TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s opposition parties in the legislature on Friday voted to block a DPP proposal regarding China's ethnic unity law from being placed on the agenda for discussion in the Legislative Yuan.
The proposal sought to introduce a motion condemning China’s recently implemented ethnic unity law, which took effect on Wednesday. The law targets actions deemed to undermine ethnic unity or promote division and includes provisions that may apply to individuals and organizations outside China, according to PTS and LTN.
DPP lawmakers said the law could pose risks to freedom of expression. The party said it may also involve intimidation affecting people in Taiwan and beyond.
The proposed resolution called on the legislature, regardless of party affiliation, to express strong opposition to what it described as the use of legislation to intimidate. It said lawmakers should cooperate to safeguard the safety of Taiwanese citizens.
During the agenda-setting vote, the KMT and TPP, which together hold a legislative majority, voted against including the proposal on the discussion list. The TPP said the vote concerned procedural scheduling rather than the substance of the proposal, and added that parties remain free to introduce their own versions of similar statements, according to CNA.
China claims the legislation is intended to promote ethnic unity, despite opposition from the United Nations, the European Parliament, foreign governments, and human rights groups. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Taiwan will not accept efforts of political influence or infiltration extending into Taiwanese society, according to PTS.