TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislators from Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) engaged in a physical altercation Friday (Dec. 20) at the Legislative Yuan (立法院), disrupting a planned visit by Okinawa (沖繩) high school students. The students, unable to enter the chamber, settled for a group photo at the entrance.
A male student from Japan commented on the situation, expressing disappointment but understanding. He noted that such conflicts occur in Japan as well, driven by national interests, and encouraged continued efforts.
The chaotic scene unfolded as DPP legislators, who broke into the chamber overnight, set up blockades to prevent KMT members from entering. Around 9 a.m., KMT legislators, including Chen Yu-jen (陳玉珍) and Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯), attempted to breach these barriers wearing helmets and gloves, leading to several scuffles.
The tension escalated when Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) took the podium at 11:40 a.m. DPP lawmakers Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) and Lin Shu-fen (林淑芬) splashed water on him, prompting KMT members Chang Chia-chun (張嘉郡), Yang Chiung-ying (楊瓊瓔), and Lin Te-fu (林德福) to rush to his defense.
