Taiwanese Youth Rally Against Legislators Supporting Closer China Ties

Thousands of mostly young protesters gathered around Taiwan's legislature late on Tuesday night. They were demonstrating against opposition parties trying to increase scrutiny on the new leader and his administration. These lawmakers are in favor of closer ties with China, which the protesters strongly oppose.

This protest signals a turbulent beginning to Lai Ching-te's presidency. He was inaugurated on Monday after securing a historic third term for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The DPP advocates for Taiwan's sovereignty and is not favored by Beijing.

Lai’s new administration is facing challenges without a parliamentary majority, as the opposition parties KMT and TPP are now in control. Demonstrators are upset with the KMT and TPP for trying to rush a bill through the legislature. This bill would give the parliament more power to oversee the executive branch of government.

Some protesters carried sunflowers as a tribute to the student-led protest movement in 2014. During that time, hundreds of students occupied the legislature for weeks to oppose the KMT's trade deal with China. These protests played a significant role in the KMT's electoral defeat two years later, preventing them from winning the presidency.

The proposed legislation includes a new criminal offense called "contempt of parliament." Critics argue that this offense is vaguely worded and could lead to government officials being fined or imprisoned if they are found guilty of making false statements to the legislature.

If they refused to answer questions or provide documents, or withheld information during hearings, they could face punishment. At the same time, the president would need to give a yearly speech to the parliament on important policy matters.

Some critics argue that the suggestions in the bill may compel authorities to reveal confidential details to parliament, like those concerning diplomacy and defense, or else risk facing legal consequences. They fear that this could possibly jeopardize the security of the island.

Additionally, the DPP has alleged that the opposition is rushing to pass the legislation without allowing enough time for thorough policy discussions.

The KMT and TPP believe that the new laws are necessary to enhance government accountability and fight corruption. They argue that similar checks and balances on executive powers exist in other countries. On the other hand, they accused the DPP of spreading false information and trying to disrupt the workings of the legislature.

Last Friday, tensions over the contentious reform bill escalated into a physical altercation on the parliamentary floor. The chaotic scene involved lawmakers leaping over tables and pulling each other to the ground, resulting in some members being hospitalized. This incident reflects the deep political divide in the country.

The protest, attended mostly by young people, continues late into the night.

The protest, attended mostly by young people, continues late into the night.

Protesters gathered outside Taiwan's unicameral parliament, the Legislative Yuan, on Tuesday as the parliament resumed its meeting to discuss the bill. Despite heavy rain in the afternoon, they stayed from morning until midnight, with many joining after school and work. Organizers estimated that more than 30,000 people participated in the protest.

Some protesters held signs labeling the legislative process as a “black box” and urged for the bill to be withdrawn. Meanwhile, others chanted “No discussions, no democracy!”

Ricky Li, a 28-year-old office worker, expressed concern over the bill’s unclear language and the absence of public consultation.

I'm worried that this could lead to legislators abusing their power. What if they use their new power to seek revenge against their political rivals? The bill hasn't been talked about enough and is not transparent.

Considering the current situation with cross-strait relations and the recent change in government, it's important to pay attention to the opposition's attacks on Taiwan's democratic institutions and political base.

Discussions on the bill are set to continue in the legislature on Friday. Lai, aged 64 and a former doctor and vice president, was sworn in on Monday. Joining him is the new Vice President, Hsiao Bi-khim, who previously held the role of Taiwan's top envoy to the United States.

Beijing openly dislikes both leaders and their party because they support Taiwan's sovereignty. The ruling Communist Party of China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, even though it has never governed it, and has promised to seize the island, even using force if needed.

Editor's P/S:

The protest outside Taiwan's legislature reflects the deep political divide within the country. The opposition parties' attempt to increase scrutiny on the new leader and his administration, including the proposed bill that would give parliament more power to oversee the executive branch, has sparked concerns among protesters who fear it could undermine Taiwan's sovereignty and jeopardize its security. The protest signals a turbulent beginning for Lai Ching-te's presidency and highlights the challenges he faces in governing without a parliamentary majority.

The protest also brings to mind the 2014 student-led protest movement, which played a significant role in the KMT's electoral defeat two years later. The current protest movement appears to be driven by similar concerns over the erosion of democratic institutions and the threat to Taiwan's sovereignty. It remains to be seen whether this protest will have the same impact as the 2014 movement, but it is clear that the opposition parties' actions have touched a nerve among the Taiwanese public.