’s sovereignty can change the objective reality that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. China’s attempts at coercion only further strengthen Taiwan’s determination to defend its free and democratic system and oppose authoritarian expansionism. MOFA calls on the international community to recognize historical facts and objective realities and not be manipulated or misled by malicious political narratives spread by China’s government. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns China for again engaging in unilateral, provocative actions that raise tensions in South China Sea and region

Date：2026-09-02
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

September 2, 2026  
No. 410  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns in the strongest possible terms the so-called “combat readiness patrols” that China’s People’s Liberation Army conducted on September 2 in airspace and waters near Minzhu Reef. China’s actions interfered with routine operations of other countries’ vessels and aircraft and were therefore dangerous, irresponsible, and highly provocative.  
 
MOFA has consistently opposed unilateral and illegal efforts by any side in the South China Sea aimed at power expansion, including gray-zone coercion, militarization, and any other behavior that undermines peace. It calls on China to abide by international law, uphold the principle of peaceful dispute settlement, and respect the common desire of countries in the region for peace and stability.
 
Taiwan will continue to cooperate with like-minded countries and regional partners to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, protect freedom of navigation and overflight, and ensure a free, open, peaceful, and stable international order. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes public statements by US Department of State affirming Taiwan-US cooperation on assisting Taiwan’s Pacific allies

Date：2026-09-02
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

September 2, 2026  
No. 409  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes a US Department of State media note, issued on September 1, entitled “Promoting Pacific Prosperity: US Engagement at the Pacific Islands Forum.” 
 
The media note emphasized that the US commitment to the security and prosperity of Pacific island nations was steadfast and enduring, serving as a core pillar of America First foreign policy. It also cited major cooperation initiatives between Taiwan, the United States, and like-minded countries—including hospital relocation and drinking water sampling projects in Palau—promoting the development of Taiwan’s Pacific allies and the broader region. 
 
Additionally, in response to media inquiries on August 29, the Department of State said that the United States strongly backed Taiwan’s continued participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, highlighting Taiwan as a reliable, like-minded, and democratic partner that made significant contributions to prosperity and economic development across the Pacific.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes continued US public support and recognition of Taiwan’s international participation and contributions to regional development. Minister Lin is also pleased to see the ongoing expansion of concrete Taiwan-US cooperation in the Pacific and other regions. He anticipates that Taiwan-US relations, Taiwan’s partnerships with diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, and prosperity and stability worldwide will continue to flourish under the mutually complementary strategies of Taiwan’s integrated diplomacy and the United States’ commercial diplomacy. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

September 2, 2026  
No. 408  

The 81st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly will open on September 8 at the UN headquarters in New York. The General Debate will take place from September 22 to 26 and on September 28. The theme of this year’s General Debate will be “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger held a special press conference on September 1 to communicate to the public the Taiwan government’s 2026 campaign and strategy for promoting Taiwan’s UN participation and to urge the UN to accept Taiwan’s involvement at the earliest possible juncture. 

Noting that Taiwan was an important and responsible member of the international community, Vice Minister Ger said that Taiwan not only faced the same global challenges encountered by other nations but was also confronted by China’s ongoing and escalating threats across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region.

Vice Minister Ger explained that Taiwan needed to participate in relevant multilateral mechanisms to protect its national interests and the rights of the 23.5 million Taiwanese people. More importantly, he said, over many years Taiwan had accumulated abundant experience and capabilities in addressing issues of common global concern. He stated that Taiwan was willing to share its know-how and contribute expertise through the UN system and other multilateral mechanisms so as to jointly advance global welfare.

Vice Minister Ger pointed out that the root cause of the exclusion of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan from the UN was China’s distortion of the content of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and its efforts to conflate the resolution with the so-called “one China principle,” falsely claiming that China represents Taiwan in the UN system. He said that China’s actions were an attempt to legally negate the fact that the ROC (Taiwan) was a sovereign country and inappropriately deny Taiwan’s legitimate right to participate in the UN system.

Vice Minister Ger stressed that in recent years China had continued to escalate its threatening behavior across the Taiwan Strait and broader Indo-Pacific region, employing such gray-zone tactics as military intimidation, cyberattacks, and economic coercion in an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and the region. Pointing out that in July China had implemented its Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, he said that China sought to use this domestic law to engage in transnational repression, which was a serious infringement of freedom, democracy, and human rights everywhere. In response, he observed, the United States, the European Union, Australia, and other members of the international community had expressed a high level of concern. In the face of the dynamic regional situation, the Taiwan government would staunchly maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and security, and continue to work with allies and like-minded nations to defend the front lines of freedom and democracy while steadily and pragmatically promoting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

This year, Taiwan’s UN campaign is focusing on three key aspects:
1. Drawing attention to the fact that UNGA Resolution 2758 only addressed China’s right to representation within the United Nations. The resolution neither dealt with Taiwan’s sovereignty nor precluded Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system. The UN Should identify appropriate ways of including Taiwan’s participation in the UN system so that Taiwan can contribute its expertise and experience to help accelerate the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
2. Firmly maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This is the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and the widely held and staunch position of the international community. It has also received extensive support among Taiwan’s democratic partners. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to global security and prosperity. 
3. Committing to the peaceful settlement of disputes and staunchly defending the international legal order. Any attempts or actions to disrupt the status quo across the Taiwan Strait contravene the principles enshrined in the UN Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force and requiring the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) this year would again request that diplomatic allies’ permanent representatives to the UN send a joint letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and that diplomatic allies speak up for Taiwan during the General Debate. The joint letter would strongly promote the three points outlined above.

Moreover, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung would publish an op-ed entitled “Restoring trust: Taiwan’s rightful place in the free world” to communicate the Taiwan government’s stance to the world. The op-ed would underline that only by following the principles set out in the UN Charter and treating every member of the international community in a fair and just manner could the UN win back the international community’s confidence.

Vice Minister Ger went on to thank the Legislative Yuan for once again organizing a cross-party delegation of legislators to travel to New York to impart to the UN community the steadfast support of the people of Taiwan for the government’s bid to participate in the UN system. He also mentioned that MOFA would host related side events and conduct a promotional campaign in New York while the General Assembly was in session.

Located along the Indo-Pacific’s first island chain, Taiwan is a key hub for global semiconductor supply chains. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are integral to global well-being. Taiwan is also an indispensable and vital force in the UN’s efforts to manage transformation. The government of Taiwan once again calls on the UN system to recognize the legitimate right of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan to participate in international affairs and to promptly seek appropriate ways to include Taiwan. Only in this way can the UN truly realize its commitment to leave no one behind and being a UN that delivers for all. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner this evening (September 15):

Mr Guy Bradley (Chair of Cathay Group), Deputy Director Zhang Yong (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), 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), Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathy Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening.

It is a great pleasure to celebrate Cathay Pacific’s 80th anniversary with you. Tonight, we celebrate not only an airline, but a journey that belongs, in a very special way, to Hong Kong.

From Betsy, your pioneering DC-3, to today’s global network, Cathay has grown together with Hong Kong. Even your name speaks of ambition: “Pacific” expressed the dream of crossing that vast ocean, long before the airline could do so. That spirit – starting modestly, thinking boldly and looking outwards – is unmistakably Hong Kong.

For generations, Cathay has been part of life’s most meaningful journeys: the first trip abroad, departure for university, a business venture and a long-awaited reunion. And for returning travellers, that familiar welcome on board brings a comforting feeling: home is already a little closer.

Of course, your journey had difficult chapters. During the pandemic, the Government’s support reflected our determination to safeguard Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub and our confidence in Cathay’s role within it. That was an investment in our shared future. And it was your people – their professionalism, perseverance and dedication – who helped turn confidence into recovery.

Your work matters far beyond air connections. For Hong Kong, every new route is another opening for trade, investment and opportunity. This is our “super connector” role in practice: bringing businesses to markets, and people to one another.

Looking ahead, the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing our status as an international aviation hub. We are determined to translate that support into greater capacity, wider reach and lasting economic benefits.

Our Three-Runway System and newly opened Terminal 2 facilities provide more room for growth. The Airport Authority’s expanded Airport City development, SKYTOPIA, will further strengthen our airport’s appeal – as both a gateway and a destination.

With these developments, the Government is pursuing new air services agreements and expanded traffic rights, particularly with partners in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America. These efforts will give airlines more opportunities to expand their networks through Hong Kong and strengthen our Belt and Road connections.

Cathay’s plan to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in January 2027 is a welcome example. It will open a new gateway to Central Asia, creating opportunities for business, tourism, cultural exchanges and deeper friendship between our communities.

As the Government opens the way for wider air links, I encourage Cathay to seize these opportunities and add new destinations to your network.

In an uncertain world, we must pursue these opportunities with prudence as well as confidence. The case for bringing people together and opening up new markets is stronger, not weaker.

Cathay’s commitment of around HK$150 billion to aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s future. I look forward to seeing that investment deliver better journeys for passengers, rewarding careers for local talent, and fresh possibilities for our city.

As Hong Kong’s home carrier, you are an ambassador for the city. For many visitors, their first impression of Hong Kong begins with your welcome, before they ever see our skyline. Safety without compromise, service with care and respect, onboard dining experience worthy of Hong Kong’s reputation, and professionalism in every detail: these are the qualities that earn trust and make Hong Kong proud.

And, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure passengers would be delighted to see one more thing: your excellent service accompanied by equally attractive fares. Guy and Ronald, I shall leave that in your capable hands.

Happy 80th anniversary, Cathay Pacific. May you continue to bring the world closer to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong closer to the world – and wherever you fly, carry the warmth, ambition and spirit of this city with you. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

  ​   Hong Kong Customs will set up a service counter at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for the JGW September (Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong September), from tomorrow (September 16) for five consecutive days to publicise the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime (the Regime). Customs officers will provide on-site services to assist non-Hong Kong dealers in submitting cash transaction reports during their participation in the exhibition.

     According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs and fulfil his/her anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing statutory obligations as appropriate. All dealers in precious metals and stones must successfully obtain a relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

     For non-Hong Kong dealers fulfilling the prescribed conditions (including those who come to Hong Kong to participate in exhibitions), although they are exempt from registration, they are required to submit to Hong Kong Customs a cash transaction report for any cash transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 carried out in Hong Kong within one day after the transaction, or before the dealer or the person acting on behalf of the dealer leaves Hong Kong, whichever is earlier.

     Non-Hong Kong dealers can make an online submission of a cash transaction report via the Regime’s webpage at www.drs.customs.gov.hk by accessing the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System. For details, please refer to relevant procedures.
 
     Non-Hong Kong dealers can also download the related form and then submit the report in person at the Hong Kong Customs’ counter in the exhibition. 

     The Hong Kong Customs’ counter (No. 1M015) is located at HKCEC Hall 1 Concourse and will be open from 10am to 6pm between September 16 and September 19 and from 10am to 5pm on September 20.

     Dealers can visit the relevant website for more information about the Regime.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to erroneous article by Solomon Islands media outlet claiming Taiwan uses financial assistance to secure diplomatic ties

September 2, 2026  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns a malicious report published on September 1 by Solomon Islands media outlet Solomon Star. The report clearly deviated from the facts, erroneously stating that Taiwan used financial assistance to secure diplomatic recognition.
 
First, numerous statements in the report, including the claim that Taiwan offers cash gifts to prominent political figures in Palau, are completely untrue. Furthermore, Taiwan’s cooperation initiatives with Palau and other diplomatic allies, including Palau’s use of funding provided by Taiwan, focus on meeting local needs and uphold the administrative procedures of both parties. In such instances, Taiwan follows the same principles used by other like-minded countries in collaborative projects in the Pacific region.
 
By offering financial assistance to support the national development of diplomatic allies, Taiwan seeks to not only strengthen ties with its partners but also fulfill its obligations as a responsible member of the international community. Taiwan’s related policies emphasize investment in allied countries and encourage domestic manufacturers and enterprises to participate. Over the years, these efforts have yielded tangible results in such areas as clean energy, health care, and infrastructure for Taiwan’s allies.
 
Previously, foreign media have reported that certain Solomon Islands media outlets were receiving funding from China, casting doubt on the independence and impartiality of those outlets. It is regrettable that this most recent misleading article by Solomon Star reinforces such concerns and falls short of journalistic independence, fairness, and professionalism.
 
Taiwan has always upheld the spirit of the Pacific Way when interacting with nations in the region. Through the integrated diplomacy policy promoted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan engages in exchanges and cooperation with its allies, other friendly countries in the region, and the Pacific Islands Forum. 
 
As a responsible member of the Pacific family and a force for good, Taiwan has long contributed to regional peace and prosperity initiatives, with its efforts receiving wide recognition. In the future, Taiwan will continue to uphold shared ideals and move forward hand in hand with other nations in the Pacific.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Government Career Fairs are being held in succession at 10 local universities from this week until early October, with serving officers from various grades of the Government introducing the work of the civil service to students and answering their questions on job applications. The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, today (September 15) encouraged university students who aspire to join the Government to learn more about the work of different government departments and the range of career development opportunities on offer for young people.

Mrs Yeung, together with the Vice-President (Community Engagement) of City University of Hong Kong (CityU), Professor Chan Chi-hou, presided over the opening ceremony of the Government Career Fair at CityU, toured the exhibition booths of the departments, and took the opportunity to chat with students about their career aspirations. Many students visited the recruitment booths during their break or at lunchtime to learn about job requirements, attend career talks or take on-site written tests.

Speaking to students, Mrs Yeung said that the Government’s annual joint recruitment exercise is open to both Year Four and Year Three students of four-year undergraduate degree programmes. She encouraged students who commit to serve the community, unleash their potential and ambitions, and embrace challenges to first understand their own aspirations and interests, equip themselves and prepare early for their applications. She shared with students practical tips, such as keeping abreast of government policies, particularly the announcement of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the subsequent Policy Address by the Chief Executive tomorrow (September 16), to understand the economic and social developments over the next five years, and the forward-looking, strategic and directional development blueprint.

Since 2023, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has been co-ordinating with various bureaux and departments in organising Government Career Fairs at local universities. Today’s career fair at CityU attracted the participation of around 30 bureaux and departments, showcasing around 60 grades, including Administrative Officer (AO), Executive Officer (EO), Labour Officer, Engineering Graduate, Chemist, Health Inspector, Transport Officer (TO), Statistician, Town Planner, Survey Officer, Valuation Officer, Analyst/Programmer, education-related grades, as well as various disciplined services grades.

This year’s joint recruitment exercise for six graduate grades, namely AO, EO II, Assistant Information Officer (General), Assistant Trade Officer II, Management Services Officer II and TO II, has commenced, and the application period will close on October 2. Prospective applicants must attain the requisite results in the relevant papers in the Common Recruitment Examination and the Basic Law and National Security Law Test. Recruitment for other grades will also get under way in due course. For details, please refer to the CSB website (www.csb.gov.hk/english/recruit/7.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Computerised random-ordering ballot drawing for the Special Sales Exercise (SSE) for Wang Fuk Court (WFC) Owners was conducted today (September 15) to determine the sequence of the last two digits of the application numbers held by the applicants and their order of priority for flat selection.
 
Flat selection priority based on computerised random-ordering ballot drawing results
 
     “The flat selection priority under the SSE was determined in batches according to the date on which the duly signed ‘Letter of Acceptance’ from the owners was returned to the Government. The deadline for the first batch was June 30, and the deadline for the second batch was August 31. The flat selection priority for applicants within the same batch would be further determined by their sequence as drawn in the computerised random-ordering ballot today. The Housing Bureau has conducted separate computerised random-ordering ballots for the two batches of applicants to determine the sequence of the last two digits of the application numbers held by the applicants. Based on the ballot results, the Housing Bureau has randomly generated the order of all applicants with the same last two digits by computer,” a Government spokesman said.
 
Same-day online announcement of ballot results
 
The ballot results and the order of priority based on the computerised random-ordering ballot drawing for the two batches of applicants under the SSE have been uploaded to the designated website of SSE (www.housingauthority.gov.hk/ssewfc) and displayed at the office of the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Sales Unit of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) in Kwun Tong. Applicants may contact their designated Engagement Team member or call the enquiry hotline for Wang Fuk Court long-term housing arrangement plan at 2129 8133 for enquiries of the results.
 
Flat selection to commence from late September with notification letters to owners
 
     “Flat selection for the SSE is expected to commence in late September this year. The Housing Bureau will, in accordance with the order of priority, issue letters in batches to notify applicants of the priority order and invite eligible applicants to attend flat selection sessions at the office of the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Sales Unit in Kwun Tong within specified date and time slots,” the spokesman said.
 
Supply of over 4 400 flats in 10 projects with diverse choices
 
The Government has reserved over 4 400 flats in a total of 10 development projects of the HA and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) for owners who have sold their titles of WFC flats to the Government to purchase or to participate in the “Flat-for-Flat” arrangement. The 10 development projects are located in Kowloon Bay, Kai Tak, Kam Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Ping Shan, Tung Chung, Tai Po, Fanling and Kwun Tong with saleable areas ranging from about 26.0 square metres to about 52.0 sq m (about 280 square feet to about 560 sq ft) with larger flats (saleable area of ​​37 sq m or 400 sq ft) or above accounting for over 60 per cent (i.e. a total of about 2 800 flats), which has far exceeded the total number of 1 984 flats in WFC. Other flat types can also cater for the needs of different owners, providing a diverse range of choices. As the number of flats reserved greatly exceeds the number of WFC owners participating in the SSE, owners have ample choice of flats regardless of their order of priority in flat selection.
 
Continue taking forward long-term housing arrangement plan
 
     The Government announced the long-term housing arrangement plan for Wang Fuk Court on February 21 and further announced the follow-up arrangements for Wang Chi House on April 28 and June 26 respectively. The Government confirmed that it would continue to take forward the acquisition work of Wang Chi House on September 3. Upon expiry of the deadline for WFC owners to accept the Government’s acquisition on August 31, a total of 1 971 owners (99.3 per cent) from the eight buildings from Blocks A to H of WFC have signed and returned the “Letter of Acceptance” to confirm their intention to sell their titles to the Government. Among them, about 1 700 owners opted to participate in the SSE. Up to September 14, the Government has signed the Agreement for Sale and Purchase with 1 702 households (about 85.8 per cent) of the eight buildings from Block A to H of WFC.