Taiwan must 'prepare' for war with China as the ‘threat is real’, minister warns

Last July, Beijing introduced a national security law in Hong Kong which criminalises what authorities deem to be acts of subversion, secession and collusion with foreign forces.

On Wednesday, the Chinese Government forced the closure of Hong Kong’s biggest independent newspaper, Apple Daily.

Mr Wu, reacting to the shut down, said: “If you look at the situation in Hong Kong, it is a modern tragedy.

“The Apple Daily in Hong Kong is a symbol of independent journalism, and the Chinese government’s motivation is to knock down that symbol.

“It is very sad for me to see what’s happening. Taiwan is already a democracy.

“When an overwhelming majority of people here in Taiwan are saying no to one thing, no political leader is going to entertain that idea.”