Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

The enemy within, the enemy outside

Taipei Times Editorial

Taiwan on Monday celebrated Freedom of Speech Day. The commemoration is not an international day, and was first established in Tainan by President William Lai (賴清德) in 2012, when he was mayor of that city. The day was elevated to a national holiday in 2016 by then-president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).

Lai chose April 7, because it marks the anniversary of the death of democracy advocate Deng Nan-jung (鄭南榕), who started Freedom Era Weekly to promote freedom of expression.

Thirty-six years ago, a warrant for Deng’s arrest had been issued after he refused to appear in court to answer charges of insurrection for publishing a proposal for a constitution to replace the Republic of China (ROC) Constitution written in China. He self-immolated in his office while police coming to take him into custody banged on his door.

Lai’s reinvigoration of the military

Taipei Times Editorial

President William Lai (賴清德) at a ceremony in Taipei on Wednesday to promote six armed forces officers said the military would “review the organizational structure of the main combat, defense and reserve forces” and, through regular exercises, test troops’ ability to carry out joint operations.

The consistent emphasis on combat resilience through practical training and focus on organizational reform in Lai’s military speeches is a demonstration of the importance the administration places on enhancing the military’s training quality and overall preparedness. This effort aims not only to culturally and structurally modernize Taiwan’s armed forces to meet global standards, but also to deliver high-quality, engaging and rewarding training to recruits to ensure they are equipped and motivated to defend the nation.

Yaya in Taiwan voluntarily flies to PRC

Taipei Times

Chinese influencer “Yaya in Taiwan” (亞亞在台灣) yesterday evening voluntarily left Taiwan, despite saying yesterday morning that she had “no intention” of leaving after her residence permit was revoked over her comments on Taiwan being “unified” with China by military force.

The Ministry of the Interior yesterday had said that it could forcibly deport the influencer at midnight, but was considering taking a more flexible approach and beginning procedures this morning.

The influencer, whose given name is Liu Zhenya (劉振亞), departed on a 8:45pm flight from Taipei International Airport (Songshan airport) to Fuzhou, China.

Freedom of speech has its limits

Chen Yi-nan 陳逸南

Within the past week, several Chinese spouses of Taiwanese have stirred up controversy by advocating on social media for China to invade Taiwan. However, that kind of language does not fall under freedom of speech and expression as defined in the UN’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Under Article 20 of the covenant, war propaganda and encouragement of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence are prohibited. That is a major exception to the general protections and stipulations listed in the preceding article, which states that everyone has the right to hold opinions without interference.

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