Taiwan office seeks to lure cash, labour

TAIPEI: Taiwan opened an office yesterday to help people fleeing Hong Kong after China imposed new national security laws in the city, with a senior minister saying Taiwan hoped to seize the opportunity to attract professionals and capital from the city.

The contentious law which took effect yesterday will target crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, heralding a more authoritarian era for the Asian financial hub.

The law has been widely condemned in democratic and Chinese-claimed Taiwan. About 200 people have already fled to the island from Hong Kong since pro-democracy protests began last year, rights groups say.

Taiwan opened the office in Taipei on the sensitive anniversary of the return of Hong Kong, a former British colony, to Chinese rule in 1997.

It showcased the island’s determination to aid Hong Kongers, said Chen Ming-tong, the head of Taiwan’s China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council.

“This is an important milestone for the government to further support democracy and freedom in Hong Kong,” Mr Chen said at the opening.

Taiwan shares with Hong Kong protesters a deep antipathy for China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taipei under its control.

In May, President Tsai Ing-wen became the first government leader anywhere to pledge measures to help Hong Kong people who leave due to what they see as tightening Chinese controls.

Mr Chen warned Beijing aims to target people in other countries with the law, which covers permanent and nonpermanent residents of Hong Kong.

“This not only targets residents in Hong Kong. It’s also an order issued by the Celestial Empire to people all over the world,” he added, referring to the Chinese government.

The law created an “opportunity” to win talent and capital from Hong Kong, he said, although authorities would “strictly scrutinise” whether Chinese money was involved. “We also welcome multinational companies to move their headquarters here,” he said.

Mr Chen declined to say how many applications have been received. His deputy, Chiu Chui-Cheng, said the office will have about 20 hotlines, and officials have received “many calls”.