Date: July 10, 2020
MAC Press Release No. 41
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law recently came into force. The Law vaguely defines crimes and is sweeping in the objects and scope of regulation, irrespective of nationality and region. It seriously threatens the personal freedom and safety of foreign nationals and local residents in Hong Kong and has aroused intense concern from the international community. In response to the Law, the MAC has launched a special section on its website to explain the government's position and possible risks. It also reminds Taiwanese people transiting in Hong Kong or visiting Hong Kong for tourism, study, employment, or business purposes to "stop," "look," "listen," and keep alert.
The MAC stated that the government will closely watch developments in Hong Kong, conduct risk assessments, and provide relevant information to the Taiwanese public at appropriate times. It will also strengthen the emergency relief mechanisms and response measures of Taiwan's representative office in Hong Kong. The MAC requested that Taiwanese people traveling to Hong Kong and Macao visit a public service section on the MAC website and fill in their basic information in the "Registry of Movement by Taiwanese People Traveling to Hong Kong and Macao" (https://www.mac.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=DB5CA7E8ABA7E5DC). Taiwanese people who encounter emergencies in Hong Kong or Macao may contact the 24-hour emergency hotlines at the MAC's local representative offices (known locally as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office) at 852-6143-9012 (Hong Kong) and 853-66872557 (Macao) for assistance.