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As Beijing prepares to celebrate Tuesday the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong continue. What anger the central power on this anniversary, especially as Sunday, September 29, another event is held this time on the island of Taiwan. It is organized in support of that of Hong Kong, because the situation in the former British colony fuels the fears of the Taiwanese.
With our correspondent in the region , Angélique Forget
" Support Hong Kong, fight against totalitarianism! This is the name the organizers gave to the Taipei protest. Since the beginning of the protest movement in Hong Kong, this is not the first time that Taiwanese demonstrate because they too fear the influence of Beijing.
The situation between the two territories, however, is very different: Hong Kong is supposed to benefit from a certain autonomy but belongs to China. Taiwan is independent but China claims sovereignty.
Intransigence against China
Earlier this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping even threatened to take over the island by force and apply the principle of " one country, two systems " under which Hong Kong is governed.
The current situation in the former British colony fuels the fears of Taiwanese, and gives momentum to supporters of a firm line against Beijing.
The current president Tsai Ing-wen in particular, uncompromising in the face of China, has seen its popularity rating back in the polls while it was given a losing vote a few months ago for the presidential election of 2020. Obviously the demonstrations in Hong Kong have found a favorable echo in Taiwan.