TAIPEI: Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday (May 27) pledged to draw up a plan to give humanitarian relief to people involved in protests in Taiwan's most concrete intervention since a renewal of unrest in Hong Kong.
China's proposed new security legislation for the former British colony has prompted protests in Hong Kong and condemnation from Western governments over perceived threats to freedoms.
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READ: Hong Kong police fire pepper ball rounds at protesters, arrest 180 people
Hong Kong's demonstrators have won widespread sympathy in democratic Taiwan, which China considers as its territory to be taken by force, if necessary. Taiwan said it's already an independent country and has shown no interest in being ruled by China.
Demonstrators take part in a protest during a lunch time in Central, as a second reading of a controversial national anthem law takes place in Hong Kong on May 27, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Tyrone Siu)
"We will propose an action plan of humanitarian relief for friends from Hong Kong," Tsai told reporters in Taipei. "We will continue to support Hong Kong people's determination to strive for democracy and freedom."
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She did not give full details or timing, but said Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for Taiwan's ties with China, will lead the initiative, while a government task force will coordinate the budget needed and resources, including accommodation and employment.
Earlier this week, Tsai said Taiwan may revoke the special status it extends to Hong Kong in a warning to Beijing.
