freedom of speech 結果共11筆

Explore the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, where art and activism merge to challenge authoritarianism and commemorate a pivotal moment in the pursuit of democracy.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun met with a Lithuanian delegation led by Matas Maldeikis, chairman of the Lithuania-Taiwan parliamentary friendship group. The meeting highlighted Taiwan’s recent election, which had a voter turnout of over 70%, as a clear message from the Taiwanese people to defend democratic freedom and national sovereignty. The delegation included three deputy speakers of the Lithuanian parliament and eight other cross-party lawmakers. Speaker You noted that 2024 is a ＂super election year＂ globally, with Taiwan being the second country to hold elections this year. He also expressed his wishes for Lithuania’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in May and October 2024. The speaker emphasized that elections represent the ＂possibility of choice,＂ ＂freedom to participate in politics,＂ and ＂protection of speech,＂ which are rights unfathomable under authoritarian rule. He called on global democratic allies to unite in facing authoritarian challenges and safeguarding democracy and prosperity worldwide. Speaker You expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s support and highlighted the countries’ cooperation on humanitarian aid, particularly in helping Ukrainian students return to school.

The Taiwanese government, led by Premier Chen Chien-jen, has emphasized its commitment to handling issues with the social media platform TikTok with precision. The government aims to address potential misinformation on social platforms to enhance public literacy and has warned of legal sanctions for spreading false information. The Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau recently established a Cognitive Warfare Research Center, which has raised concerns about potential infringements on freedom of speech. Chen highlighted the use of TikTok in advancing cognitive warfare efforts in some countries and the need for stricter government scrutiny. Taiwan has already banned the use of TikTok in government sectors since 2020. Chen argued that autocratic nations often exploit democratic societies’ free speech to influence elections through social media. He reiterated Taiwan’s status as a free and democratic country ruled by law, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to protect freedom of speech. Chen also highlighted the threats posed by spreading false or misinformation to reputation, health, privacy, societal stability, and national security. He called on democracies worldwide to approach this issue with caution.

Popular Taiwanese band Mayday received encouragement from Executive Yuan Premier Chen Chien-jen to continue giving strength, despite pressure from China to endorse the ＂One China＂ stance. Chen criticized China’s use of false information to attack the world. Mayday is feeling pressure from the Chinese government ahead of the presidential election. Chen praised Mayday for their creative contributions under Taiwan’s culture of freedom, democracy, diversity, and openness. Legislator-at-large candidate Puma Shen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also highlighted China’s interference in nations worldwide, including luring artists to develop in China and gradually dictating their speech. Shen explained that these tactics typically last from three to six years, causing victims to fall prey to China’s united front tactics.

The Cato Institute and the Fraser Institute have co-published the 2023 Human Freedom Index, revealing that Switzerland maintains its position as the country with the highest levels of human freedom. Taiwan, on the other hand, ranks 12th globally and claims the top spot for human freedom in Asia. The report highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has generally led to a decline in human freedom, particularly in areas such as the rule of law, action, speech, assembly, association, and trade. Taiwan performs well in individual freedom, securing the 12th spot with a score of 8.98 out of 10, and ranks 11th in economic freedom with a score of 7.79, resulting in an overall score of 8.56. The Human Freedom Index is a comprehensive assessment of personal, civil, and economic freedoms worldwide, based on data from 2021 encompassing 165 jurisdictions.

Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, delivered a speech at Riga Stradins University in Latvia, clarifying Taiwan’s position amid tensions with China. Despite enduring military intimidation, diplomatic isolation, and economic threats from China, Taiwan remains committed to achieving peace through open conversation while being pragmatic and prepared for potential risks. Wu praised the diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Latvia, as both countries share similar paths to democracy and the establishment of sovereign statehood. However, both countries face unprecedented security challenges, with a standoff between democracy and autocracy driving the current international conflict. Wu emphasized that established democracies cannot ignore the expansion of authoritarianism, which seeks to undermine the rules-based international order. In light of President Tsai’s decision to restore one-year military service, Wu stressed the importance of being armed to protect Taiwan’s freedom, as the cost of losing it is unbearable for a democratic society.

President Tsai Ing-wen has been invited by Hiroyasu Izumi, Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office, to deliver a speech in Japan. Tsai, Taiwan’s first female president, has garnered attention in Japan and is expected to receive a warm welcome. The invitation comes after Tsai awarded Izumi the ＂Order of Brilliant Star＂ for his contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. During the award ceremony, Tsai emphasized the progress made by both nations over the past four years and highlighted their shared values of democracy and freedom. Izumi described Taiwan-Japan relations as inseparable, emphasizing Japan’s unwavering support for Taiwan.

Premier Chen Chien-jen vows to defend freedom of speech and counter threatening conduct in response to Lin Yu-hung’s false claims of receiving death threats. Investigations revealed that Lin had orchestrated the incident, leading to the detention of Kuomintang member Hsu Che-pin. Premier Chen emphasizes the importance of rational discourse and hopes for a swift resolution by the judiciary.

President Tsai Ing-wen highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to a free press and the defense of democratic values during the opening ceremony of the ＂World News Media Congress 2023＂ Wednesday (June 28). 

The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense’s revised draft of the All-out Defense Mobilization Readiness Act has sparked widespread concern among citizens and free speech advocates.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen gave an impassioned speech about the importance of freedom and democracy at Taoyuan International Airport on Wednesday (March 29), before boarding her flight to the U.S. en route to Latin America.