Taiwan Vice President Condemns Assault on Journalist, Calls it a Warning

Senior journalist Yaita Akio, also CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, was punched by a 33-year-old Chinese national in the lobby of his hotel in Taichung after concluding a speech.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim addressed the incident, stating, "In Taiwan, we all cherish freedom of speech very much. No matter what ideas we have, we hope to have them in a safe and respectful environment. Violence is absolutely not allowed."

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In Taiwan, we all cherish freedom of speech very much. No matter what ideas we have, we hope to have them in a safe and respectful environment. Violence is absolutely not allowed.

She emphasized that the attack serves as a warning to Taiwan, highlighting the need to protect freedom of speech and urging continued efforts in this regard. The incident is reportedly the first cross-border suppression case since China's "Law on the Protection of National Security" took effect on July 1.

Following the assault, police formed a special task force to track the suspect, identified by the surname Liao. He was intercepted at Taichung International Airport on Tuesday afternoon as he attempted to board a flight to Busan, South Korea. Liao was handed over to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office on charges of assault, with prosecutors requesting his detention to clarify his motives.

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She emphasized that the attack serves as a warning to Taiwan, highlighting the need to protect freedom of speech and urging continued efforts in this regard.