Taiwan Advises Its Citizens to Avoid Hong Kong After New Law

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned against creating a dependency on COVID-19 support measures as economists urge the government to continue welfare schemes. The Grattan Institute has recommended the government spend between $70 billion and $90 billion on extra economic stimulus measures. The International Monetary Fund is calling for a gradual exit from support programs, with public investment to accelerate the recovery. Morrison says economists vary across the spending spectrum. “They want us to spend nothing and they want us to spend everything – the truth is going to be somewhere in the middle,” he said on July 2. He said the government would not let dependence on support stop businesses, and the federal budget, from bouncing back. “That will cost jobs and livelihoods,” Morrison said. “The other thing is,…

TAIPEI—Taiwan citizens should avoid unnecessary visits to or transit through Hong Kong, Macau, or mainland China after the passing of an “outrageous” national security law for the former British colony, a Taiwan government official said on July 2.

The law, imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing, targets crimes like secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. It has been widely condemned in Chinese-claimed and democratic Taiwan where Hong Kong’s anti-government protesters have won support.

Taiwan Advises Its Citizens to Avoid Hong Kong After New Law

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Chiu Chui-Cheng, deputy head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, said the law was the “the most outrageous in history” with a reach that extended everywhere.

“Taiwan people should avoid making unnecessary visits to or transits via Hong Kong, Macau, and the mainland,” he said.

Beijing denies stifling Hong Kong’s freedoms.

Chiu said Taiwan’s de facto consulate in Hong Kong—the island has no formal diplomatic relations with China—would continue to operate.

“We won’t take the initiative to withdraw it, unless there are external factors,” he said. “We will stay until the last minute.”

Hong Kong has traditionally played an important role in China-Taiwan interactions, especially when there were no regular direct flights before 2008, and its airport is often used by Taiwan people making flight connections.

China, Taiwan’s biggest trading partner, is also home to a large Taiwan business community making everything from semiconductors to shoes.

The same day the law came into force, Taiwan opened an office to help Hong Kong people who may wish to flee to the island. China has condemned Taiwan’s offer of help for Hong Kong’s people.

Chiu said the office got more than 180 inquiries from people in Hong Kong on its first day, including on a Taiwan immigration investment scheme and from people seeking help for political reasons.

By Yimou Lee

Focus News: Taiwan Advises Its Citizens to Avoid Hong Kong After New Law

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