President Tsai Ing-wen says that Beijing should be communicating with the people of Hong Kong rather than oppressing them. Tsai was speaking Wednesday during a meeting of the Democratic Progressive Party’s Central Standing Committee.
Tsai was speaking about the recent arrests of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai and his sons, as well as the arrest of high-profile activist Agnes Chow.
The president said that the Democratic Progressive Party has spoken out many times about Beijing’s refusal to listen to Hong Kong and about a national security law that gives Beijing unprecedented authority over the city.
Tsai said, “The national security law directly erodes Hong Kong’s freedom, human rights and legal foundation....If things get worse, this will not only have a chilling effect for other media outlets, but also ruin Hong Kong’s democracy, rule of law and position as a financial hub in the world.”
Tsai spoke about Taiwan’s progress from authoritarianism to democracy. She said, “Democratic Progressive Party members have also suffered mass arrests, so they know clearly that trying to curb the people’s will is not the way to go.”
The president also reiterated the Democratic Progressive Party’s promise to help Hong Kong and Hong Kongers in need.