People still tremble when they recall the dark night of June 4, 1989 -- especially those who witnessed the truth about the bloody massacre on Tiananmen Square. We've all heard the popular saying: "The People's Liberation Army is an army for the people."
A quick reality check sure blows that theory to shreds after thousands of pro-democracy students were killed, hundreds of peasants have been mowed down by paramilitary police over land seizures, not to mention countless liberal scholars, human-rights activists and members of religious groups thrown in jail and tortured. Seventeen years later Christians have peacefully taken back the night, attempting to free themselves from the grip of the regime with more than 10 million people quitting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
It is no surprise that the CCP is no longer worshipped as more Chinese recognize the oppressive ways of the Party, the benevolent law of heaven and earth and the value of freedom.
We wish them well as they slowly progress towards a new free China.
Marie Beaulieu
Victoria, British Columbia
KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s (鄭麗文) recent visit to Beijing and her upcoming visit to Washington will serve as a high-level test of her diplomatic mettle. In Beijing, Cheng was received with symbolic gestures, a warm reception, and high-level access. In Washington, she will receive far less pomp and far sharper questions about the KMT’s vision for the future of Taiwan. Her challenge will be to persuade Washington that the KMT’s engagement with China can coexist with strong deterrence. Cheng’s April 7-12 visit to mainland China coincided with an intense period of conflict in Iran. Despite the strategic significance of Cheng’s trip,
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“Of course you can choose not to be Taiwanese, just do not stay here,” chairwoman of Taipei 101 operator Taipei Financial Center Corp Janet Chia (賈永婕) said in an online interview with local entertainer Tai Chih-yuan (邰智源), triggering intense discussion on social media, with politicians across party lines weighing in. In the interview, which was aired on May 14, Chia and Tai’s discussion over a meal in Taipei 101 covered Chia’s career change from entertainer to chairwoman and US climber Alex Honnold’s free solo climb up the Taipei 101 building. During the interview, Chia said, “Being on this land, we