The government-funded Taiwan Democracy Foundation yesterday held a commemoration service for Chinese democracy activist Liu Xiaobo (劉曉波), even as the administration of President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) rhetoric on Chinese human rights continues to draw scrutiny.
“The Chinese human rights situation has already impacted Taiwanese,” foundation president Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) said, citing the detention of Taiwanese democracy campaigner Lee Ming-che (李明哲).
“We are holding this event to remind young Taiwanese that they cannot take democracy for granted, especially when we face an undemocratic China,” he said, adding that the event was held in response to a call for commemorations worldwide for Liu by the US-based National Endowment for Democracy.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
Yesterday’s event, which included mentions of Lee’s case and featured speeches by numerous pan-green politicians and civic activists, was an unusually high-profile event for the foundation, which provides substantial funding for local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic research and events related to democracy, but has rarely stepped directly into the spotlight.
“Because the Taiwanese government and other governments around the world have diplomatic and other concerns, their public statements are understandably cautious, but we are not the government and it is our duty to speak up for democracy,” Hsu said.
The event followed a public statement by Tsai mourning Liu and calling for Chinese democratic reforms, promising that Taiwan would provide “necessary help” if China pursues a democratic dream.
However, Hsu said the foundation no longer provides grants to Chinese democracy activists after one grant recipient disappeared and related funds were confiscated.
“Application rules require that a group have a bank account and be legally registered locally,” he said, but added that the foundation was willing to consider funding activities related to Lee’s case, but has not received any application from local NGOs.
“Because the Taiwan Democracy Foundation is funded by the government, there were concerns about inviting government influence, and it was eventually decided not to seek support,” said Covenants Watch chief executive officer Huang Yi-bee (黃怡碧), adding that Hsu had still provided personal advice.
A task force involved in the rescue effort had previously stated that Hsu was assigned by the Presidential Office to work out solutions with the task force, but ended up making their pursuit of international aid more difficult, leading Lee Ming-che’s family to decline government subsidies.
“There are many comparable aspects in Liu’s and Lee’s case, and we hope to use this event to increase the level of support for Lee. Moreover, even though Liu has passed away, his wife is still under house arrest and that is a huge concern,” said Huang, whose group provided assistance in sponsoring yesterday’s event. “An event like this is not about ‘milking’ the issue — we are working together to accomplish a several different objectives — including relative to Lee’s case — and everyone has their own angle on how to help and show concern.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) is aware that Beijing’s treatment of Hong Kong has weakened any possible sentiment for a “one country, two systems” arrangement for Taiwan, and has instructed Chinese Communist Party (CCP) politburo member Wang Huning (王滬寧) to develop new ways of defining cross-strait relations, Japanese news magazine Nikkei Asia reported on Thursday. A former professor of international politics at Fu Dan University, Wang is expected to develop a dialogue that could serve as the foundation for cross-strait unification, and Xi plans to use the framework to support a fourth term as president, Nikkei Asia quoted an anonymous source
LUCKY DATE: The man picked the 10th ‘Super Red Envelope’ in a lottery store in Taoyuan’s Jhongli because he broke up with his girlfriend on Jan. 10 A man who recently broke up with his girlfriend won a NT$1 million (US$32,929) prize in the “NT$20 million Super Red Envelope” lottery after picking a card based on the date of their breakup, Taiwan Lottery Co said yesterday. The man, in his 20s, bought the 10th ticket at a lottery store in Taoyuan’s Jhongli District (中壢), because he broke up with his girlfriend on Jan. 10, the store owner told the lottery company. The “Super Red Envelope” lottery was a limited offering by the company during the Lunar New Year holiday, which ended yesterday. The cards, which cost NT$2,000 each, came with
A senior US senator on Monday questioned the willingness of some US allies to help defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. Although Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) expects the US and Japan to respond in a war in the Taiwan Strait, he was “a little less confident what our other allies would do,” US Senator John Cornyn said. Australia and New Zealand have voiced support for Taiwan, but it “is a far cry from committing troops to repel an invasion,” Cornyn said during a discussion on China, Russia and the state of US military readiness at a forum hosted
TOURISM BOOST: The transportation system could help attract more visitors to the area, as the line is to connect multiple cultural sites, a city councilor said Residents in New Taipei City’s Ankeng District (安坑) said the local light rail system might have a positive influence, but raised questions about its practicality. The Ankeng light rail system, which is to commence operations after the Lunar New Year holiday, would cut travel time for commuters from Ankeng to downtown Taipei or New Taipei City by 15 to 20 minutes, the city government said. According to the initial plan, there would be one train every 15 minutes during peak time and additional interval trains would run between the densely populated Ankang Station (安康) and Shisizhang Station (十 四張). To encourage people to
RSS