By Yimou Lee, Reuters — Taipei, Thursday 28 May 2020
Taiwan on Thursday promised to settle Hong Kongers who flee the Chinese-ruled city due to political reasons, offering help from employment to counselling, as China pushes new security legislation that has triggered fresh protests.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen became the first world leader to pledge specific measures to help people from Hong Kong who may leave the former British colony. Chen Ming-tong, head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, told parliament the government will establish an organisation to deliver “humanitarian relief” that includes settlement and employment in a joint effort with activist groups.
Help for Hong Kong has won rare bipartisan support in politically polarised Taiwan, with three opposition parties introducing bills to make it easier for Hong Kongers to live in Taiwan. The number of Hong Kong citizens granted Taiwan residency jumped 150% to 2,383 in the first four months of 2020 compared with a year ago. University applications to Taiwan from Hong Kong also rose 62% in 2020 from a year ago.
Taiwan has no law on refugees that could be applied to protesters seeking asylum, but its laws promise to help Hong Kongers whose safety and liberty are threatened for political reasons. Ivan Tang, a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, welcomed Tsai’s support but cautioned that protesters feel urgency as the security law could be implemented soon.