Tsai Pledges Humanitarian Relief For Hongkongers

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday pledged to draw up a plan to give humanitarian relief to people involved in Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests, in Taipei's most concrete intervention since the renewal of unrest in the SAR.

While condemned by Beijing and labelled "rioters" by the SAR government, Hong Kong's demonstrators have won widespread sympathy in democratic Taiwan.

"We will propose an action plan of humanitarian relief for friends from Hong Kong," Tsai told reporters in Taipei. "We will continue to support Hong Kong people's determination to strive for democracy and freedom."

She did not give full details or timing, but said Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council will lead the initiative, while a government task force will coordinate the budget needed and resources, including accommodation and employment.

Earlier this week, Tsai said Taiwan may revoke the special status it extends to Hong Kong in a warning to Beijing.

Addressing concerns that the revocation could make it harder for Hong Kongers to visit and invest in Taiwan, Tsai said her government will give "necessary help for them to stay, live and work in Taiwan".

Taiwan has no law on refugees that could be applied to protesters seeking asylum, but its laws promise to help Hongkongers whose safety and liberty are threatened for political reasons.

Tsai said the number of immigrants from Hong Kong had jumped in the last year and her government expects the trend to continue. (Reuters)