The Presidential Office says Hong Kong’s imposition of unreasonable political conditions on Taiwanese officials stationed in the former British colony has prompted them to leave.
On Monday night, Presidential Office Spokesman Xavier Chang condemned China and the Hong Kong government for putting pressure on Taiwanese officials to recognize the one China principle, which sees Taiwan as a part of China. Chang said since July 2018, officials have been asked to sign an affidavit to support the “one China” principle. Failure to do so would lead to their visas not being issued or extended.
Taiwanese officials have refused to sign the pledge and have left Hong Kong. Seven Taiwanese officials returned home on Sunday because Hong Kong authorities would not extend their visas. The total number of Taiwanese officials forced home for the same reason is now 11. The office has only one officer left, but it will continue to operate.
President Tsai Ing-wen commended the officials who returned and said that they returned “with dignity and their heads held high."
Chang said it’s highly regrettable that China and the Hong Kong government have unilaterally broken an agreement they made with Taiwan in 2011.
Chang also said Taiwan will continue supporting Hong Kongers’ fight for freedom and democracy and offering humanitarian assistance