HK's Lam on detainees in mainland China and Taiwan

Taiwan has not provided any information about media reports of five Hong Kongers picked up by the country's coast guard, nor have Hong Kong authorities received any requests for assistance from family members in relation to the case, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday.

Hong Kong police have sent enquiries to Taiwan, however, Lam added.

Twelve other Hong Kongers picked up by mainland Chinese coast guard will have to face mainland Chinese justice, Lam reiterated, hitting out at some comments that characterised them as democracy activists, and instead highlighting their alleged crimes.

Lam did not directly respond to questions about families in Hong Kong who say they can't contact their relatives detained in mainland China, and can't get their lawyers to contact them either.

Lam also refused to comment on China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman's tweet that the detained Hong Kongers are "elements attempting to separate Hong Kong from China."

Hong Kongers have been fleeing the territory since Beijing imposed a new national security law earlier this year.

On Tuesday, Lam reserved her praise for the just completed free COVID-19 testing programme.

Approximately 1.8 million Hong Kongers took up the offer of a free test, according to Lam.

Millions more stayed away from the tests.