China Passes Hong Kong Security Law... Taiwan Criticizes "Hypocrisy of One Country, Two Systems"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] The international community is expressing concern over China’s passage of the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law) at the National People's Congress on the 28th. Taiwan, in particular, strongly condemned it as an act that undermines the trust of the international community.

Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary of the Japanese government, said at a regular press conference that day regarding the forced enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law, "The decision concerning Hong Kong at the National People's Congress was pushed forward amid strong concerns from the international community and Hong Kong citizens, and we are deeply worried about the related situation in Hong Kong." He added, "Hong Kong is a very important partner for our country with close economic ties and human exchanges, and it is important that the previously free and open system based on 'one country, two systems' is maintained and develops democratically and stably." He further stated, "We have conveyed this consistent policy of our country to China through diplomatic channels, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and respond appropriately while cooperating with related countries."

In this regard, Takeo Akiba, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, summoned Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express concerns about the introduction of the Hong Kong Security Law, NHK reported. Ambassador Kong explained China’s position, saying it was a "matter concerning China’s national security."

Taiwan voiced much stronger criticism. According to dpa news agency, the Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan’s agency responsible for China, condemned China’s recent action as seriously damaging Hong Kong’s freedom and rule of law. The Mainland Affairs Council pointed out that China betrayed its promise to recognize "a high degree of autonomy" for 50 years after the 1997 handover of Hong Kong sovereignty, revealing the hypocritical nature of the 'one country, two systems' policy. It added, "This does not help the cross-strait (China and Taiwan) relations and shakes the trust of the international community."

China has used the 'one country, two systems' framework to take control of Hong Kong and Macau, which were former European colonies, but Taiwan has rejected this and has formed its own autonomous government since 1949.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.