Japan-Taiwan group condemns attack on journalist, demands full probe

The Japan-Taiwan Support Association has issued a strong condemnation of the violent assault on Inkpot Mingfu, a prominent Japanese journalist and CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, during his lecture in Taichung. The association expressed deep concern and offered unwavering support to Mingfu, who was injured in the attack by a 33-year-old Chinese national.

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We strongly condemn any violent attack against Mr. Inkpot Mingfu.

In a statement released on July 7, the association urged Taiwanese authorities, including judicial and national security agencies, to conduct a comprehensive investigation. They called for a thorough examination of the attacker's motives, any potential behind-the-scenes command structure, financial transactions, and the possibility of foreign influence or local collaboration networks. The association stressed the need to trace the origins of the attack and uncover the full truth.

The association asserted that regardless of the perpetrator's stance, any act of violence, intimidation, or personal attack aimed at suppressing news commentary, public discourse, or freedom of thought is a direct challenge to the fundamental values of a democratic society. They stated that while opinions can be debated and criticized, violence must never replace dialogue, nor should it be used to silence dissenting voices.

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We strongly oppose foreign forces suppressing speech in democratic societies through intimidation and violence.

Highlighting concerns about potential cross-border suppression, especially following the implementation of China's "Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress," the association noted that Mingfu's focus on China, the Taiwan Strait, and Indo-Pacific security issues makes the attack particularly sensitive. They urged the government not to treat this as a mere public order incident but to elevate it to a national security level for a meticulous investigation. The association also called for strengthened intelligence sharing and security cooperation among Japan, Taiwan, and other democratic nations to jointly defend press freedom, personal safety, and the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

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Violence cannot silence the truth, and intimidation cannot shake the determination of Japan and Taiwan to jointly protect democracy and freedom.