Taiwan has opened an office to assist people fleeing Hong Kong following China’s imposition of new draconian national security laws in the city.
As part of Taiwan’s ‘Hong Kong Humanitarian Aid Project’, the Taiwan-Hong Kong Services and Exchanges Office opened on Wednesday in Taipei, on the 23rd anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule. It aims to provide services to Hongkongers who wish to pursue education, conduct business, invest, or seek asylum in Taiwan. Additionally, the office will also offer consultations to Hong Kong-based businesses and NGOs that wish to relocate to Taiwan.
Speaking at the opening, Chen Ming-tong, head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) emphasized that the implementation of this project “fully demonstrates the determination and goodwill of the government to support the Hong Kong people in protecting their democracy, freedom, and human rights, as well as to provide care for them”.
Also read: China Passes Controversial Hong Kong National Security Law
Anti-government protests in Hong Kong have won widespread support in democratic and Chinese-claimed Taiwan, where the new national security law has been widely condemned. In May, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen became the first world leader to pledge measures to help those forced to leave Hong Kong due to increased Chinese controls in the territory. Mr. Chen said that Taiwan would use this “opportunity” to win talent and capital from Hong Kong, while making sure that its national security is not jeopardized.
China has repeatedly stated that the new security law is needed to tackle unrest and instability in the city that has become “a base of subversive activities” over the years, and rejects any criticism as interference in its internal affairs. It has previously warned Taiwan against offering protection to “rioters” from Hong Kong, saying it would only “bring harm” to Taiwanese people. On Tuesday, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office stated that the new legislation would “cut off the black hand” of the island’s meddling in Hong Kong.
The new law has drawn widespread international criticism. On Tuesday, at meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, 27 countries, including UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and many from the EU urged China to reconsider its decision for Hong Kong, insisting that Beijing must preserve the right to assembly and free press in the semi-autonomous territory. On the same day, Japanese government officials called China’s actions “regrettable” and said that the move cast a shadow on a planned state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Hong Kong marks its 23rd handover anniversary today. Chief Executive Carrie Lam joined senior officials in a flag raising ceremony, praising the new law as a “necessary and timely” move to restore stability. Though the annual pro-democracy march was banned for the first time in the territory's history, the event drew protests across the city.
Image Source: Reuters