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Taiwan sides with Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said Hong Kong protesters have his country's support.

By Ed Adamczyk
Pro-democracy activists shut down parts of downtown Hong Kong on September 30, 2014. Protesters young and old are preparing for what they hope will be the biggest rallies in their demand for universal suffrage so far, as China marks National Day. UPI/Stephen Shaver
1 of 13 | Pro-democracy activists shut down parts of downtown Hong Kong on September 30, 2014. Protesters young and old are preparing for what they hope will be the biggest rallies in their demand for universal suffrage so far, as China marks National Day. UPI/Stephen Shaver | License Photo

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Taiwan is closely watching Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and is siding with the demonstrators.

The island nation, which identifies itself as the Republic of China, is regarded in the People's Republic of China as a breakaway province to eventually be reunified.

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Amid the deterioration of ties between Taiwan and China comes a view of how China handles its "one country, two systems" approach in Hong Kong. Protesters by the hundreds of thousands have marched in the streets of Hong Kong, demanding autonomy from Beijing in choosing elected officials, and neither the demonstrators nor the government is backing down.

"In the early 1980's the 'one country, two systems' concept was created for Taiwan, not for Hong Kong. But Taiwan has sent a clear message that we do not accept the concept. If the system is good, then we believe it should be 'one country, one system,'" said Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou.

While expressing caution, a hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and observation that Hong Kong's status as an Asian financial hub could cause the developments to cause shock waves around the globe, Ma told a Taipei meeting of business leaders, "We fully understand and support Hong Kong people in their call for full universal suffrage. Developments in Hong Kong have drawn the close attention of the world in the past few days. Our government has also been very concerned."

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Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a Taiwan analyst and Hong Kong Baptist University professor, noted recent incidents between the two countries, including Taiwanese military drills suggesting defense from a simulated invasion by China and allegations in August of Chinese fighter planes entering Taiwanese airspace. According to Cabestan, they suggest Taiwan's "more cautious relationship with China."

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