75 scholars criticize Lai's populism, freedom of speech erosion

Taipei, March 26 (CNA) Several dozen scholars on Wednesday accused President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) of using populism to rally supporters, leading to the rapid erosion of free speech in Taiwan, and urged the government to reverse course.

Claiming that "an ideological censorship mechanism reminiscent of the martial law era has descended on Taiwan," the 75 scholars called on the government to halt its actions and avoid further harming Taiwan's democracy and rule of law for the sake of short-term political gain.

Led by Chen Pei-jer (陳培哲), an Academia Sinica academician, the scholars co-signed a statement titled "Defending Taiwan's Democracy, Rule of Law, and Peace," with some attending a press conference Wednesday to elaborate on its content.

The statement began by saying that public discontent has grown since President Lai recently designated China a "foreign adversary" and announced 17 strategies to counter Beijing's coercion of Taiwan.

"We strongly feel that Taiwan's democracy and rule of law are facing unprecedented damage and threats due to the Democratic Progressive Party's new wave of anti-China sentiment," it continued.

Therefore, "in order to defend our democracy, rule of law, peace and security, we call on the government to adhere to the constitutional system and take immediate and effective measures to improve cross-strait relations," it said.

Lai introduced the 17 strategies, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of China's "Anti-Secession Law, saying that the government had no choice but to take more proactive action to counter China's ambition to eliminate the Republic of China and annex Taiwan.

Among these measures was the proposed reinstatement of military courts and a series of actions that would tighten cross-strait academic and cultural exchanges.

Huang Te-pei (黃德北), a signatory, said the statement was also driven by the case of Liu Zhenya (劉振亞), a Chinese spouse who was forced to leave Taiwan on Tuesday after her dependent-based residence permit was revoked for advocating China's "military unification" of Taiwan in her YouTube videos.

The recent development -- of the 17 strategies and Liu's case -- has raised concerns among many about "political tightening" in Taiwan and the deterioration of cross-strait relations, Huang, an adjunct professor from National Chengchi University, told the press conference.

Asked by media to respond, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said that the office respects and defends the freedom of speech of those with differing views.

Taiwan is a democratic society where freedom and democracy are the foundation of the nation, Kuo said.

However, she added, advocating for aggression, hatred, and violent acts against Taiwan constitutes a violation of crimes clearly defined by U.N. conventions, challenges Taiwan's free and democratic system and crosses the red line of democracy and freedom of speech.

Meanwhile, in a statement released on Wednesday, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said China has long engaged in psychological and military intimidation against Taiwan, which aligns with the definition outlined in Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act.

Under the Act, "foreign adversary" refers to entities that are at war with the Republic of China (Taiwan's formal name), engage in military confrontation, or advocate for non-peaceful means that threaten Taiwan's sovereignty, statehood, or political entities, the MAC explained.

The top government agency handling cross-strait affairs noted that China's refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, along with its ongoing multi-faceted pressure campaign, is the main source of rising tensions in cross-strait relations

In contrast, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) expressed its support for the scholars.

KMT spokesperson Crystal Yang (楊智伃) said the party backs scholars who take a rational and pragmatic view of recent developments.

Yang also voiced concern that the scholars could face online bullying, personal attacks, or even potential prosecution by the government.