Yaita Akio Attacked; Foreign Affairs Personnel: A Warning Sign of China's Transnational Repression

TAIPEI (CNA) - Yaita Akio, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, was punched in the face in Taichung today. Foreign affairs personnel stated that this incident should not be viewed as a simple public order matter, but rather as a concrete warning sign of China's transnational repression manifesting in Taiwan.

Yaita Akio was attacked and punched in the face in Taichung today. Police have tracked the whereabouts of the suspect, identified as a Mr. Liao, and believe the suspect may have attempted to leave the country by plane after the incident. A warrant was issued by the prosecutor, and the suspect was intercepted and arrested at Taichung International Airport around 4 p.m.

It is reported that the assailant is a 33-year-old Mr. Liao, originally from Guangdong. Mr. Liao, holding a Hong Kong passport, walked away after the assault and then took a taxi to the airport to prepare to depart by plane. Whether he was acting under orders and his true motive for the crime are still under investigation.

Foreign affairs personnel stated that this incident should not be viewed as a simple public order matter, but rather as a concrete warning sign of China's transnational repression manifesting in Taiwan. Especially if this case is confirmed to involve Chinese factors, it could not only be the first transnational repression case that Taiwan has uncovered with direct involvement, but also a significant case threatening freedom of speech abroad and the security of democratic societies after the implementation of China's Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The suspect went to the airport immediately after the incident; was it a spontaneous act or a pre-planned operation? Was someone directing him from behind, was there someone to meet him, and did it involve overseas triad forces? All these must be thoroughly investigated and clarified.

Foreign affairs personnel said that in recent years, China's methods of transnational repression against Taiwan and democratic societies have been escalating, from legal battles, long-arm jurisdiction, and intimidation targeting legislator Shen Po-yang, to the Czech Republic's revelation of China's attempt to orchestrate a collision with Vice President Lai Ching-te's motorcade. These incidents demonstrate that China's suppression of democratic figures, media professionals, dissidents, and Taiwanese politicians has long gone beyond verbal threats and is gradually spilling over into actual actions.

Foreign affairs personnel pointed out that the 2015 Causeway Bay Books incident in Hong Kong, where Gui Minhai, Lam Wing-kee, and Lee Po were successively detained or "disappeared" by China, is precisely the long-arm jurisdiction and cross-border repression that the international community has severely criticized. Lam Wing-kee had warned upon his arrival in Taiwan that such incidents could occur in Taiwan, and that China might not act directly but rather "have someone do it for them." Now, with Yaita Akio, a supporter of Taiwan, being attacked in Taichung, the public is raising concerns: Is the Chinese Communist Party trying to bring this "gangster intimidation" tactic to Taiwan? Is it cooperating with China's promotion of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, attempting to use violence to silence Taiwanese people?

Foreign affairs personnel stated that relevant authorities should not only investigate the assailant according to the law but also further investigate the masterminds, sources of funding, communication channels, and organizational networks to clarify whether overseas forces, united front systems, or triad organizations were involved. Taiwan is a democratic and free country with zero tolerance for violence, and the police and prosecutors must pursue the investigation to the end. Taiwan will not allow any overseas authoritarian forces to extend their black hands into Taiwan, nor will it tolerate the use of violence to intimidate media professionals, democratic figures, and opinion leaders. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150706

Stand with facts, and your every contribution is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates.

The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.