The forced departure of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong personnel is deeply regretted by the government and people of Taiwan, and is not conducive to the positive development of cross-strait relations, according to the Presidential Office June 21.
The Hong Kong administration and Beijing have been imposing unreasonable political demands on TECO staffers since July 2018, the PO said. This includes refusing visa renewals or issuances to those declining to sign letters of commitment to “one China,” the office added.
As TECO personnel never put pen to paper and would never do so, they were forced to return to Taiwan, the PO said, adding that President Tsai Ing-wen praised them for upholding the country’s dignity on the diplomatic front lines and coming home with their heads held high.
The government will not bow to pressure nor take rash actions, the PO said. Assistance projects supporting the people of Hong Kong and their efforts to seek freedom and democracy are to remain in place, the office added.
China is urged to refrain from further moves causing tension in cross-strait relations, the PO said. Democracies the world over must pay closer attention to the situation in Hong Kong and the plight of the people, the office added.
Rest assured, the PO said, Taiwan will continue defending the universal values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights regionally and worldwide.
In a tweet on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official Twitter account, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu wrote “Breaking promises on #HongKong is #CCP SOP. They’ve violated the 2011 agreement by trying to force our officials to sign letters of commitment to ‘one #China’ & accept Beijing’s sovereignty over #Taiwan. No dice! Our people can’t abide & are home with their heads held high.” (SFC-E)
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