TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday that violence and intimidation must never be used to silence different opinions after Japanese journalist Yaita Akio was assaulted in Taichung.
Speaking at a DDP Central Standing Committee meeting, Lai said the attack on Yaita showed the contrast between Taiwan’s democratic system and China’s authoritarian model, per CNA. In contrast, he said Taiwan resolves differences through open debate.
Yaita was assaulted in Taichung on Monday by a Chinese national surnamed Liao, who was later arrested at Taichung International Airport while allegedly attempting to flee Taiwan. Lai warned that China has used nationalism and “national unity” campaigns to suppress dissent and expand pressure beyond its borders, per SETN.
Lai said 374 Taiwanese citizens experienced situations, including being unreachable, being questioned, or having their freedom restricted after traveling to China from 2024 through the end of June this year. He urged people to avoid unnecessary trips to China and remain alert to potential risks.
Lai also criticized China’s military pressure, citing its recent submarine-launched ballistic missile test toward the South Pacific. He said Taiwan will work with democratic partners to strengthen deterrence and safeguard peace across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.
