Date: June 15, 2019
MAC Press Release No. 58
1. The government of Hong Kong narrowly avoided disaster in the nick of time with the announcement that it would suspend amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance following mass street protests in Hong Kong. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (June 15, 2019) said that Taiwan would continue to pay close attention to follow-up developments.
2. Taiwan can never approve a Fugitive Offenders Ordinance that infringes human rights, freedom and sovereignty. The amendment to the Ordinance attempts to handle mutual judicial assistance between Taiwan and Hong Kong under the one China framework, which not only infringes human rights and freedom, but also encroaches on the sovereignty of the Republic of China (ROC). Taiwan firmly opposes this political maneuver in the guise of justice.
3. Taiwan has consistently shown sincerity, goodwill, and empathy regarding the murder case of the young Hong Kong woman in Taiwan. We have urged the Hong Kong government to respond to requests for mutual judicial assistance pertaining this individual case, to jointly clarify jurisdiction, to clear up the case, and to bring justice to the victim's family. Taiwan has always cooperated with other countries or jurisdictions on judicial matters based on the principles of equality, dignity, reciprocity, and protection of human rights. It has also long considered establishing mechanisms for mutual judicial assistance between Taiwan and Hong Kong to achieve justice and tackle the problem at its root.
4. The international community joins the people of Hong Kong in their hope for stability, prosperity, and well-being. We admire and are moved by the determination and courage of the Hong Kong people to protect freedom. We hope that the Hong Kong government will remain aware of popular sentiment, listen to the public, and cherish the values of the rule of law, freedom, and human rights in Hong Kong to lay a solid foundation for Hong Kong's long-term development. Taiwan and Hong Kong should also jointly safeguard the rule of law and human rights to create a vision of hope for younger generations.