MOSCOW, October 1 (RIA Novosti) – Taiwanese Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secretary-general Joseph Wu has said at a press conference that Taiwan would re-assess China's promises concerning the countries' ties based on Beijing's actions in Hong Kong.
Wu was cited as saying by The China Post on Wednesday that Taiwanese people were getting a clearer picture of what might be expected from the Chinese authorities in terms of cross-strait ties by watching the methods China uses to tackle the Hong Kong protests, especially in light of Beijing's previously given promise to keep the status quo in Hong Kong for 50 years.
The DPP said in a statement that democracy, liberty and civil rights were universal values that must be rendered to all people regardless of their nationality. The party called on both China and Hong Kong to show self-restraint and listen to what the public have to say, as suppressive methods would only worsen the situation.
The international community was urged to continue monitoring the developments in Hong Kong and show support for Hong Kongers' right to choose their leaders.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Hong Kong since September 26 to participate in protests against Chinese government's plans to control the 2017 Hong Kong elections. Dozens of protesters have been detained during the demonstrations.
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jou, the chairman of the ruling Kuomintang party, has expressed his concern about the Hong Kong protests and support for Hong Kongers, calling on the protesters and the Chinese government to act peacefully. He noted that should the protests be handled without caution and self-restraint, Taiwan and China may experience further alienation.
