Japanese journalist Shoichi Nakayama attacked in Taiwan; writer warns of Chinese plots

Media executive Shoichi Nakayama was punched and injured by a 33-year-old Chinese man in the lobby of a Taichung hotel on Saturday, following a speech he gave in the city. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim addressed the incident, stating that Taiwan cherishes freedom of speech and condemns all forms of violence. She stressed the need for a safe and respectful environment for expressing ideas.

Writer Feng Kuang-yuan, currently in Chicago, shared his reaction on Facebook. He received messages about the attack and sent a note to Nakayama's wife, Keri, offering words of comfort. Feng also commented on Taiwan's path to democracy and independence, noting that while challenges are expected, the greater concern now lies with internal threats and covert actions from China.

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In Taiwan, we all cherish freedom of speech very much. No matter what ideas we have, we hope to express them in a safe and respectful environment. We absolutely do not allow violence.

Following the assault, police quickly formed a task force and tracked the suspect's escape route. He was intercepted at Taichung International Airport on Sunday as he attempted to board a flight to Busan, South Korea. Authorities are prosecuting him for assault and seeking his detention to clarify his motives. This incident is reportedly the first case of cross-border suppression since China's "Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress of Ethnic Groups" took effect on July 1.

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The path of Taiwan's democracy and independence is full of thorns, and we have long faced it calmly. Nowadays, what we need to be careful about are only internal traitors and China's covert schemes. Everyone be careful!