Taiwan stated that Hong Kong requires Taiwanese officials to sign “a China undertaking” to obtain work visas.

After the Hong Kong authorities asked Taiwan officials to sign documents supporting Beijing’s claims against Taiwan in accordance with its one-China policy, the Taiwanese government stated that it would “adjust” the operation of its Hong Kong office.

The Chinese-ruled Hong Kong has become another focus of contention between Taipei and Beijing, especially after Taiwan criticized China’s national security laws imposed on Hong Kong and began to welcome Hong Kong dissidents to the island.

The Mainland Affairs Commission of Taiwan stated in a statement on Sunday that since July 2018, the Hong Kong government has “repeatedly set unreasonable political conditions for the visas of our Hong Kong office staff and demanded the signing of the One China Commitment” .

It added that this prevented office staff from staying there or taking up their posts.

“Starting from June 21, the Hong Kong office will adjust its business processing methods,” the committee added, but did not provide details, but said the office will maintain “essential operations.”

It added that Taiwanese staff would not sign any such “one China” letters.

China regards democratically ruled Taiwan as part of “One China” and has never given up the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Last month, Hong Kong suspended the operation of its Taiwan representative office, accusing Taipei of “crude” interference in internal affairs, including offering to assist “violent” protesters. Taiwan denies this accusation.

The Macau government followed suit on Wednesday, saying it would suspend the operation of its representative office in Taiwan.