Taiwan recalling 8 representative office staff members in Hong Kong over refusal to accept one-China policy

Taipei has described requirement that its staff in city recognise one-China policy as an ‘unreasonable political precondition’ for renewing their work visas

Future of office is not immediately clear, but Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council says it will ‘adjust its methods for handling business’, while maintaining necessary operations

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Taiwan is recalling eight staff members from its representative office in Hong Kong over a requirement they acknowledge the one-China policy. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 5:01pm, 20 Jun 2021Updated: 12:21am, 21 Jun 2021

Taiwan is bringing home eight staff members working at its representative office in Hong Kong, citing an “unreasonable” 2018 rule requiring they recognise Beijing’s one-China policy as a precondition for renewing their work visas.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, which handles the self-ruled island’s dealings with Beijing and Hong Kong, accused the local government on Sunday of imposing “unreasonable political preconditions” on the personnel of its Taipei Economic and Cultural Office that prevented them from staying in the city.

The future of the office was not immediately clear, but the council added it would “adjust its methods for handling business”, while maintaining “necessary operations”. Seven of the staff members were reportedly flying back to Taiwan on Sunday, with the remaining one leaving next month.

The council is expected to explain its new arrangements on Monday.

Last month, the city’s government suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan, accusing Taipei of “gross” interference in local affairs, including “offering assistance to violent protesters and people who tried to shatter Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability” during 2019’s social unrest.

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