TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) on Wednesday (Dec. 4) refuted claims of supporting martial law, urging opposition parties to exercise restraint. This statement followed South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of emergency martial law on Tuesday night, which aimed to eliminate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional order.
DPP posted on the social media platform Threads, criticizing the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) for removing defense budgets in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan (立法院). The party asserted Taiwan is resisting the erosion of global evil forces. Although the party later removed the post, the KMT accused it of inciting support for martial law.
Clarifying its stance, DPP stated the post merely shared international information and did not endorse martial law. The party emphasized its origins during a martial law period, understanding its detrimental effects on democratic societies. It expressed regret over the external exaggeration of its intentions.
Highlighting transitional justice, the DPP pointed out that Taiwan experienced three martial law periods under the KMT, which still refuses to take responsibility. The party stated that understanding this harsh history and uncovering the truth remains challenging for transitional justice.
