Taiwanese officials say the Chinese government should listen to the protesters' calls and change unreasonable COVID-19 policies. On Tuesday, three Taiwanese agencies responded to a recent wave of protests in China, where demonstrators are seen holding up pieces of white paper.
Protests erupted after a deadly fire in China's western city of Urumqi, which claimed ten lives according to official reports. Protesters are blaming China's COVID-19 regulations for hindering rescue efforts.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council says the Chinese government should loosen COVID-19 regulations to give the people access to basic rights and freedom. The Council says a reasonable policy will allow China to return to normalcy.
Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou (歐江安) says the ministry is monitoring the ongoing protests. Ou says the ministry agrees with the Mainland Affairs Council's call to loosen restrictions.
Defense Ministry official Sun Li-fang (孫立方) says Taiwan military regards the situation seriously. He says there is currently no unusual military activity. Sun adds the ministry will observe the situation to ensure safety in the Taiwan Strait.