Beijing’s handling of situation consolidates Taiwan government's determination to safeguard democracy

Taiwan News
Date: 2020/05/22
By: Sylvia Teng, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan) – Taiwan authorities have expressed concern as Beijing prepares to push ahead with national security laws for Hong Kong, which many fear will further erode the city’s withering freedoms and autonomy.

The Presidential Office urged Beijing to commence dialogue with Hong Kong people and fulfill its commitment to guaranteeing the territory’s freedom and democratic way of life, said the office via a statement on Friday (May 22).

Beijing’s handling of Hong Kong’s affairs shows the “one country, two systems” arrangement contradicts the notions of democracy and freedom, said Presidential Office Spokesperson Alex Huang (黃重諺). It also consolidates the government’s determination to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and sovereignty, he added.

The Mainland Affairs Council, the top government agency handling cross-strait affairs, criticized Beijing for wrongfully attributing the unrest in Hong Kong to external forces and Hong Kong independence supporters. The legislation undermines Hong Kong’s civil liberties and could create more antagonism and instability in Hong Kong while risking the city’s status as an international financial hub, the agency said.    [FULL  STORY]