On Tuesday, in Taipei’s Ximending shopping area, a group of Taiwanese and Hong Kongers were standing on a street corner holding a protest against China’s National Day celebration. They had banners and flags with the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our Times.”
Two Chinese tourists provoked a fight with the protesters, yelling: “Taiwan and Hong Kong belong to China,” tearing their flags and vandalizing the signage.
Democratic Progressive Party Taipei City Councilor Lin Yen-feng (林延鳳) said the two Chinese tourists provoked a fight, disparaging Taiwan’s democracy and rule of law. Lin urged Taipei police to act swiftly and investigate the matter.
Lin’s request is reasonable and has legal merit. Taiwan is a sovereign and independent nation with its own judicial, executive and legislative branches.
No one, including tourists, is allowed to disrupt public order or start fights.
These Chinese tourists lack an understanding of the principles of freedom of speech and expression, best stated by English writer Evelyn Beatrice Hall in her famous summary of Voltaire’s democratic philosophy: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Chinese tourists have absolutely no right to limit the freedom of expression of Taiwanese or Hong Kongers, especially within Taiwan’s borders. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. What right do they have to go around picking fights and trying to halt the freedom of expression and speech of people who reside here?
Taiwan is a nation governed by the rule of law. These tourists were caught red-handed contravening the Criminal Code by obstructing and infringing on others’ liberties in their attempts to tear down and destroy others’ property.
As Lin said, troublemaker tourists such as this Chinese couple cannot be allowed to make a mockery of the rights enjoyed by the citizens of this country.
It is important that we show resolve in defending our democracy and rule of law.
Hu Wen-chi is the spokesperson of the People First Party.
Translated by Tim Smith
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