The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has strongly criticized Taiwan for issuing a travel alert regarding Hong Kong, accusing the island of spreading misinformation about the city and its national security legislation.
In an official statement, a government spokesperson denounced Taiwan’s decision to issue an “orange” alert, which advises residents against traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The SAR government characterized Taiwan’s action as a politically motivated maneuver aimed at distorting facts and tarnishing Hong Kong’s reputation.
Taiwan justified its alert by citing increased risks associated with traveling to Hong Kong following the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO). However, the SAR government spokesperson countered by asserting that safeguarding national security is a fundamental duty, comparable to practices in numerous common law jurisdictions.
The statement further criticized Taiwan for allegedly ignoring facts, making exaggerated claims, and unjustly criticizing the NSL and SNSO, thereby revealing what Hong Kong officials described as double standards.
Emphasizing that the national security laws primarily target a minuscule fraction of individuals who endanger Hong Kong’s national security and safety, the spokesperson reassured ordinary travelers, including those from Taiwan, that they need not fear unwittingly violating these laws.
This exchange underscores the ongoing diplomatic tensions and differing interpretations of national security issues between Hong Kong and Taiwan.