China expels NYT reporter after interview with President Lai; legislator urges pro-China politicians to see reality

Taiwanese legislator Lin Chun-hsien strongly condemned China's expulsion of a New York Times reporter, calling it a blatant disregard for press freedom. The expulsion followed the newspaper's interview with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te.

Lin, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), stated that China's actions demonstrate its complete disrespect for journalistic independence and its comprehensive control over information. He urged pro-China politicians and parties in Taiwan to recognize this reality and question their pursuit of closer ties with Beijing.

“

Taiwanese politicians and parties who are pro-China, who kowtow to China, please see clearly: do you still want to get close to it? Do you still expect it to bring peace across the Taiwan Strait?

"Taiwanese politicians and parties who are pro-China, who kowtow to China, please see clearly: do you still want to get close to it? Do you still expect it to bring peace across the Taiwan Strait?" Lin asked, highlighting the contradiction between democratic values and China's authoritarian practices.

Lin stressed that press freedom and democratic values are universal principles that authoritarian regimes like China cannot tolerate. He called for a united defense of these freedoms and urged Taiwan to bolster its own strength and stand with the community of democratic nations to safeguard its national security.

“

China's actions demonstrate its complete disrespect for journalistic independence and its comprehensive control over information.