SB’s statement on Chan Tong-kai case

     Regarding a Chan Tong-kai surrender to Taiwan, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government hopes that this issue can be resolved as soon as possible. A spokesman for the Security Bureau today (October 23) made a statement in the following three points:
 
(1) To resolve the matter, the first step has to be taken by the Taiwan side in allowing Chan's entry. Such power is only in the hands of Taiwan. 

(2) If Chan is allowed to enter Taiwan, even if the approval is given in principle only, the Taiwan side can notify the Hong Kong side via the police liaison channel. Police units of both sides can then start working on the arrangement of the trip. 

(3) Self-surrender and legal assistance are two independent matters. Legal assistance has never been a prerequisite for accepting an act of surrender. Hong Kong's relevant legislation on legal assistance is not applicable to Taiwan and it is impossible for the HKSAR Government to violate the laws. The Taiwan side should be aware of these two points. It is utterly unreasonable and impracticable for Taiwan to set legal assistance as the pretext for surrender.