Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has condemned Taiwanese authorities for issuing a travel warning about the city, accusing them of using “scaremongering” tactics and distorting facts. The warning from Taiwan cited incidents of Taiwanese tourists being stopped and searched in Hong Kong without clear reasons.
A spokesman for the bureau stated on Wednesday that the Hong Kong government “strongly condemned” Taiwan’s actions, accusing it of attempting to “smear” the city under the guise of travel advice. “Such political manoeuvres with fact-twisting, scaremongering, and panic-spreading remarks are strongly deplored,” the spokesman told the Post. He also denied allegations of frequent police stops and searches, asserting these operations are “conducted strictly in accordance with the law” and not based on nationality, race, or appearance.
The controversy arose after Taiwanese authorities issued a statement on Tuesday urging residents to exercise increased caution when traveling to Hong Kong. The statement followed reports from Taiwanese tourists of being stopped and searched by local police without apparent reason. Taiwanese officials advised residents to always carry their passports and visas, noting that Hong Kong and Macau police can stop and request identification from anyone appearing suspicious.
Taiwan cited Hong Kong’s “Safeguarding National Security Ordinance” and the “Hong Kong national security law” as reasons for increased travel risks. The Security Bureau responded, highlighting that Section 54 of the Police Force Ordinance empowers officers to stop individuals and demand proof of identity, and to search for items that might pose a danger or be valuable to an investigation.
Recent reports in Taiwanese media described several such incidents. One tourist recounted being stopped at Tung Chung MTR station in May, having his bags searched, and his passport photographed by police. Another incident involved two friends stopped by officers, who justified the action by citing a high number of radicals in Hong Kong.
On Dcard, a Taiwanese social media platform, one user described being stopped at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge border crossing just before the implementation of the Article 23 national security law. The user detailed a “routine inspection” that involved emptying his bags and signing a document before being allowed to leave.
Taiwan’s travel warning for Hong Kong follows a recent advisory from Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng, urging Taiwanese to reconsider travel to mainland China. His office confirmed incidents of Taiwanese being strip-searched or detained on the mainland.
The Post has reached out to the Immigration Department and Hong Kong police for further comment.