Taiwan has deported two Chinese nationals who were accused of harassing a group of pro-Hong Kong protesters on October 1, the 75th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) taking power. The Taiwanese government stated on October 3 that it would take immediate and strict action against any mainland Chinese individuals who engage in illegal or irregular behavior that endangers national security and social stability.
According to Hong Kong Outlanders, a small protest was organized by the group in Taiwan’s capital city of Taipei on October 1. During the protest, members of the group were verbally harassed and physically pushed around by a group of Chinese individuals.
The Mainland Affairs Council in Taiwan confirmed that a couple, who were identified as Chinese nationals and involved in the incident, have been deported. Their entry permits have also been revoked. The couple had applied to enter Taiwan at the end of September to visit a relative who had already returned to China in July.
On October 3, immigration officials escorted the couple to Taoyuan International Airport where they boarded a plane back to China before noon. Taiwanese authorities stated that the couple knowingly violated temporary entry permit rules.
The Mainland Affairs Council criticized their actions as an abuse of the entry permit system and announced plans for stricter review processes for future applications.
Taiwan’s relationship with mainland China has become increasingly tense as Beijing considers Taiwan its territory to be reunified with force if necessary. However, Taiwan operates under its own democratic system separate from CCP rule.
During his speech on October 1, CCP leader Xi Jinping reiterated his call for achieving complete reunification with Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.
