TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) called Saturday for national unity across party lines to safeguard democracy, invoking the legacy of anti-authoritarian pioneers from the “Free China” magazine era. 

Newtalk reported he was speaking at the opening of “The Legacy of 'Free China' and the Trials of Contemporary Democracy” forum. The event was organized by foundations honoring Lei Chen (雷震), Yin Hai-guang (殷海光), and Fu Zheng (傅正), who faced imprisonment for advocating multiparty rule during the KMT’s martial law period. 

Lai praised Lei's push for opposition parties, Yin's critique of the failed “counterattack the mainland” policy, and Fu's role in founding the Democratic Progressive Party on Sept. 28, 1986.

“Democracy first, anti-communism second, national interests third — national identity enables unity,” Lai said, paraphrasing Fu and urging Taiwanese to transcend ethnic or partisan divides despite pressure from China. 

He defended retaining the “Republic of China” name in the Constitution as a unifying force, citing past DPP resolutions that affirm Taiwan's sovereignty while respecting diverse identities. He added the future of Taiwan must be decided by its people, per Liberty Times. 

The forum highlighted ongoing debates over free speech and deepening democracy, building on sacrifices that Lai said would position Taiwan to engage the world. 

The Chinese-language magazine “Free China,” published from 1949 to 1960, was an influential publication that advocated for democracy. It criticized KMT authoritarianism and this led to the imprisonment of its publisher, Lei Zhen, and other contributors.