Shame on Lions Clubs International for unilaterally changing the name of the Taiwan chapter from "ROC Lions Clubs International" to "China Taiwan Lions Club." Bravo to the Taiwan chapter for standing up and defending the dignity of the nation.
It is outrageous enough that the chapter's name was changed after more than 50 years and all the contributions made by generations of Lions in Taiwan. The underhanded way in which the name change was done by the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors,without first informing the Taiwan chapter or asking its consent, simply rubbing salt into the wound. The board apparently lacked the backbone to stand up to Chinese pressure and was desperate to accommodate two new chapters in Guangdong and Shenzen.
The conduct of this international organization is completely at odds with its founding ideals -- to establish local business clubs that could "expand [its] horizon from purely business concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large." It is difficult to associate the board's conduct with such beautiful words. How does insulting the 23 million people of Taiwan by downgrading their country into a mere Chinese province accomplish these lofty goals? It is equally baffling how caving into pressure from the politically strong and trampling on the politically weak furthers these goals.
Let's not forget that the organization's conduct directly violates one of its own "Lions International Objects" -- "to provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members." By siding with China on the very politicized issue of Taiwan, the Lions could not possibly have been more partisan. They have proven to be nothing more than pussycats. At least the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz knew he lacked courage and wanted to get some. Lions Clubs International doesn't even realize how spineless it is.
The only positive aspect to this disgraceful business is the refusal of the Taiwan chapter to just roll over and die. It has done just about everything possible to rectify the situation, ranging from staging protests and protesting within the organization to filing a lawsuit. These efforts deserve a round of applause. They are proof that not all businesspeople have dollar signs in their eyes.
As a result of the protests, the chapters from Taiwan and China are banned from using membership flags that feature their respective national flags during the organization's annual convention in Osaka, Japan this week. However, the Taiwan chapter alone will be identified solely by the chapter's district number -- MD300.
It is quite obvious that, in its quest to destroy Taiwan's standing in the international arena, China is digging its claws not only into inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), but also into social groups. This is a trend not to be ignored, as a central pillar of Taiwan's diplomatic strategy is to seek to expand its international presence through NGOs. If Taiwan cannot defend itself within the realm of NGOs, it will be left with virtually no breathing space in the international community. That is one blow Taiwan cannot afford to take.
It is sad enough to watch foreign business interests and governments kowtow to Beijing's territorial ambitions. Can't non-profit groups that aim to serve others do any better?
You wish every Taiwanese spoke English like I do. I was not born an anglophone, yet I am paid to write and speak in English. It is my working language and my primary idiom in private. I am more than bilingual: I think in English; it is my language now. Can you guess how many native English speakers I had as teachers in my entire life? Zero. I only lived in an English-speaking country, Australia, in my 30s, and it was because I was already fluent that I was able to live and pursue a career. English became my main language during adulthood
Somehow, US intelligence identified “the Houthis’ top missile guy” and pinpointed his exact location. At 1348 hours (Washington time), March 15, President Trump’s national security advisor Mike Waltz texted, “positive ID of him walking into his girlfriend’s building.” The unsuspecting Romeo entered. High above, the drone monitoring the building registered a flash. When the smoke cleared, Mr. Waltz texted, “…And it’s now collapsed.” RIP. The star-crossed “top missile guy” had been target number one in the now uproarious US Navy bombing campaign on that Sunday against the Yemeni rebels who have been holding the Red Sea hostage since October 19,
Taiwan on Monday celebrated Freedom of Speech Day. The commemoration is not an international day, and was first established in Tainan by President William Lai (賴清德) in 2012, when he was mayor of that city. The day was elevated to a national holiday in 2016 by then-president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). Lai chose April 7, because it marks the anniversary of the death of democracy advocate Deng Nan-jung (鄭南榕), who started Freedom Era Weekly to promote freedom of expression. Thirty-six years ago, a warrant for Deng’s arrest had been issued after he refused to appear in court to answer charges of
The Opinion page has published several articles and editorials over the past few weeks addressing Taiwan’s efforts to leverage unique or strong aspects of its culture to increase international awareness of the nation. These have included submissions by foreign journalists and overseas students, highlighting how bubble milk tea, Guinness World Record attempts, the entertainment sectors, impressive scenery, world-class cuisine and important contributions to the high-tech supply chain can enhance Taiwan’s recognition overseas and therefore its soft power. That entails competing for attention in already crowded sectors. Other nations, after all, offer popular entertainment exports, beautiful scenic spots and great food.
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