Japanese Journalist Attacked in Taiwan; Politicians Urge Probe into Chinese Infiltration

A physical assault on Japanese media personality Itaru Sako in Taiwan has sparked calls for a deeper investigation into potential Chinese infiltration. Sako was reportedly attacked by a Chinese national while attending a speaking engagement in Taichung.

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Taiwan is a rule-of-law nation that permits different speech. We can communicate, but violence is not allowed.

Local politicians from the Kuomintang party condemned the violence, stressing that Taiwan is a rule-of-law nation that permits diverse opinions. They argued that while communication is key to understanding differing viewpoints, violence is unacceptable. Councilors Chen Cheng-hsien and Yang Ta-hung both called for severe punishment for the perpetrator to deter future incidents. Yang invoked the words of Voltaire, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it," to underscore the importance of respecting freedom of speech and engaging in rational dialogue.

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I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

However, the Taiwan Statebuilding Party viewed the incident as more than a simple crime. Party Chairman Wang Hsing-huan characterized the attack as a "transnational suppression" by China, especially following its "National Unity and Progress Promotion Law." He urged the government to treat the matter with national security implications, demanding a comprehensive investigation into any organized infiltration and command networks behind the assault. Wang highlighted Sako's long-standing support for Taiwan's democratic development and his efforts to unite diverse political groups against Chinese annexation.

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This incident is by no means a simple public security case, but a blatant provocation by China.

Wang expressed concern that such attacks could create a chilling effect in Taiwanese society, discouraging those who support Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic values. He called for a cross-departmental task force involving national security, prosecutors, and police to investigate not only the individuals involved but also their connections, funding sources, and potential organizational ties. The party urged a thorough review of any Chinese operations in Taiwan, whether disguised as civic groups, hometown associations, or business organizations, to prevent Taiwan from becoming a victim of China's long-arm jurisdiction and cross-border intimidation.

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The Chinese infiltration into Taiwan has shown a more radical and dangerous trend.