Taiwan's government is determined to support Hong Kong by establishing a Taiwan-Hong Kong service and exchange office on July 1. Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council Chair Katharine Chang said the law was like one enacted by a heavenly emperor to the world, while Premier Su Tseng-chang called it a very horrific piece of legislation.
Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chen Ming-tong and Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council Chair Katharine Chang unveil the plaque of the new Taiwan-Hong Kong service and exchange office on July 1. Chen says this is an important milestone in Taiwan's government's support of Hong Kong in the post-National Security Law era.
(Today is) the first day of the office's operations. It is also an important milestone for the government as it demonstrates its concrete support of Hong Kong democracy and freedom.
Through the opening of the office, we want to show everyone that we stand with Hong Kong people. After all, we are fighting together for the universal value of freedom and democracy.
The office has a staff of around 20 and is headed by Office of Hong Kong Affairs and Macao Affairs Director Du Jia-fen with Office of Hong Kong Affairs and Macao Affairs Special Commissioner You Bi-ru as her deputy. President Tsai Ing-wen wrote on Facebook that Hong Kong citizens will be given the greatest of support by Taiwan. Chen, meanwhile, said the law affects not just Hong Kong and Taiwan, but the entire world.
This is a decree issued by a heavenly emperor to the people of the world. This law doesn't just affect Hong Kong or Taiwan. The entire world must pay close attention. With this kind of law in existence, we truly have to face it with gravity.
This is an extremely horrific piece of legislation. The PRC government is showing its true colors. It is using this kind of legislative mean -- one the entire world has never seen before -- to control the entire world.
Premier Su Tseng-chang used the opportunity to condemn China, saying this "horrific" piece of legislation targets not just Hong Kong citizens, but Taiwanese people as well. Su said China breaks its promises and only countries with total sovereignty can avoid Hong Kong's fate.