Police hold 5 Taiwanese for allegedly disrupting security operations at historic China-Taiwan summit

The police is questioning five Taiwanese in relation to the on-going Xi-Ma summit at the Shangri-La Hotel. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Police Force said that it is questioning five Taiwanese in relation to the on-going operations at the Shangri-La Hotel where a historic summit between the leaders of China and Taiwan is happening.

In a statement on Saturday (Nov 7), the police said security measures, including vehicle and personnel check points, are in place to ensure the security of the event. It added that any disruptions to the security operations will be dealt in accordance with the law.

Earlier on Saturday, Taiwanese media reported that two members from the Taiwan Solidarity Union were taken away by police for apparently protesting at the hotel. It is not immediately clear if the two were among the five who are being held for questioning.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou kicked off the historic meet with a minute-long handshake on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Xi, accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan, is on a two-day state visit to Singapore.

The Police said it would like to remind the public that organising or participating in a public assembly without a Police permit in Singapore is illegal and constitutes an offence under the Public Order Act.

"Foreigners in Singapore are reminded to comply with our laws and heed the directions of the Police and other officials. Those who break the law will be firmly dealt with," the statement said.

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