Unpacking the Hong Kong protests factor in Taiwan’s election and the fate of ‘one country, two systems’
- Stories from protesters on the ground have only hardened Taiwan’s determination to distance itself from China
- In the fourth of a five-part series, we look at the impact the civil unrest in Hong Kong has had on the presidential race on the self-ruled island
Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen may be using the Hong Kong protests as a cautionary tale for the self-ruled island against any encroachment by mainland China. But the narrative is being reinforced by real-life stories on the ground.
But, for ordinary Taiwanese, seeing how the Hong Kong protesters themselves have taken refuge in their city has driven home more powerful lessons, observers familiar with the movement said.
Hong Kong lawyer Daniel Wong Kwok-tung is among them. He has been assisting a group of about 20 such protesters whom he said were enduring hardship “wandering from place to place” on the island. Some were making do on US$1.50 a meal, he said, fighting back tears.
“They are in very poor psychological condition and some have to see doctors.”
He shared with the Post letters they penned for supporters in Taiwan and back home.