Taiwan Reaffirms Support for Hongkongers on 5th Anniversary of Anti-Extradition March

On June 9, 2024, about 600 people representing organizations of Hongkongers in Taiwan, as well as local Taiwanese groups, gathered at the Liberty Square archway and marched along the streets of Taipei City. The theme this year is "Freedom June," hoping to extend the connotation of the June 2019 "anti-extradition" movement to another level. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times)

Eighteen civil society groups, including Hong Kong Outlanders, marched in Taipei City on June 9 to call on the outside world to watch what is happening in Hong Kong.

On this day five years ago, 1.03 million Hong Kong people took to the streets, ushering in the anti-extradition movement.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said the Taiwan government’s support for Hong Kong people has never wavered and affirmed that democratic Taiwan will firmly stand with the people of Hong Kong, including via its policies. The Council also assured that Taiwan will protect the safety and rights of Hongkongers residing in Taiwan, ensuring they can live without fear of surveillance or intimidation.

The groups assembled for this year’s march at the archway of Taipei’s Liberty Square and set off for the Nishi Honganji Remains at 2 p.m. Along the way, passersby joined in, and by the time they arrived at Nishi Honganji Remains at 3 p.m., around 600 people had gathered.

Despite a new security law, Hongkongers living in Tawan and local Taiwanese supporters weren’t deterred and joined together for the “Hong Kong Freedom June 2024 Taipei Parade–Fight for Democracy, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Stand Together.”

The new sweeping national security law, known as Article 23, was passed in March and covers five offenses: treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets and espionage, destructive activities endangering national security, and external interference.

The bill was passed unanimously by Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, a 90-seat body now dominated by politicians backed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Critics say it will crush the city’s remaining freedoms and stifle foreign business in the Asian financial hub.

About 600 people representing organizations of Hongkongers in Taiwan, as well as local Taiwanese groups, marched along the streets of Taipei City, on June 9, 2024. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times)

During the protest, Sky Fung, Hong Kong Outlanders Secretary-General, noted that in the face of intense political pressure, Hong Kong people are still showing their civic resilience.

“As long as we continue to work hard, Hong Kong will never be dead,” Mr. Fung said. He said that as a Hong Kong citizen in Taiwan, a free land, he understands that the civil societies of Hong Kong and Taiwan have always supported each other and encouraged each other.

Legislative Support from Taiwan

Hong Shenhan, vice chair of the Taiwan Parliament Group for Hong Kong and legislator of the Taiwan Legislative Yuan, said, “Hong Kong has become unrecognizable; the freedoms that it once enjoyed have been crushed by the regime.

“Today, we need to come out even more to support the people’s representatives in the “47 people” case to continue the legacy of democracy in Hong Kong. ”

Hong Kong has charged 47 pro-democracy activists for conspiracy to commit subversion under the national security law. The 47 are currently on trial. 

“This parade is not only attended by Hong Kong people, not only by local Taiwanese, but also by all those who cannot stand the atrocities of the CCP,” Mr. Hong said.

“They come together in this march for democracy and freedom.”

Hong Shenhan, the Vice Chairperson of the Taiwan Parliament Group for Hong Kong, and legislator of the Taiwan Legislative Yuan, spoke at the “Hong Kong Freedom June 2024 Taipei Parade–Fight for Democracy, HK&TW Stand Together,” on June 9, 2024. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times)

Civic Leaders and Activists Speak Out

Popular Taiwanese YouTuber Bajiong said, “Looking back at the anti-extradition law demonstrations in Hong Kong five years ago, we condemn the CCP and the Hong Kong government for their attempts to suppress Hong Kong people from passing on their memories and to erase the truth. Hong Kong people have always been on the road to defending democracy and freedom. Even if international attention wanes, the will of Hong Kong people remains unwavering. Therefore, Taiwan must continue to protect Hong Kong people during this period.”

Xu Cheng’en, a member of the Taiwan and Hong Kong Defending Democracy Concern Group, said that striving for freedom and democracy and resisting the hegemony of the CCP has always been the common aspiration of the Taiwanese and Hong Kong people. Nowadays, most Taiwanese people realize that only by rising up against the CCP’s attempt to annex Taiwan can we protect Taiwan’s hard-won freedom and democracy.

Human rights worker Lee Ming-che, who was previously imprisoned in China for his activism, urged the Taiwanese to remain vigilant against the encroachments of the CCP, drawing parallels between the situations in Hong Kong and Taiwan. “We must honor those who sacrificed for our freedoms by continuing to resist authoritarian rule,” he asserted.

Tashi Tsering, secretary-general of the Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan, called for unity among Hongkongers, Taiwanese, Uyghurs, and Tibetans against CCP oppression. 

Sang Pu, chairperson of the Taiwan Hong Kong Association, said, “I am both a Hongkonger and a Taiwanese. Resistance means fighting for democracy. Only by resistance can we have a future. I hope everyone will truly embrace Taiwan and take root here.” He concluded with the four axioms, “Refuse to forget, continue to work hard, connect with all like-minders, and care about Taiwan.”

Sang Pu, Chairperson of the Taiwan Hong Kong Association, participated in the “Hong Kong Freedom June 2024 Taipei Parade–Fight for Democracy, Taiwan and Hong Kong Stand Together” and spoke at the scene, on June 9, 2024. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times)

Tong Wai-hung, a Hongkonger in Taiwan, said that Hong Kong people have been suppressed continuously during the past five years, and it was great to see Hongkongers continue their fight for freedom in a free and democratic society like Taiwan. But, the fight cannot just be about marches and rallies, he cautioned, Hong Kong people must work hard and be smart.

“Even outside (of Hong Kong), we will still face threats from the CCP. I want to send my message to everyone to learn to take care of themselves,” Mr. Tong said.

Demands from the Demonstrators

The 18 participating organizations put forward four key demands to the Taiwan government.

1. Continued attention to Hong Kong’s situation: Highlighting the urgent need to address ongoing political trials and the erosion of free speech in Hong Kong.
2. Improved asylum mechanisms: Ensuring that protesters facing persecution can find safety and dignity in Taiwan.
3. Be vigilant of CCP’s threats: Encouraging vigilance against the CCP’s strategies to undermine Taiwan’s democracy.
4. Protection of Hongkongers in Taiwan: Safeguarding the rights and well-being of Hongkongers against cross-border repression.