MAC Press Release No. 007
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (June 20, 2021) stated that since July 2018 the Hong Kong government has repeatedly demanded that the Taiwanese personnel at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Hong Kong (hereinafter “the Office”) fulfill unreasonable political prerequisites, namely signing a "One China Commitment Letter " in order to get work visas. This prerequisite has prevented Taiwanese personnel from extending their term or assuming posts at the Office. As a result, the Office will make adjustment to the handling of its business beginning from June 21 this year. MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san will hold a press conference on the same day to further explain the situation to the public.
Taiwan and Hong Kong mutually established representative offices based on the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefit. Over the years, the Office has always been committed to serving the public and its operations have been in line with laws and regulations, never once overstepped the scope of its allowed operations and functions.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Hong Kong government created obstruction for Taiwanese staffers’ visa renewal with a "One China Commitment Letter," which has impeded the staff rotation and normal operations of the Office. This also constitutes a unilateral violation of the Exchange of Letters between Taiwan and Hong Kong in 2011. Therefore, the CCP and Hong Kong government must take full responsibility for undermining Taiwan-Hong Kong relations and infringing on people’s rights and interests. We stand firmly against this preposterous political suppression in the form of coercing Taiwanese personnel into signing a "One China Commitment Letter." We also sternly caution and condemn the CCP and Hong Kong government for this aggression.
The MAC extends its sincere gratitude to fellow colleagues at the Office who have remained unyielding and have held steadfast to their posts in the face of pressure. The Office will adjust its methods for handling certain business in response to the impediment of personnel assignment; however, it will maintain essential operations and ensure its service to the public is uninterrupted and uncompromised. The MAC kindly asks the Taiwan public to be forbearing and understanding in regard to such development, and to continue being the staunchest supporters of Taiwan.