As the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, or Article 23, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed concerns for Hong Kong’s future and its people, reaffirming Taiwan’s determination to safeguard the lifestyle of freedom and democracy.
In an online press conference on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jeff Liu (劉永健) said the legislation has caused concerns and criticisms from other countries and human rights groups such as Amnesty International, while the Chinese government seems to take an opposing stance against the progressive democratic values held by the international community.
Liu said the ministry expressed empathy for the situation of Hong Kong people, reiterating the Taiwanese government’s unwavering support for their pursuit of freedom and democracy. Liu added that Taiwan will learn from Hong Kong’s case and firmly safeguard the universal values of a civilized society, cooperating with its democratic partners.