Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Taiwan blasts jailing of HK activists

Taipei Times

Taiwan yesterday condemned China over the jailing of 45 Hong Kong activists, saying “democracy is not a crime.”

The government “strongly condemned the Chinese government’s use of judicial measures and unfair procedures to suppress the political participation and freedom of speech of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activists,” Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said in a statement.

International condemnation of the jailings has been swift, with the US, Australia and rights groups slamming the sentencing as evidence of the erosion of political freedoms in the territory since Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020.

Building solidarity in the military

Chen Chi-nung 陳啟濃

In recent years, the military has seen a significant increase in instances of espionage, disciplinary infringements and other cases harmful to its image.

The unique nature of military assignments comes with far more pressure than a normal job. However, encouraging positive interpersonal interactions that promote solidarity is the most effective method for risk reduction.

The leadership styles of military officers directly influence feelings of unity and solidarity among soldiers.

The Gordian knot of nationality

Yu Ying-fu 尤英夫

The Taiwan People’s Party has a two-year clause for its at-large seats in the Legislative Yuan, with eight legislators expected to resign in 2026. Among the nominees for a replacement is Li Zhenxiu (李貞秀), the Chinese spouse of a Taiwanese national. The question is whether she must give up her Chinese nationality.

This issue is simple in some ways and complex in others. The law clearly stipulates that individuals of foreign nationality cannot hold public office in Taiwan. So, according to the law, Li cannot hold public office. The issue becomes more complicated when considering this question: Are those holding People’s Republic of China (PRC) nationality considered foreign nationals? If so, how should one go about renouncing their PRC nationality?

Tackling Trump’s Taiwan strategy

Michael Lin 林正二

US president-elect Donald Trump is to return to the White House in January, but his second term would surely be different from the first. His Cabinet would not include former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and former US national security adviser John Bolton, both outspoken supporters of Taiwan.

Trump is expected to implement a transactionalist approach to Taiwan, including measures such as demanding that Taiwan pay a high “protection fee” or requiring that Taiwan’s military spending amount to at least 10 percent of its GDP.

However, if the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) invades Taiwan, it is doubtful that Trump would dispatch US troops in its defense.

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