TAIPEI - Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong, a central figure in the territory’s ongoing mass anti-Beijing protests, urged Taiwanese people on Tuesday to hold their own demonstrations as they face growing pressure from China.
Some activists in Hong Kong fear Chinese authorities will crack down on the protests ahead of National Day, which this year marks the 70th anniversary of Communist rule in China. "But I think the most ideal thing we’d say is ‘Taiwan today, tomorrow Hong Kong',"Wong said."Hong Kong can be like Taiwan, a place for freedom and democracy."
Protesters believe a proposed extradition law that would let Hong Kong suspects be sent to the mainland for trial goes against that autonomy.Chinese officials have stepped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure against Taiwan since 2016, when President Tsai Ing-wen took office. "I think Taiwan is always speaking out for Hong Kong, and Joshua Wong coming will make more Taiwanese care more about speaking out," said Ku Chung-hwa, a board member with the Taiwan advocacy group Citizens’ Congress Watch.