Chinese National Arrested at Taichung Airport Attempting to Flee After Attacking Akio Yaita

(CNA, reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, July 6) Akio Yaita, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, was attacked and punched in the face today after a camp event in Taichung. Police identified a Chinese national surnamed Liao, who was attempting to leave the country with a Hong Kong passport, and apprehended him at Taichung Airport just in time as he was disguised and preparing to fly to Busan, South Korea.

The Chun Yu Cultural Foundation explained that a camp event titled "NEXT CITY - Chun Yu Creation Action Camp - Moving Towards New Taichung" was held today at the Yongfeng Hotel in Taichung City. Akio Yaita was invited to be a guest speaker. As he was leaving the hotel after his speech at noon, he was followed by an unidentified man who punched him in the face. The assailant then fled. Staff members accompanied Akio Yaita to seek medical attention and report the incident to the police.

The Sixth Precinct of the Taichung City Police Bureau stated that upon receiving the report, a special task force was immediately formed. They actively reviewed surveillance footage from the scene and surrounding areas to identify the suspect's characteristics. The case was reported to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office for investigation, and a thorough search for the suspect's escape route was initiated.

Following the investigation by the special task force, police reported that they quickly identified the suspect, a man surnamed Liao, and his escape route. After reporting to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office for investigation, the suspect was apprehended around 4 p.m. today.

Police indicated that the suspect, Liao (33 years old), is not a Taiwanese national but is Chinese. He recently entered Taiwan with a Hong Kong passport. It was assessed that he might attempt to leave the country by plane after committing the crime. After the prosecutor issued an arrest warrant, police immediately proceeded to Taichung International Airport to apprehend him and successfully intercepted Liao, who was waiting for his flight to depart, within the airport.

Police said that Liao had changed his clothes at the time, switching from the black attire he wore during the crime to a white outfit, and was preparing to fly to Busan, South Korea. He was recognized by the police and promptly brought back to the Sixth Precinct for questioning.

Regarding Liao's motive and the cause of the incident, police stated that Liao has not yet revealed his motive. The police will continue to investigate thoroughly to clarify the circumstances before transferring him to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office for investigation and requesting pre-trial detention on charges of assault. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150706

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