Yaita Akio remains silent on attack: As Taipei mayor, I am deeply disappointed

Journalist Yaita Akio, executive director of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, was attacked and injured by a man from Hong Kong after delivering a speech in Taichung, Taiwan. The incident has drawn significant attention, with police investigating the suspect, identified as Liao Kang-fa, who has been detained. Yaita has received widespread support from various sectors in Taiwan, including the presidential office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as from numerous netizens.

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However, he, as a Taipei citizen, is very disappointed that Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has remained silent on the matter since the incident, without publicly condemning the violence or supporting freedom of speech.

However, Yaita expressed profound regret that Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has not publicly condemned the violence or voiced support for freedom of speech. Yaita, who identifies as a Taipei citizen, questioned whether the mayor's silence stems from a lack of courage or an unwillingness to offend the Chinese Communist Party. He suggested that this inaction undermines citizens' confidence in the protection of their safety and freedom of expression.

Investigations into the attack suggest a potential cross-border operation involving Hong Kong triads, reconnaissance in Taiwan, and possible local collaborators, hinting at a "Taiwan intelligence gathering, overseas command, triad execution" chain. Yaita views the assault not merely as a public safety issue but as a direct challenge to democratic society and freedom of speech.

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Is it a lack of responsibility? Or is it not daring to offend the Chinese Communist Party? If you can't even publicly condemn violence, how can you make Taipei citizens believe that their personal safety and freedom of speech can be protected?

In contrast, Yaita highlighted the strong support received from Japanese political circles. The Liberal Democratic Party's "Kansai Japan-Taiwan Friendship Local Assembly Members League" issued a resolution condemning the violence, calling it a "despicable act that threatens the foundation of freedom of speech and democratic society." They vowed to increase exchanges with Taiwan rather than be intimidated. Japanese Senator Ishihira also questioned Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu in the Diet about the incident, with Motegi assuring that the government is monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety of Japanese nationals abroad.

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This is a despicable act that threatens the foundation of freedom of speech and democratic society, and we absolutely will not tolerate any political violence, intimidation, or terrorism.

Yaita contrasted the proactive response from Japan, from local assembly members to the central government, with the silence from Taipei's mayor, finding the disparity deeply concerning.

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The Japanese government has grasped the situation and ensuring the safety of overseas Japanese citizens has always been the top priority.