Taiwan Office Closure Not Covid-related, Says HK Govt

The government announced on Tuesday that it's temporarily suspending operations of its office in Taiwan with immediate effect, but said the decision has nothing to do with the latest Covid-19 situation on the island.

In a brief statement, the government called on Hong Kong residents who need help to call the SAR's service hotlines or visit its website.

However, it did not explain the reason for closing the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (Taiwan).

In response to media enquiries, a government spokesperson said the decision had nothing to do with the recent spike of coronavirus cases in Taiwan.

"There's no more to add at this point," the spokesman added.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said it "deeply regrets the Hong Kong government's unilateral decision" and vowed to keep its own office in the financial hub open despite strained ties.

Hong Kong's office started operations in 2011 and has been responsible for handling enquiries from residents in Taiwan as well as holding business and cultural exchanges.

The office, and Taiwan's equivalent office in Hong Kong, have been caught up in souring cross-strait relations.

Taipei has been public in recent years about how its officials have struggled to get visas.

Earlier this month, the office warned only eight officials remained in the Hong Kong office and their visas will only last until the end of the year.

A China analyst, Willy Lam, told RTHK that the incident dealt another blow to already-strained ties between Hong Kong and Taipei.

"The closure would affect trade and tourism between the two places...It appears we're seeing a trend of alienation and further distancing between Hong Kong and Taiwan," he said.

Lam added that those who want Hong Kong murder suspect Chan Tong-kai to turn himself in to Taiwan are set to be disappointed, saying the latest development could mean his case "being dragged on forever".

Chief Executive Carrie Lam had cited the case as a reason for pushing her ill-fated extradition bill in 2019, which sparked a year of social unrest. (Additional reporting from AFP)

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