Taiwan Minister Says HK Needs 'genuine' Elections

Taiwan's foreign minister on Monday called for "genuine" democratic elections to be held in Hong Kong after the city was rocked by fresh political violence, in comments that will likely infuriate Beijing.

In a tweet on Monday, Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said it was time for Hong Kong's leaders to grant universal suffrage, a core demand of protesters.

"It's sad to see the rule of law eroding and the divide between the people and the government widening in Hong Kong," Wu said as he accompanied President Tsai Ing-wen on a stopover in Denver on their way back from a visit to diplomatic allies in the Caribbean.

"The way forward is genuine democratic elections, not violence in the streets & MTR stations. The freedom and human rights of the people must be protected!" he added.

Last week Tsai's government said it would provide assistance to Hong Kong people seeking sanctuary after local media reported dozens of activists involved in an unprecedented storming of the city's parliament had fled to the island. (AFP)