Taiwan supports Hong Kong activists against Beijing-imposed security law

Audio 02:36

By: Adrien Simorre Follow

The security law imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong prompts some of the activists to think about a way out. Some countries did not wait to reach out to them. This is the case of Taiwan, the last democracy in the Chinese world which remains under the threat of Beijing. This Wednesday, July 1, the Taiwanese government opened an office to support Hong Kong exiles. 

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In the south of Taipei, the walls of this small cafe are covered with posters of support for Hong Kong. Today's event is organized by a collective of Hong Kong residents living in Taiwan. Cap screwed on the head and surgical mask, this 20-year-old Hong Kong student says he participated in the protests.

Wishing to remain anonymous, he explains his motivations. "  I am participating in this event because recently, we found that some Taiwanese were afraid that more Hong Kongers would come to Taiwan. I want to show that the Hong Kongers who arrive here want not only to take part in society, but also to share their experience with the Taiwanese. We have a lot of convictions in common, so we have to help each other,  ”he says.

Taiwan is claimed by China, but its autonomous and democratic system escapes Beijing's control. Since the first demonstrations, the number of residence permits granted to Hong Kongers has therefore skyrocketed. The new security law could amplify this movement.

This young student is also thinking about extending his stay. "  If the situation in Hong Kong worsens, there is obviously a better chance that I will stay in Taiwan. But on the other hand, continuing to go on the street is part of my responsibilities. So these are two motivations that pull me at the same time,  "he says.

Taiwanese society alongside Hong Kong protesters

Civil society and the Taiwanese government have already helped hundreds of Hong Kong protesters take refuge in Taiwan. But this assistance remained discreet, for fear of reprisals from the communist neighbor.

"  We support Hong Kong people who are directly involved in the protests against the 2019 anti-extradition law  ," said Lin Jun-hong, spokesperson for a legal aid collective made up of around 30 volunteer lawyers. Then go on to detail: “  We help them settle down and start a new life safely in Taiwan. Up to now, we have been able to rely on government decisions on a case-by-case basis to grant visas, but there was not yet a single procedure  ”.

► Read also : Taiwan proposes a humanitarian action plan to help the Hong Kong people

The Taiwanese government has finally decided to step out of the shadows. On Monday June 29, the borders were reopened to politically threatened Hong Kongers, and on Wednesday July 1, the government unveiled a support office for Hong Kong expatriates.

" Cross-party support for Hong Kong "

The new security law served as a trigger for Freddie Lim. This famous rocker who became a deputy is at the head of a parliamentary group in support of the Hong Kongers. “  [The security law] is really a turning point which has allowed Taiwan to have cross-party support for Hong Kong. Before that, the Taiwanese government still had excuses to delay the announcement of an official plan for Hong Kong refugees. But now is really a good time to show that we strongly support the Hong Kong people,  ”said Freddie Lim.

China's response was quick to come. Beijing immediately castigated a plot between the Hong Kong and Taiwanese separatists. "  China has proven that the formula" one country, two systems "is not feasible in Taiwan,  " said the Taiwanese president.

► Also listen : Hong Kong, the end of the dual system?

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• Taiwan
• Hong Kong
• China
• Human rights