Taiwan's Tsai Warns Of Lessons From Hong Kong

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen vowed on Wednesday to ensure the island's defence as she warned of lessons from Hong Kong, saying Beijing will not allow freedoms in territories it controls.

Tsai was speaking as she made a transit stop in Hawaii during a tour of three Pacific island nations that are among the dwindling allies that recognise Taipei rather than Beijing.

Beijing, which considers the self-ruling democratic island a province awaiting reunification, protested to the United States for allowing the stopover by Tsai, who similarly transited through Los Angeles and Houston last year.

In remarks delivered from Hawaii by video to the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington, Tsai accused Beijing of stepping up efforts to "alter the status quo" and to "undermine our democratic institutions."

Tsai warned that the island should heed lessons from Hong Kong, where Beijing has tightened its grip.

"The Hong Kong example is deeply concerning. It is a good case study for Taiwan," Tsai said.

"It reflects that democracy is inherently incompatible with the Chinese regime, especially the CCP system," she said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

"Hong Kong is a reminder that all politicians in Taiwan, regardless of political party, should carefully avoid falling into a trap laid by China, which includes economic incentives and other promises but ultimately is to the same destination," she said. (AFP)