Taiwan should heed Hong Kong's example

Hong Kong's return to China plays a role in establishing more restrictions on Taiwan's relationship with Hong Kong.

Despite a guarantee by the Chinese authorities to maintain Hong Kong's autonomy, Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen's (錢其琛) "seven principles" (錢七條) clearly state that Hong Kong's diplomatic affairs will be decided by Beijing.

In order to appease Beijing, Hong Kong's government frequently delays issuing visas to Taiwan's representatives. The head of Taiwan's representative office in Hong Kong, Chang Liang-jen (張良任), was issued a visa a year after his application.

Ping Lu (平路), the head of the Kwang Hwa Information and Culture Center in Hong Kong, hasn't gotten her visa although she applied in January.

Apparently, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa declined to actively improve relations between Hong Kong and Taiwan because of Beijing's attitude.

Taiwanese officials in Hong Kong have complained that HKSARG authorities refuse official contacts.

The Taiwan-Hong Kong air pact demonstrates how Hong Kong is gradually losing its autonomy.

Wong told Taiwanese reporters last week that it was pretty clear that Beijing was conducting the pact's negotiating process in June.

"I think most observers agree that Beijing played a major role in the process," Wong said.

"For Taiwanese residents, I think Beijing's `one country, two systems' is just too good to be true," said Chow, adding that, "at least in Taiwan, we have direct elections to choose our president."