HK protesters flight pressures Taiwan
For some Hong Kong protesters, stripped of their passports and facing criminal charges, a perilous 600 km sea journey to Taiwan is their only hope of escape. For Taiwan, which has promised assistance to the people of Hong Kong but is wary of antagonising China, this brings a dilemma. People began fleeing to Taiwan from the early months of the Hong Kong protests last year, mostly legally by air, sometimes by fishing boat, said activists in Taipei who have helped Hong Kong citizens obtain visas.
Numbering a few hundred, they included people who took part in the pro-democracy protests, as well as clergy, social workers and others who offered care and support to protesters. This year, coronavirus-related travel restrictions and Hong Kong's new security law, which was imposed on June 30 and handed the police and Chinese security agents sweeping powers, have narrowed the protesters' options to leave and sharply reduced the numbers fleeing to Taiwan to a few dozen. The most desperate are taking their chances by sea.
In the past month, China stopped a boat carrying 12 people, and Taiwan intercepted a craft carrying five near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea. Several sources with knowledge of the smuggling operation said at least a dozen more pro-democracy activists have reached Taiwan by boat. These crossings have brought some "comfort" to the mostly young, pro-democracy activists who fled to Taiwan before the Hong Kong security law took effect, said one. "We have always felt guilty about running away."
Those left behind in Hong Kong had two options - to face trial or to flee. "It's a choice between hope and hopelessness. Of course some have chosen to risk their lives at sea." This person and other activists, speaking on condition of anonymity, described a smallscale operation, organized by individuals in Hong Kong and Taiwan, to ferry protesters across the typhoon-prone South China Sea. The few risking the journey have been charged with crimes such as arson and rioting by Hong Kong authorities and had their passports confiscated. Hong Kong has so far charged over 600 people with rioting, which carries up to a 10-year jail term.
The crossing, that can take more than a day, is fraught with risk. Driving a speedboat under cover of night brings the danger of collision with submerged rocks and buoys. There is also the danger of detection.
In Hong Kong waters, police marine patrols are frequently seen among the fishing trawlers, container ships, pleasure craft and speedboats. Stepped up Chinese military patrols and training exercises in the South China Sea around Hong Kong have increased the risk of interception.
At least a dozen other protesters who possess travel documents, have come by air in recent months, despite the suspension of most Taiwan visa applications because of the coronavirus. Taiwan said in June it would allow Hong Kong citizens to apply for entry for "special humanitarian considerations."
The Taiwan government declined to say how many people from Hong Kong have been granted residency or entry. It has repeatedly said anyone who enters the country must do so legally.