Tsai attends NSC briefing on Hong Kong developments

2019/09/04

President Tsai Ing-wen attended a National Security Council briefing on the latest Hong Kong developments Sept. 2 in Taipei City.
 
 Taiwan fully supports freedom and democracy in Hong Kong, and hopes to see stability return to society soon, she said. All of the country’s relevant agencies and ministries are instructed to keep a close eye on the situation and strengthen contingency strategies, she added.
 
 According to Tsai, the Ministry of Education and Mainland Affairs Council will take steps to ensure students from Hong Kong can continue studying in Taiwan. In addition, agencies and ministries responsible for the economy and trade will assess possible impact on Taiwan, as well as its businesses and nationals in the region, she said.
 
 The government stands firmly behind the people of Hong Kong and will handle all matters regarding their exchanges with and stays in Taiwan in acccordance with existing laws and regulations, Tsai said, adding that humanitarian assistance is to be made available to these individuals in Taiwan if so required.
 
 Tsai said Beijing is urged to keep its promise of autonomy to Hong Kong and not portray the concern of Taiwan and other countries as external forces trying to interfere. It is imperative the Hong Kong government refrain from excessive law enforcement actions and engage in dialogue with the people so as to end confrontation and resolve the situation in a peaceful and rational manner, she added
 
 In a statement released Aug. 30, the MAC urged Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to exercise restraint in handling protesters and employ dialogue and reconciliation instead of arrests and oppression.
 
 More than 900 protesters have been arrested in Hong Kong since June, the MAC said, adding that oppression will only provoke public anger.
 
 Beijing and Hong Kong authorities should honor the promise of freedom and democracy to the people and allow peace and stability to return to society, the MAC said.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)