Taiwan advises citizens to avoid Hong Kong after new law

Taiwan citizens ought to avoid pointless visits to or transit by means of Hong Kong, Macau or mainland China after the passing of an “outrageous” nationwide safety law for the previous British colony, a Taiwan authorities official mentioned on Thursday.

The law, imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing, targets crimes like secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with international forces with up to life in jail. It has been broadly condemned in Chinese-claimed and democratic Taiwan the place Hong Kong’s anti-government protesters have received help.

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Chiu Chui-Cheng, deputy head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, mentioned the law was the “the most outrageous in history” with a attain that prolonged in all places.

“Taiwan people should avoid making unnecessary visits to or transits via Hong Kong, Macau and the mainland,” he mentioned.

Beijing denies stifling Hong Kong’s freedoms.

Chiu mentioned Taiwan’s de facto consulate in Hong Kong – the island has no formal diplomatic relations with China – would proceed to function.

“We won’t take the initiative to withdraw it, unless there are external factors,” he mentioned. “We will stay until the last minute.”

Hong Kong has historically performed an vital position in China-Taiwan interactions, particularly when there have been no common direct flights earlier than 2008, and its airport is commonly utilized by Taiwan individuals making flight connections.

China, Taiwan’s greatest buying and selling accomplice, can be residence to a big Taiwan enterprise group making every part from semiconductors to sneakers.

The similar day the law got here into power, Taiwan opened an workplace to assist Hong Kong individuals who might need to flee to the island. China has condemned Taiwan’s supply of assist for Hong Kong’s individuals.

Chiu mentioned the workplace bought greater than 180 enquiries from individuals in Hong Kong on its first day, together with on a Taiwan immigration funding scheme and from individuals searching for assist for political causes.