Attacked by Chinese Suspect, Yaita Akio Vows Not to Back Down, Continues to Speak for Taiwan

(Central News Agency Reporter Yang Yao-ru Taipei, July 7) Yaita Akio, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, was attacked by a Chinese national surnamed Liao yesterday. Yaita Akio expressed his gratitude on social media for the concern shown by all parties, stating that the suspect was well-prepared and that whether the incident is related to the implementation of the "National Unity Promotion Law" requires further investigation. He also emphasized that he will not back down because of this and will continue to speak out for Taiwan's democracy and freedom.

Yaita Akio was invited to be a lecturer at a camp organized by the Chunyu Cultural and Educational Foundation in Taichung City. As he was leaving the hotel at noon on the 6th, he was followed and punched in the face by an unidentified individual. The Taichung police intercepted and arrested the suspect, a Chinese national surnamed Liao, who was attempting to board a flight at Taichung International Airport that afternoon.

Yaita Akio posted on his Facebook fan page early this morning, expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the condolences and concern received from many friends across Taiwan after the incident.

Yaita Akio explained: First, he has received medical examination and his injuries are not serious. The laceration on his lip is gradually healing. However, his front teeth are still somewhat loose and painful when eating, so he can only consume liquid food. Second, the suspect waited in the hotel cafe for nearly two days, confirmed his target, and then attacked, quickly left the scene, changed clothes en route, went to the airport to buy a ticket, prepared to leave the country, and denied the charges after being arrested by the police. His actions were calm and his psychological resilience was quite stable, indicating that this was not a spontaneous act but a premeditated one.

Third, this incident should not be viewed as a simple assault case. Judging from the background and modus operandi, it shares many similarities with the violent attacks on Hong Kong individuals in Taiwan several years ago. Whether it is related to the recently implemented "National Unity Promotion Law" also warrants in-depth investigation by the relevant authorities. This includes whether it involves political suppression of freedom of speech in Taiwan and whether there was organized planning and execution.

Fourth, he especially thanks the police officers of the Sixth Precinct of the Taichung City Police Bureau for their swift and highly efficient resolution of the case. If the suspect had escaped Taiwan, it would have made the investigation difficult and might have caused greater concerns about their safety among many who bravely speak out.

Fifth, he will not retreat or yield in the face of any form of violence or intimidation. He will continue to speak out for Taiwan's freedom and democracy with a rational and firm attitude, and promote friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan as always. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150707

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