Human rights organizations together with Hong Kong, Tibet and Uighur rights advocates rallied in Taipei yesterday, urging people to fight against Chinese aggression, and to petition politicians to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and not surrender if attacked.
The groups gathered outside the Legislative Yuan in the morning to stage activities ahead of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China today.
Speakers launched a petition to urge politicians to “promise to defend human rights and fight China’s dictatorship,” saying they would ask politicians and lawmakers to sign it in the coming weeks.
Photo: Chiang Ying-ying, AP
Taiwan Association for Human Rights secretary-general Shih Yi-hsiang (施逸翔) said the petition comprises three calls to action: to safeguard human rights; defend Taiwan’s freedom and not surrender if attacked by China; and join forces to counter Chinese expansionism.
Shih said that the allied groups plan to approach politicians and lawmakers across party lines, including candidates running in the local elections, and on Human Rights Day, Dec. 12, would reveal who did and did not sign the petition.
“Taiwan has continued to implement and uphold the values of human rights, in sharp contrast to what is happening in China. Defending human rights is also to defend Taiwan against Chinese military intimidation,” Shih said.
“In Taiwan, we have a vibrant democracy and people can enjoy freedom. These are the strongest weapons against China’s threat of force,” he said.
Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan executive member Tashi Tsering (札西慈仁) said that China has for decades repressed and subjugated Tibetan people, committing atrocities and breaching human rights.
“Although Beijing proclaims to the world that it protects the rights of ethnic minorities, the conditions in Tibet are terrible, as Chinese policies are focused on eradicating the Tibetan people’s culture, language and religion,” Tashi Tsering said.
Hong Kong Outlanders secretary-general Sky Fung (馮詔天) said China is imposing increasing restrictions to phase out freedom and democracy in the territory.
“We must stand up together to work with pro-democracy forces,” he said. “We still have a choice, we must say ‘no’ to Chinese dictatorship, we must choose to fight against China and to never surrender.”
At about noon, the gathering headed to the Bank of China head office near the Taipei City Government building for a brief speech and presentation by members of the Economic Democracy Union, Taiwan East Turkistan Association, Judicial Reform Foundation, Taiwan Forever Association, Taiwan Labor Front, Taiwan Tibetan Welfare Association and Covenants Watch of Taiwan, among others.
“China has continued its military maneuvers to intimidate Taiwan, taking up devious means to curtail Taiwan’s participation on international forums. Its disinformation and political propaganda campaigns create division and social strife in Taiwan, aimed at pushing for political extremism and conflict,” the groups said in a joint statement.
“China is providing financial support to their proxies to infiltrate all sectors of Taiwanese society to promote defeatist talk, for surrender to China,” it said.
“We must fight against such dissemination of Chinese propaganda and disinformation, and to stop any politicians from promoting surrender in the guise of ‘peaceful unification,’ and work to cut off Chinese money entering Taiwan to fund for activities by their proxies,” the statement said.
Aftershocks from a magnitude 6.2 earthquake that struck off Yilan County at 3:45pm yesterday could reach a magnitude of 5 to 5.5, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. Seismological Center technical officer Chiu Chun-ta (邱俊達) told a news conference that the epicenter of the temblor was more than 100km from Taiwan. Although predicted to measure between magnitude 5 and 5.5, the aftershocks would reach an intensity of 1 on Taiwan’s 7-tier scale, which gauges the actual effect of an earthquake, he said. The earthquake lasted longer in Taipei because the city is in a basin, he said. The quake’s epicenter was about 128.9km east-southeast
GENSLER SURVEY: ‘Economic infrastructure is not enough. A city needs to inspire pride, offer moments of joy and foster a sense of belonging,’ the company said Taipei was named the city with the “highest staying power” in the world by US-based design and architecture firm Gensler. The Taiwanese capital earned the top spot among 65 cities across six continents with 64 percent of Taipei respondents in a survey of 33,000 people saying they wanted to stay in the city. Rounding out the top five were Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City (61 percent), Singapore (59 percent), Sydney (58 percent) and Berlin (51 percent). Sixth to 10th place went to Monterrey, Mexico; Munich, Germany; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Vancouver; and Seoul. Cities in the US were ranked separately, with Minneapolis first at
The New Taipei City Government today warned about the often-overlooked dangers of playing in water, and recommended safe swimming destinations to cool off from the summer heat. The following locations in the city as safe and fun for those looking to enjoy the water: Chienshuiwan (淺水灣), Baishawan (白沙灣), Jhongjiao Bay (中角灣), Fulong Beach Resort (福隆海水浴場) and Sansia District’s (三峽) Dabao River (大豹溪), New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department Director-General Yang Tsung-min (楊宗珉) said. Outdoor bodies of water have variables outside of human control, such as changing currents, differing elevations and environmental hazards, all of which can lead to accidents, Yang said. Sudden
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
RSS