'Taiwan Office Had To Close To Protect Staff Safety'

The Hong Kong government said on Friday it had to shut down its office in Taiwan because of Taiwan’s “gross interference” in the SAR affairs, and in order to protect staff members’ rights and safety.

Authorities announced on Tuesday the closing of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (HKETCO) in Taiwan, with the SAR government initially tight-lipped about the reason behind the move.

It would only say the decision was not related to a recent Covid-19 outbreak in Taiwan.

But in statement on Friday, the SAR government launched a scathing attack on Taipei, saying its actions in recent years have created “irretrievable damage” to relations.

It said Taiwan has established organisations that offer assistance to “violent protesters and people who tried to shatter Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.”

The SAR government said the “provocative” launching of these bodies, the “Hong Kong Aid Project” and the “Taiwan-Hong Kong Office for Exchanges and Services”, are inconsistent with the goals of promoting exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“The government of the HKSAR expresses utmost regret over Taiwan's actions,” it said.

It claimed that HKETCO staff members had been threatened by “radicals” in Taiwan, and recent actions had made things uncertain for staff and limited opportunities to promote exchanges.

“As the HKETCO could hardly fulfil its founding purpose, and to protect the safety and rights of its Hong Kong staff members, the government of the HKSAR has eventually decided to temporarily suspend the operations of the HKETCO,” it said, adding that all Hong Kong staff members had already returned to the SAR.

The government will closely monitor the situation, and consider the way forward, it said.

It said it will continue to handle all matters related to relations with Taiwan according to the Basic Law and the one-China principle.