Yaita's Attack: Presidential Office Calls it First Cross-Border Suppression Case Under New Chinese Law

Taipei, July 7 (CNA) Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated today that the attack on Yaita, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, by a Chinese national is the first case of cross-border suppression and violent coercion occurring in Taiwan since the implementation of China's "Law on Safeguarding National Unity and Promoting National Harmony." The Presidential Office strongly condemns this act and urges Taiwanese citizens traveling to China to be extra vigilant about potential risks.

Furthermore, regarding China's launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles, Kuo Ya-hui stated that this action has caused panic in the international community and called on China to exercise restraint and return to a rules-based international order.

President Lai Ching-te attended the 2026 Venture Capital and Private Equity Investment Annual Meeting this morning. Regarding the recent attack on Yaita, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, by a Chinese national, Kuo Ya-hui stated in a post-event interview that she wishes Yaita a speedy recovery and thanked the police for quickly locating and apprehending the suspect at the airport. The judicial authorities will conduct further investigations and hold those responsible accountable.

Kuo Ya-hui stated that this incident is the first case of cross-border suppression and violent coercion occurring in Taiwan since China implemented the "Law on Safeguarding National Unity and Promoting National Harmony," and the Presidential Office expresses its strong condemnation.

She pointed out that this case also highlights China's suppression of diverse voices and restriction of freedom of speech globally through methods such as stalking, harassment, and violent coercion. Taiwan is a democratic society and will not tolerate actions that cross the line of the rule of law. In the future, Taiwan will continue to cooperate with democratic allies to jointly counter the CCP's transnational suppression operations.

Kuo Ya-hui also called on China to focus on its domestic affairs and take care of its people instead of creating military pressure and engaging in arms races. She suggested that instead of using transnational suppression and violent threats, China should win people over with virtue. She added that China's actions have instead allowed the international community to see the true nature of the Chinese regime more clearly.

She also urged that with the official implementation of the "Law on Safeguarding National Unity and Promoting National Harmony" on July 1, Taiwanese citizens traveling to China should heighten their vigilance and pay attention to their safety. Kuo Ya-hui pointed out that according to statistics, from 2024 to June 30 of this year, 374 Taiwanese citizens have been detained, had their personal freedom restricted, or were interrogated in China. After the implementation of China's new law, greater caution is needed when traveling to China.

In addition, regarding China's launch of a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads yesterday, and the US State Department's concern over Beijing's rapid and opaque development of its nuclear arsenal, Kuo Ya-hui stated that Beijing not only uses missiles to create military pressure but also continues to engage in gray zone incursions against neighboring countries. It has also been expanding its influence through "fake law enforcement" in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. Yesterday's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile towards the Pacific Ocean has caused panic in the international community.

She stated that the Presidential Office calls on China to exercise restraint and return to a rules-based international order. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, bring peace through strength, and continue to cooperate with international allies to jointly maintain peace, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the Taiwan Strait. (Editor: Chang Liang-chih) 1150707

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