Taiwanese Independence Group Protests KMT, Wears Shimomura Masks

A Taiwanese independence group protested at the Kuomintang (KMT) headquarters, donning masks of Japanese politician Yoichi Shimomura and chanting "We are all Yoichi Shimomura!" The group urged KMT Chairwoman Chu Li-wen not to become a "sinner in history" by aligning with China.

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We are all Yoichi Shimomura!

"Taiwan State" founder Wang Xianji stated that the recent violent attack on Shimomura, which occurred after the "National Unity and Progress Promotion Act" took effect, was not a simple social incident. He suggested the attack was intended to create a chilling effect. Wang also criticized the KMT legislative caucus for twice refusing to sign a condemnation of the act, which he believes emboldens China.

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Chu Li-wen, do not become a sinner in history!

"Taiwan State" executive director Chen Qingkun emphasized that the group would not accept or retreat from attempts to use violence to create a chilling effect and intimidate dissenting voices. He asserted that freedom of speech is a core democratic value and an inviolable right for Taiwanese people. Chen condemned any attempt by individuals or forces to threaten citizens with violence or spread fear in Taiwan, calling it an unchecked expansion of China's totalitarianism and state terrorism.

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This violent attack occurred after the "National Unity and Progress Promotion Act" took effect, and it is by no means a simple social event. Its intention to create a chilling effect is obvious.

Chen Qingkun further criticized the use of terms like "cross-border suppression" and "long-arm jurisdiction" to describe China's actions, arguing that these phrases might mislead Taiwanese people into believing China has jurisdiction over Taiwan. "Taiwan State" director Chen Junhan stated that condemning violence and defending freedom of speech should be non-partisan. He expressed disgust at the KMT's silence, interpreting it as a signal of submission to China. Chen argued that silence does not bring peace, and only strengthening national defense and psychological defense can guarantee peace. He concluded that there is no room for compromise in protecting democracy or retreating in defending freedom.

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If anyone attempts to use violence to create a chilling effect and intimidate dissenting voices, we will never accept it, nor will we retreat.