Taiwanese group protests Nagasaki's 'dignity-insulting' treatment of representatives, urges city to resist China's pressure

An organization representing Taiwanese in Japan has lodged a strong protest against the mayor of Nagasaki. The All-Japan Taiwan Federation (全台連) sent a letter to Mayor Shiro Suzuki, condemning the city's discriminatory treatment of Taiwanese representatives at this year's Peace Memorial Ceremony. This action led to the withdrawal of Taiwan's representative, Lee Yi-yang, from the event.

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Taiwan respects freedom and democracy, shares Nagasaki's ideal of abolishing nuclear weapons and achieving permanent peace, and is an important friendly partner of Japan.

The federation accused Nagasaki of deliberately downplaying Taiwan's presence and dignity, actions that contradict the ceremony's purpose of pursuing nuclear abolition and lasting peace. They questioned whether the city's decision was influenced by political pressure from China, aimed at excluding Taiwan from the international community. Such compliance, the federation argued, would exceed the scope of local diplomacy and aid Beijing's international suppression of Taiwan.

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If Nagasaki City indeed changed its treatment of Taiwanese representatives due to Chinese intentions, it not only exceeds the scope of local autonomy's diplomatic considerations but also amounts to assisting China in exerting international political pressure on Taiwan.

Emphasizing Nagasaki's history as a victim of atomic bombing and its advocacy for a nuclear-free world, the federation warned that succumbing to political pressure would damage the city's credibility and its ability to convey peace values internationally. They demanded a public explanation of the reasons and decision-making process behind segregating Taiwan's seating. The letter concluded by urging Nagasaki not to lose its freedom and fairness under authoritarian pressure, calling for equal treatment of all participants based on principles of fairness, respect, and democracy.

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Nagasaki, which has long advocated for 'a world of peace without nuclear weapons,' should not lose its freedom and fairness due to the pressure of authoritarian countries.