TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), head of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會) on Friday (March 7), said they communicated with Hong Kong through the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council (台港經濟文化合作策進會) to ensure judicial rights are protected. The statement comes after authorities called for transparency and proper handling in the case of a Taiwanese businessman detained in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong police arrested a businessman surnamed Chen (陳) from Shin Kong Chao Feng Ranch and Resort (新光兆豐休閒農場) on Feb. 18 when he arrived for a travel expo with Hualien County officials. The Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislative caucus leader Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) and Hualien Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) led the delegation. Chen faces a bail hearing today after a previous application was denied.
Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑), MAC's deputy head, announced Thursday that Chen's company has hired a lawyer in Hong Kong. Staff from MAC's Office of Hong Kong Affairs (香港辦事處) attended the court session. When asked about Chen's preference against bail, Chiu stated that MAC respects his decision, and his company is actively seeking a resolution. The outcome of today's hearing remains awaited as stakeholders anticipate further developments in this sensitive case.