Assault on Yaita Akio Case Reappears, MAC Proposes Stricter Penalties for Cross-Border Suppression Crimes

(CNA, Taipei, July 9) -- Yaita Akio, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, was recently attacked and injured by a Chinese national surnamed Liao, who entered Taiwan with a Hong Kong passport. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that the government has been researching amendments to laws concerning cross-border suppression and will work with the Ministry of Justice to propose heavier criminal penalties, significantly increasing the cost of crime.

Yaita Akio was attacked on July 6 by a Chinese national surnamed Liao, who entered Taiwan with a Hong Kong passport. The MAC previously stated that this case is the first cross-border suppression incident since the "Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress of the Communist Party of China" took effect. The government will not take this lightly, and this case bears a high degree of similarity to the incident where Hong Kong resident Tang Wai-hung had paint thrown on him.

When asked by the media if the government would amend laws to increase penalties for cross-border suppression and tighten scrutiny of Hong Kong and Macau residents entering Taiwan, Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih stated at a press conference after the cabinet meeting today that the Executive Yuan's Inter-agency Coordination Platform for Cross-Border Suppression has requested legal research to deter cross-border suppression, and the Ministry of Justice is currently studying amendments.

Dong Yu-yun, deputy director of the MAC's Department of Law and Policy, pointed out that the government has been researching relevant legal amendments to address cross-border suppression. For acts of cross-border suppression carried out under the direction, commission, or funding of external hostile forces, the MAC will work with the Ministry of Justice to propose heavier criminal penalties, thereby significantly increasing the cost of crime as a response.

Dong Yu-yun said that the government's response to cross-border suppression will be designed from three perspectives: prevention, protection, and counteraction. The Executive Yuan's inter-agency platform will hold another meeting next week for further discussion and will provide updates to the public in a timely manner.

Regarding whether to tighten scrutiny of Hong Kong and Macau residents entering Taiwan, Wei Shu-chuan, deputy director of the MAC's Department of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, stated that there are established regulations and procedures for Hong Kong and Macau residents applying to enter Taiwan. Relevant applications will be reviewed and processed by the competent authorities based on individual circumstances. As for the incidents involving Yaita Akio and Tang Wai-hung, the MAC will work with relevant agencies to strengthen early warning and review mechanisms for national security risks, hoping to prevent incidents before they occur. (Editor: Chai Szu-chia) 1150709

Stand with the truth, your every donation is a force to protect press freedom

Download the CNA "First Hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time

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