Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Hong Kong protesters rally in support of Catalonia independence movement

Taipei Times

Pro-democracy demonstrators gather at Chater Garden in Hong Kong yesterday to show their solidarity with the Catalonian independence movement.
Photo: EPA-EFE

Hong Kong protesters yesterday rallied in support of demonstrators pushing for a separate Catalonia in northeastern Spain as a Chinese official denounced months of “mad violence” in Hong Kong and forces pushing for independence.

Hong Kong officially kills extradition bill

Taipei Times

The Hong Kong Legislative Council yesterday formally withdrew planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but the move was unlikely to end months of unrest, as it met just one of the five demands of pro-democracy protesters.

The rallying cry of the protesters, who have trashed public buildings in the Chinese-ruled territory, set street fires and thrown Molotov cocktails at police, has been “five demands, not one less,” meaning that the withdrawal of the bill makes no difference.

Beijing’s sharp power is blunted

Liberty Times Editorial

The past few years have seen China chalk up successes overseas with its persistent use of sharp power. With the exception of isolated examples within its own territories, such as the challenges it faces in Hong Kong, China is using its economic clout to achieve its ends. Beijing continues attempts to penetrate Taiwan and Western societies with its “united front” tactics and does little to hide the scale of its hegemonic ambition.

That said, China’s attempts to export its totalitarian model beyond its borders have been frustrated, the most notable examples being a row with the NBA and trade talks with the US. China’s hard-headed approach — essentially “go with us or go home” — has been blunted.

FIDH congress opens in Taipei

Taipei Times

President Tsai Ing-wen delivers a speech yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 40th International Federation for Human Rights congress in Taipei.
Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei Times

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) yesterday opened its 40th congress in Taipei, the first time the event has been held in Asia.

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