Taiwan, country of refuge for Hong Kong exiles
Taiwanese show their support for the Kongong pro-democracy movement, in Taipei on June 13, 2020. Sam Yeh / AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
Three years after the start of the protests, Hong Kongers continue to leave the former British colony en masse.
Among the most popular destinations, Taiwan, this democratic country located off the coast of China, 700 km from Hong Kong, accessible in an hour and a half by plane.
According to Taiwanese government figures, more than 11,000 Hong Kongers received residence permits last year.
A record.
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With our correspondent in Taiwan,
Adrien Simorre
Cap and scarf in the colors of Hong Kong.
This 22-year-old Hong Konger says he fled for
fear of arrest
.
He is now a student in Taipei.
“
I chose Taiwan because it is one of the most democratic countries in Asia.
The language is also quite similar, since the Taiwanese use traditional Chinese like us,
he explains.
And then they are also very friendly with us, many supported us during the demonstrations!
»
De facto independent, but claimed by Beijing,
Taiwan very early showed its solidarity with the people of Hong Kong
.
Installation difficult
But this solidarity lacks concrete measures for Daniel, a 22-year-old Hong Kong photographer.
"
I think the Taiwanese government intends to help Hong Kong people, but in reality the laws are not really welcoming to us,
" he said.
For example, to obtain resident status in Taiwan, one must work for five years at twice the minimum wage.
It's very difficult when you're a young graduate!
»
Lacking prospects, many of these young Hong Kongers are therefore thinking about a way out.
But a return to Hong Kong remains impossible.
“
Of course, I would like to return to Hong Kong but it is not possible with the national security law,
he justifies.
It's a matter of risk, not personal choice.
»
►
To read also: "Hong Kong, fallen city", by Lau Kwong-Shing, a criticism of repression
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Taiwan
hong kong
Human rights