Ready To Help Those Persecuted In HK, Says Taiwan

Taiwan said it was ready to help Hong Kong residents who feel they are in danger due to political reasons as a media report said nearly 30 anti-extradition protesters who took part in the siege of Legco have already sought asylum there.

In a statement issued on Friday, the island's Mainland Affairs Council said that it will deal with the matter in accordance with human rights' principle. But it did not say if anybody has sought help already.

"(We) can provide necessary assistance to Hong Kong residents whose safety and freedom are in urgent danger due to political reasons," it said.

According to Apple Daily, nearly 30 anti-extradition protesters have already sought refuge there and another 30 are planning to. Radio Free Asia meanwhile said that charities on the island are already looking after about 10 protesters.

Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen, speaking on a diplomatic visit to the Caribbean, said that the "friends from Hong Kong" will be treated in a proper and humanitarian way.

But it set off angry reactions from pro-Beijing figures in Hong Kong, with former security minister Regina Ip warning of damaged relations.

Ip said ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan will be affected if the island grants the protesters refuge, and that such a move will send a clear message that Taiwan harbours criminals.

The executive councillor also singled out a protester, Brian Leung, saying authorities should track down the former Hong Kong University school magazine editor.

Leung gained prominence after he removed his mask in front of the camera during the storming of Legco on July 1. He has reportedly fled Hong Kong.

DAB lawmaker Horace Cheung rejected suggestions that the integrity of the rule of law in Hong Kong has been harmed. He urged young people to abide by the law instead of risking their own future.

BPA's Priscilla Leung said if Hong Kong authorities have evidence that some protesters have used violence, authorities can continue to pursue them even if they have sought asylum elsewhere.

But an opposition lawmaker, Civic Party's Alvin Yeung, said the government has used "arguably controversial" laws to prosecute political opponents in the past and this has caused damage to the city's rule of law.