After an incident at the Paris Evergreen Laurel Hotel where a Chinese national threatened the hotel to display a Chinese flag on Aug. 13, the Evergreen Group issued an apology on Aug. 23.
This apology was clearly the result of Evergreen Group reacting to immense pressure from China. Taiwan is a sovereign independent state, while China’s “anti-independence stance” is a fantasy divorced from reality.
We protest and denounce, in the strongest terms, China’s repeated inappropriate political pressuring of private Taiwanese businesses, which is an attack on Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic values.
Within a reasonable regulatory framework, private enterprises should enjoy the right to conduct business independently and not be political targets. However, Beijing has weaponized its frequent pressure on private foreign enterprises for political goals in a coarse and abusive manner.
Taiwan’s large enterprises have been integral to the global economy for many years and along with many other countries’ private sectors, played a vital role in China’s vast economic growth. But China has repaid these efforts with self-serving spite, using its economic gains to build up its military to encroach on the sovereignty of its neighbors to satisfy its expansionist ambitions.
To reduce exposure, Taiwanese businesses have begun leaving China, but many are still stuck in the country. We not only call on the Taiwanese government to provide legal and diplomatic assistance, but we also call on our fellow Taiwanese citizens to resist China’s pressures and consolidate our commitment to our democratic values.
Through international media and official channels, we call on the global community to recognize Beijing’s threat against Taiwanese and other countries’ private enterprises and its intentional violation of free market and international trade norms. We also call on nations to bolster economic ties to reduce the world’s reliance on China.
We believe that as the world continues to wake up to China’s unbridled expansionist ambitions, the Taiwanese and the government must work together to show our determination against Beijing’s abusive behavior. Together, we can protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and dignity.
