Will the Hong Kong Security Law Trigger This?... Taiwan "Strict Screening Process for Hong Kong Residents' Migration"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Regarding China's promotion of the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law), Taiwan has expressed its position to conduct strict screening when Hong Kong residents apply to immigrate to Taiwan, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 29th.

According to the report, Chen Mingtong, head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, appeared before the legislature the previous day and stated that all applicants (for residence) coming from Hong Kong would be strictly screened for eligibility, and only those meeting the requirements stipulated in the law governing relations between Hong Kong and Taiwan would be accepted.

Considering that the enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law by China would likely increase the influx of Hong Kong residents into Taiwan, Taiwan decided to accept only a limited number of individuals who are subject to arrest or prosecution due to anti-China protests. In particular, in the absence of an asylum law in Taiwan, support eligibility would be granted only if applicants meet the requirements of Article 18 of the Hong Kong and Macao Relations Ordinance, which states that "necessary support must be provided to Hong Kong and Macao residents who face immediate threats to their freedom and safety for political reasons."

Chen emphasized, "There may be unclear distinctions, but this is the basic direction," and stressed the need to differentiate between participants in anti-China protests and ordinary Hong Kong residents who wish to stay in Taiwan for reasons such as study, employment, or investment. Chen's remarks drew attention as they came on the same day China passed the Hong Kong Security Law at the National People's Congress (NPC).

He avoided mentioning the specific scale of acceptance. However, regarding the possibility that Chinese spies might be among the Hong Kong residents entering Taiwan, he stated, "We will conduct screening together with intelligence agencies," indicating a proactive response policy.

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