President Tsai issues statement on the situation in Hong Kong

On 13 June, President Tsai issued a statement regarding the situation in Hong Kong stressing the protests not only made Taiwanese cherish their existing democratic system and way of life even more, but also made it clear that “one country, two systems” is not viable for a democratized Taiwan. The president pointed out that the Hong Kong police’s use of tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators was especially shocking and intolerable. President Tsai stated the people of Hong Kong have the right to pursue their own democracy and freedom, adding that as a bastion of democracy in Asia, Taiwan will always support these universal values.

The president expressed hope that the Hong Kong government will take the protest demands seriously, engage in dialogue and communicate with the public and refrain from rashly forcing through the legislation in question. She concluded by stating Taiwan will do everything in its power to help the people of Hong Kong maintain their democracy and freedom of speech during these protests.