Yaita Akio Attacked, Chen Chi-mai: Should Strictly Investigate if Behind-the-Scenes Organization Exists

(Central News Agency, reporter Cai Mengyu, Kaohsiung, July 7) Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai commented today on the attack on Yaita Akio, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, saying that this is a great harm to Taiwan's democracy. He strongly condemned the violence and hoped that relevant government departments would strictly investigate whether there are other behind-the-scenes organizations or related groups and individuals, and all should be brought to light.

He said that Taiwan is a democratic and law-abiding country, and its most precious assets are freedom and democracy. Everyone's speech here should be protected by the constitution and should not be treated in such a way. Violent behavior is highly inappropriate.

Yaita Akio was attacked yesterday in Taichung City by a Mr. Liao, a Chinese national holding a Hong Kong passport, who punched him. The National Police Agency of the Ministry of the Interior stated that it is continuously investigating whether cross-border suppression is involved and is fully pursuing local collaborators.

Regarding typhoon preparedness, Chen Chi-mai told reporters before the city government meeting this morning that an emergency response meeting was held yesterday. The Kaohsiung City Government's Water Resources Bureau has assessed the situation of waterlogged areas in June, hoping to be prepared before the typhoon strikes, such as by deploying mobile water pumps or raising dikes.

He said that for long-term response or related water conservancy facilities, relevant budget subsidies have been applied for from the central government, including for the Erren River. Mobile water pumps and partial dike raising will be implemented first, and will be completed before the 10th.

As for embankment engineering and fixed water pumps, Chen Chi-mai stated that the budget is approximately NT$300 million. The central government has already conducted an on-site inspection, and it is expected that the relevant fixed flood control projects will be completed as soon as possible by the end of this year or before the middle of next year.

He said that the current typhoon path is more偏 towards northern Taiwan, and Kaohsiung will be more affected by rainfall than by wind. Rainfall in some mountainous areas may be very severe. Emergency response measures in mountainous areas will be strengthened this afternoon, hoping to minimize damage. (Editor: Li Mingzong) 1150707

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