Red mob invades! Yaita Akio attacked by Chinese national, bleeds; posts 5-point statement late at night

Japanese journalist Yaita Akio reported being attacked and injured by a Chinese national in Taiwan on January 6th, shortly after concluding a speech in Taichung. Akio, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, sustained a split lip from the impact and experienced some dental instability, requiring him to consume only liquids.

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Today I went to the hospital for an examination, and my injuries are not serious. My lip was split from the impact and bled a lot at the time, but it is gradually healing. However, my front teeth are still a bit loose and painful when I eat. I can only eat liquid food for now and hope it improves tomorrow.

Akio detailed the incident on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of concern from friends across Taiwan. He described the attacker, identified as a 33-year-old Chinese man, as exhibiting a high degree of preparation. The suspect reportedly waited nearly two days at a hotel cafe, confirmed his target, attacked, and then attempted to flee the country by changing clothes and purchasing a plane ticket. Akio noted the suspect's calm and stable psychological state even after arrest, suggesting the attack was not impulsive but planned.

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Second, the suspect who attacked me today, judging by his actions, seemed to have a considerable degree of preparation. He waited for me at the hotel cafe for nearly two days, confirmed the target, then attacked, quickly left the scene, changed clothes en route, went to the airport to buy a plane ticket, prepared to leave the country, and denied the charges after being arrested by the police. The entire process was calm and psychologically stable, indicating this was not a spontaneous act but a premeditated one.

More significantly, Akio believes the incident transcends a simple assault case. He drew parallels between the attack's background and methods to previous violent incidents against Hong Kong individuals in Taiwan. He suggested a need for thorough investigation into potential connections with Taiwan's recently enacted "National Unification Promotion Act" and whether the attack represents a political suppression of free speech, possibly involving organized planning.

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Third, I believe this incident should not be viewed as a simple assault case, as it may involve more serious dimensions. Judging from the background and methods of the incident, there are many similarities to the violent attacks on Hong Kong individuals in Taiwan several years ago. Whether it is related to the recently implemented "National Unification Promotion Act" is also worth in-depth investigation and clarification by the relevant authorities. This includes whether it involves political suppression of freedom of speech in Taiwan and whether there is organized planning and execution.

Akio lauded the Taichung City Police Department's Sixth Precinct for their efficient investigation and swift arrest of the suspect at the airport. He stated that the suspect's successful escape could have complicated the investigation and instilled greater fear among those who speak out in Taiwan. Concluding his statement, Akio, quoting a colleague, declared, "Facing red mob incursions, Taiwan will not tolerate violent intimidation." He vowed to continue advocating for Taiwan's freedom and democracy and promoting Taiwan-Japan friendship, drawing strength from the support he received.

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Fourth, I want to specifically thank the police officers of the Sixth Precinct of the Taichung City Police Department for solving the case quickly with high efficiency and successfully arresting the suspect at the airport. If the suspect had successfully escaped Taiwan, not only would the investigation have been more difficult, but it might also have caused many who dare to speak out to have greater doubts about their own safety.