Taipei warns of ‘hostage diplomacy’ under Beijing’s national security law in Hong Kong
- Head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council says legislation undermines human rights and regional security
- Democratic countries should stand united against mainland China’s expansion, Chen Ming-tong says
The Hong Kong security law has rattled nearby self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing regards as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize, by force if necessary.
A provision within the law claims global jurisdiction and allows the mainland to prosecute especially serious cases instead of semi-autonomous Hong Kong’s independent judiciary.
Chen Ming-tong, head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, said the law would enable Beijing to carry out “hostage diplomacy”.
“The national security law for Hong Kong has seriously invaded democracy and human rights to impact regional security and unnerve the international community,” Chen said.
The law says national security offences can be prosecuted even if they take place outside Hong Kong or mainland China and are committed by foreigners.