China Prepares 'Support Measures for Hong Kong Residents' and Warns Taiwan to "Stay Out"

Hong Kong police detained a large number of protesters in the Causeway Bay district who were demonstrating against the enactment of the National Security Law, while searching their bags and examining their smartphones. (Photo by EPA Hong Kong)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] After China passed the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law) on the 28th, and Taiwan introduced support measures for Hong Kong residents, the Chinese government strongly warned Taiwan to "not interfere in Hong Kong affairs."

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China, condemned Taiwan's promotion of support for Hong Kong residents in a statement on the 30th, saying, "Such attempts by Taiwan's Legislative Yuan will not be realized, and interference in Hong Kong affairs will surely bring about self-inflicted consequences."

Spokesperson Ma emphasized, "The purpose of the Hong Kong Security Law is to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and to ensure Hong Kong's stable prosperity and the 'one country, two systems' principle."

He pointed out, "The Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan and some politicians are distorting the truth and reversing black and white while recklessly criticizing the Hong Kong Security Law. If Taiwan supports Hong Kong violent elements through so-called legislative and administrative measures, it is openly harboring illegal forces."

He added, "This is an attack on the 'one country, two systems' principle," and criticized, "Such attempts will not succeed, and interference in Hong Kong affairs will inevitably lead to bad outcomes."

Taiwan is preparing humanitarian measures, including limited acceptance of individuals who may be detained or prosecuted due to anti-China protests, in response to the possible influx of Hong Kong residents following the implementation of China's Hong Kong Security Law.

The British government is also considering a plan that would allow all Hong Kong residents who previously held British National Overseas (BNO) passports to acquire British citizenship if the Hong Kong Security Law is enforced. It is estimated that about 2.9 million people were born before 1997, when the UK returned Hong Kong to China, and held BNO passports.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement on the same day, "We have very deep concerns regarding China's legislation related to Hong Kong's security." She added, "If China enforces the Hong Kong Security Law, we will enable British Nationals Overseas to apply for the right to stay in the UK, including acquiring citizenship."