'Beijing Seeks To Turn Taiwan Into Next Hong Kong'

Taiwan faces an increasingly difficult position as Beijing pressures the democratic island to accept conditions that would turn it into the next Hong Kong, its top diplomat told visiting US Health Secretary Alex Azar on Tuesday.

Azar arrived in Taiwan on Sunday as the highest-level US official to visit in four decades, a trip condemned by the central government.

"Our life has become increasingly difficult as China continues to pressure Taiwan into accepting its political conditions, conditions that will turn Taiwan into the next Hong Kong," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said at a joint media appearance with Azar in Taipei.

The mainland has proposed a "One Country, Two Systems" model of Hong Kong to get Taiwan to accept its rule. The proposal has been rejected in Taiwan by all major parties and the government.

Wu said Taiwan was lucky to have friends like Azar in the United States to help fight for Taiwan's international space.

"We know this is not just about Taiwan's status, but about sustaining democracy in the face of authoritarian aggression. Taiwan must win these battles so democracy prevails."

Washington broke off official ties with Taipei in 1979 in favour of Beijing but is still Taiwan's biggest arms supplier. The Trump administration has made strengthening its support a priority as relations with China sour over issues including human rights and trade.

Azar is in Taiwan to offer not just the administration's support for its democracy, but to learn about its successful fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Taiwan has kept its infection numbers low thanks to early and effective prevention efforts.

Azar said the world should recognise Taiwan's health accomplishments, pointing to Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to Beijing's objections.

"Especially during a pandemic, but at all times, international organisations should not be places to play politics. They must be venues for constructive, open dialogue and cooperation."

Both China and the WHO say Taiwan has been provided with the help it needs during the pandemic. (Reuters)