Hong Kong authorities said Taiwan denied the visas of two special zone officials, a move that emphasized the escalating bilateral tensions.

Two officials from the Hong Kong Office of Economic, Commercial and Cultural Affairs (HKETCO) had to return to the special zone after their residence permit in Taiwan was rejected, the Constitutional Office and the mainland under the government.

The agency declined to state whether the visa is being used or documents related to the visa.

Acting director of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Kao Ming-tsun was forced to return to Taiwan on July 16 after refusing to sign a document supporting Beijing's "One China" position on visa extension.

However, the Constitution and Mainland Hong Kong said efforts to promote cultural and economic exchange between the SEZ and Taiwan continued and were "not yet seriously affected" by the refusal.

Bilateral tensions escalated after Taiwan protested Hong Kong security laws and opened an office to support the special people who want to move to the island.

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory waiting for unification, including the use of force if necessary.