President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) voiced support Thursday for independent bookstores in Hong Kong after several were searched and associated individuals detained, saying Taipei will continue to monitor the situation and defend freedom of expression. 

In a social media post, Lai said each independent bookstore serves as an important place safeguarding ideas, adding that Hong Kong’s publishing, reading, and speech freedoms are facing sustained and severe pressure. He warned that when books can become evidence, and bookstores must navigate invisible red lines, people can no longer think and express themselves freely, and public discourse is further constrained. 

Lai emphasized that bookstores are not just places that sell books, but important spaces where ideas meet, and social memory is preserved. He noted Taiwan's own history of censorship during martial law, saying democracy and freedom are hard-won. He expressed respect for bookstore operators and cultural workers persevering during difficult times, adding that ideas and writing should not be restricted by political pressure.

Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) reiterated, “Taiwan endured 38 years of martial law, including strict press and publication bans, and we know democracy was hard-won. Over the past 39 years since its lifting, we have continued to strengthen our democratic path. We remain committed to safeguarding freedom and democracy, and, together with our democratic partners, will keep close watch on Hong Kong and support all who defend free expression and democratic values.”