<p>Taiwan announced Thursday that it will set up a specialized office to support Hong Kongers seeking to leave the territory now that China is moving forward with a national security law for Hong Kong that critics see as an erosion of its freedoms.</p>.<p>The office opening July 1 will offer assistance to Hong Kong professionals seeking to move to Taiwan, including for school, employment, investment, entrepreneurship and immigration, according to a statement by the Mainland Affairs Council in Taiwan, which handles the island's relations with Beijing.</p>.<p>Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in May called for a plan to help Hong Kongers after China's ceremonial parliament decided to enact the national security law in the semi-autonomous city.</p>.<p>Beijing says the national security legislation is aimed at curbing subversive and secessionist activity in Hong Kong, after months of anti-government protests last year saw violent clashes between police and protesters.</p>.<p>Critics say that the law will erode freedoms promised to the former British colony and may be used to curb dissent.</p>.<p>The Taiwan government will fund the new office, which will work with non-profit organizations to offer assistance, protection, as well as a basic allowance for immigrants from Hong Kong, including those who have fled due to political reasons, the statement said.</p>
<p>Taiwan announced Thursday that it will set up a specialized office to support Hong Kongers seeking to leave the territory now that China is moving forward with a national security law for Hong Kong that critics see as an erosion of its freedoms.</p>.<p>The office opening July 1 will offer assistance to Hong Kong professionals seeking to move to Taiwan, including for school, employment, investment, entrepreneurship and immigration, according to a statement by the Mainland Affairs Council in Taiwan, which handles the island's relations with Beijing.</p>.<p>Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in May called for a plan to help Hong Kongers after China's ceremonial parliament decided to enact the national security law in the semi-autonomous city.</p>.<p>Beijing says the national security legislation is aimed at curbing subversive and secessionist activity in Hong Kong, after months of anti-government protests last year saw violent clashes between police and protesters.</p>.<p>Critics say that the law will erode freedoms promised to the former British colony and may be used to curb dissent.</p>.<p>The Taiwan government will fund the new office, which will work with non-profit organizations to offer assistance, protection, as well as a basic allowance for immigrants from Hong Kong, including those who have fled due to political reasons, the statement said.</p>