Western World Strongly Condemns Arrests of Hong Kong Pan-Democracy Figures

Western Allies Including UK, Germany, France Urge Release of Detained Figures
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen: "Hong Kong Freedom Suppressed, Taiwan Will Courageously Stand Up"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Dozens of pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong were arrested en masse, prompting strong condemnation from major Western countries.

Taiwan, which is at odds with mainland China over independence issues, also saw its president directly criticize the Chinese government, as the arrests of Hong Kong pro-democracy figures have escalated into a widespread issue.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab criticized on the 6th (local time), calling it a "serious attack on Hong Kong's rights and freedoms." Secretary Raab said, "The UK will not turn its back on the people of Hong Kong and will continue to provide the right to live and work in the UK."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, "China is further departing from its promises made to the people of Hong Kong and the international community," and added, "We demand that the Chinese government respect Hong Kong, fulfill its obligations, and comply with the rule of law as stated in the Hong Kong Basic Law."

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated in a press release that day, "Following the pressure faced by journalists and democratic figures over the past few months, this incident raises doubts about whether democratic expression is possible under the Hong Kong National Security Law."

Canada's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called it "a serious suppression of political pluralism" and urged the release of the Hong Kong pro-democracy figures.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen wrote on her Facebook, "The bleak atmosphere of the freezing winter has once again crushed the few remaining freedoms and democracy in Hong Kong." She added, "Free Taiwan supports Hong Kong's freedom," and "The democratic world also supports Hong Kong's democracy."

President Tsai further said, "Taiwan, at the forefront of the democratic camp, clearly feels the lack of credibility in the promises mentioned by the Chinese government and the suppression of Hong Kong's freedom," and "Taiwan will not shrink back but will bravely stand up for universal values."

Meanwhile, Hong Kong police arrested 53 people on the morning of the 6th on charges of violating the National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law).

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