Taiwan calls China to use dialogue, not oppression in HK

The president of Taiwan on Wednesday urged China to resolve disputes with the people in Hong Kong through dialogue instead of oppression.

President Tsai Ing-wen said at a weekly meeting in Taipei that the recent arrests have shown that Beijing can damage the foundation of freedom, human rights and the rule of law through the National Security Law.

Hong Kong police have expanded the use of force since the law took effect six weeks ago, first arresting protesters with slogans deemed to be in favour of democracy and then activists over online posts.

Earlier this week, Hong Kong police raided the Apple Daily newsroom and arrested its founder, media tycoon Jimmy Lai.

Tsai condemned China for imposing a legislation in disregard of Hong Kong's public opinion, which has eroded its commitment of "one country, two systems" under which the city was promised certain rights and freedoms not afforded to mainland China for 50 years after its 1997 handover from British rule.

Tsai said "attempts to block the will of the people are worthless and will not succeed".