Taiwan general election: Hong Kongers firmly support ruling party after witnessing erosion of freedom in their country

HONG KONG (AP) — As Taiwan’s presidential election approaches, many immigrants from Hong Kong, who have witnessed alarming violations of civil liberties at home, are supporting the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

Support for parties committed to preserving Taiwan’s de facto independence and democratic values ​​has grown ahead of the Jan. 13 vote after Beijing’s crackdown on dissent in the financial capital.

Although Taiwan’s immigration policy has continued until now, not very welcome Interviews with 10 Hong Kongers found that the majority remained firm in their support for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), more so than some Hongkongers expected, largely due to the party’s adamant stance on autonomy from Beijing. , more than half of the 10 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan after the 2019 anti-government protests. Protest activity.

Hong Tsung-min, a protester who moved to Taiwan in 2019 for fear of arrest, told The Associated Press that she was looking forward to the experience that would decide Taiwan’s fate. This election is a rare voting opportunity that he has never had in Hong Kong, where there is a chief executive. Selected by a largely pro-Beijing committee. He plans to support the Democratic Party.

Hong threw himself into local politics and worked to share lessons from Hong Kong.

“This is to remind Taiwan not to follow the old path of Hong Kong,” said Hong, a member of the pro-independence Taiwan National Construction Party, which did not field a candidate in the presidential election.

by the Chinese government national security law In contrast to Hong Kong in 2020, Taiwan stood out as a haven for free speech in the Chinese-speaking world. Tens of thousands of Hong Kongers have migrated to the autonomous island over the past three years, many after returning to Chinese rule, with freedoms promised to remain intact for 50 years in the former British colony rapidly eroding. I’m disappointed that it’s being eroded. 1997.

As immigrants establish new lives in Taiwan, some face a frustrating reality. Taiwan is concerned about the security risks posed by China, which views the island as a rebel province, complicating the application process. This resulted in the denial of housing for some people, particularly those who worked for government-funded organizations or companies with strong ties to Chinese companies. The opacity and lengthy process of securing permanent residency has also drawn criticism.

According to a report by Taiwan’s National Immigration Bureau, more than 37,100 Hong Kongers have secured temporary residence rights from January 2020 to November 2023. Only 5,700 people have obtained permanent resident status.

Alvin Tam, who was voting for the first time in the presidential election, said he was “a little” disappointed in the Democratic Progressive Party-led government after learning about the obstacles his fellow Hongkongers face in Taiwan. But Tam, a forest therapist who settled in 2018, acknowledged that political factors were at play.

He said national security and economic policy direction were his top priorities when voting for president, which led him to support the president. Democratic Party ticket A story about Vice President William Lai and his vice president, Bikim Hsiao, a former representative of Taiwan to the United States.

He said: “Given the deep-rooted resentment that has arisen from the problems at home, we cannot support a party that is close to China.”

Taiwan has a population of 23 million people, but has never been ruled by the People’s Republic of China. However, the mainland’s ruling Communist Party insists on reunifying Taiwan with Taiwan, even by force if necessary.

China warned that “‘Taiwan independence’ means war.” Still, many Taiwanese residents I’m calm By that threat.

The Democratic Progressive Party, which supports maintaining de facto independence, leads the opposition in most opinion polls. Its main competitor, the Kuomintang (also known as Kuomintang or KMT), agrees with the Chinese government that both belong to a single Chinese state. Another opposition party, the smaller Taiwan People’s Party, advocates resuming dialogue with China.

New immigrant Katherine Lui is unfazed by China’s belligerent talk. Seeking greater freedom, she immigrated to Taiwan through the investment immigration system in 2022. She was impressed by President Tsai Ing-wen’s support for Hong Kong’s democracy movement in 2019, and felt sympathy for the Democratic Progressive Party’s commitment to democracy and freedom.

Four years ago, Tsai used the Hong Kong protests as an argument against the “one country, two systems” framework that China uses to govern Hong Kong and is proposing to Taiwan. The turmoil in Hong Kong, 720 kilometers (450 miles) away, has intensified Tsai’s campaign, played an important role With her re-election.

Although Lui is not yet eligible to vote, she plans to attend Lai’s campaign rallies in Taipei to support her and explore Taipei’s vibrant political culture.

“If someone doesn’t like Tsai Ing-wen, they are free to use very harsh words,” she said. “That’s impressive.”

Venice So, a professor at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University School of Public Administration, said that despite the Democratic Progressive Party’s flaws, many new immigrants from Hong Kong are joining the ruling party out of concern that the main opposition party’s immigration policies will not be given much weight. He said there is a tendency to support. When it comes to power, it’s advantageous for them.

However, Hong Kongers make up a small percentage of the electorate, so their influence over the election outcome is likely to be limited, So said. The total number of voters in Taiwan is estimated at 19.5 million. From 2015 to 2022, 10,440 immigrants from Hong Kong and neighboring casino hub Macau secured the right to vote, according to official data.

Some people from Hong Kong are already actively involved in Taiwanese politics.

Chui Pak-tai, 72, a former Hong Kong pro-democracy district councilor who secured Taiwan residency 11 years ago, is running for a position on the Legislative Committee. Although he has a long chance, his campaign has focused attention on immigration issues for the Hong Kong diaspora.

Mr. Chui was cautious about his presidential choices. But he spoke passionately about the economic, political and international relations expertise that Hong Kong immigrants can offer Taiwan. He also emphasized the common need for Hong Kongers and Taiwanese willpower in the face of pressure from the Chinese government.

“Hong Kong people and Taiwanese people have common needs,” he says. “Even if it’s just on a spiritual level.”

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Lai reported from Taipei, Taiwan.

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