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Former US Defense Official: Hong Kong's freedom gone; Taiwan awakens through 'Zero Day Attack'

From Liberty Times · (15m ago) Chinese Critical tone

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Heino Klinck expressed concern over the erosion of freedom in Hong Kong, stating it now resembles other Chinese cities.
  • Klinck cited the Taiwanese drama "Zero Day" as an example of growing awareness in Taiwan about the need to actively protect democracy and freedom.
  • He reiterated the American adage "freedom is not free," urging Taiwanese people to value and defend their hard-won liberties against potential threats.

As Liberty Times, a publication deeply committed to Taiwan's democratic values and national security, we find Heino Klinck's insights particularly relevant and timely. His firsthand observations of Hong Kong's transformation serve as a stark warning, reinforcing our own understanding of the fragility of freedom and the importance of vigilance.

Freedom is not free.

— Heino KlinckReiterating a core American value and emphasizing the effort required to maintain freedom.

Klinck's comparison of Hong Kong to mainland Chinese cities, noting the complete absence of press and speech freedoms, resonates strongly with our consistent reporting on the situation. His personal experience, having lived in Hong Kong for years, lends significant weight to his assessment that the city has lost its distinct identity and autonomy under Beijing's tightening grip.

I think the Taiwanese people are increasingly realizing that you cannot take all of this for granted. Because if mainland China were to succeed, Taiwan would no longer be a democratic country.

— Heino KlinckHighlighting the growing awareness in Taiwan about the threat to its democracy.

The mention of the Taiwanese drama "Zero Day" is especially significant. It highlights how local cultural productions are increasingly reflecting a heightened public consciousness about the threats to our democracy. This is not mere entertainment; it's a sign of a society actively grappling with its security challenges and understanding that freedom requires constant effort and defense, a core message we strive to convey.

Hong Kong is absolutely no freedom of the press, all independent news organizations have been shut down. They put journalists in jail. Jimmy Lai has been convicted. The national security law of mainland China is being implemented in Hong Kong. Hong Kong absolutely has no freedom of speech, not at all.

— Heino KlinckDescribing the current state of freedom in Hong Kong based on his observations.

Klinck's reiteration of "freedom is not free" is a powerful reminder that our democratic way of life is not guaranteed. It underscores the critical need for Taiwan to bolster its defense capabilities and for its people to remain united and resolute. This perspective is crucial, as it emphasizes that the responsibility for safeguarding Taiwan's freedom lies ultimately with the Taiwanese people themselves, a sentiment we champion.

I personally believe that freedom is worth fighting for.

— Heino KlinckExpressing his personal conviction about the value of freedom.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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