New Taiwan Office Gets More Than 180 HK Inquiries

The government in Taiwan says an office set up on Wednesday to help Hongkongers fleeing the SAR following the imposition of a national security law has already received more than 180 inquiries as Taipei issued a travel alert to those travelling to the city.

Officials said they are warning Taiwanese people to avoid unnecessary transits through or visits to Hong Kong, but said they will continue to operate the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the SAR.

At the opening of the office, the head of Taiwan’s mainland affairs council, Chen Ming-tong, said the facility shows his government’s determination to aid Hongkongers, and support freedom and democracy in the city.

On Thursday, the deputy head of the council, Chiu Chui-cheng said Taiwan’s representative office in the SAR would continue to operate – but advised Taiwanese people to avoid unnecessary transits through or visits to Hong Kong, Macau or the mainland.

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Chiu described the new national security law for Hong Kong as “the most outrageous in history”.

The law, which took effect on Wednesday, will target crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

Beijing and SAR officials say the new law will target only a small number of people who endanger the national security and will not affect majority of the people. (Reuters)