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Why Hong Kongers Who Fear China Won't Flood Into Nearby, Democratic Taiwan

Ralph Jennings

   TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Taiwan opened a government office this month to help
   Hong Kong citizens apply for residency as China passed a security law
   that worries people in the former British colony who have protested
   over the past year against Beijing's rule. Taiwan would offer a
   democratic haven free of any prosecution.

   Though it's hard to gauge interest so far-- Taiwan opened its Hong Kong
   Service Office just six days ago --analysts watching interaction
   between the two sides expect just a modest number of Hong Kong people
   to try relocating.

   China took control of Hong Kong in 1997. Taiwan is self-ruled despite
   Beijing's claim that it falls under Chinese rule.

   Most Hong Kongers with an eye on emigration prefer the salaries of the
   West over those of Taiwan and some worry that Taiwan will eventually
   erupt in conflict with China, the analysts say.

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