— Makino, Chairman of the Japan Human Rights Foundation, at the “International Symposium on US-China-Taiwan Trilateral Relations under the New Situation<
October 9 and 10, 2021, the China Democratic Unity Alliance, Beijing Spring magazine, and the China Democratic Party Plenary Committee jointly held a two-day international seminar titled “International Symposium on Trilateral Relations in the New Situation” titled “U.S.-China-Taiwan Trilateral Relations under the New Situation” in New York, USA, and via the internet.
The Asia-Pacific Online Seminar was hosted by Zhong Jinjiang, Chairman of the China Democratic Unity Alliance, with keynote speeches delivered by Hu Ping, Honorary Editor-in-Chief of Beijing Spring and renowned theorist, and Wang Juntao, Chairman of the China Democratic Party National Committee. Participants included Professors Li Youtan and Xu Ruheng from Taiwan, as well as overseas democracy activists Chen Weijian, Gao Jian, Chen Liqun, Wang Jinzhong, Qin Jin, Feng Chongyi, Chen Jie, Zhang Xiaogang, Dong Peng, and others.
Hu Ping delivered a keynote speech, stating: “We must vigorously catalyze freedom and democracy on the mainland.” Whether the mainland can promptly embark on the path of freedom and democracy concerns the vital interests of the mainland people, world peace and stability, and the survival of Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. ”
Seishu Makino, former Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and Chairman of the Japan Human Rights Foundation, said in his speech at the conference: “Currently, the Taiwan Strait is in a state of war, and peace is crucial for both sides of the strait. Taiwan is now a democratic country with freedom of speech. Now, the United States, the European Union, and Japan—these democratic nations—are extremely concerned about peace in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s democracy is a model for the future of all China, so protecting freedom of speech and democracy in Taiwan is extremely important.”
Makino stated: “The Taiwan issue and China’s democratization are inseparable.” I hope friends from Taiwan, the Chinese democracy movement, Tibet, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolia, and Hong Kong will unite and work together to realize Chinese democracy, so as to resolve the issue of peace in the Taiwan Strait.”
Makino also stated: “The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to two journalists from the Philippines and Russia in recognition of their efforts to safeguard freedom of speech, which is a prerequisite for democracy and lasting peace.” The ideals and pursuits of these two journalists are to realize democracy and peacefully realize this ideal. The Nobel Prize is essentially a symbol of people in non-democratic countries around the world who peacefully pursue democracy and freedom of expression.”
Muye especially stated: “In 1979, Mr. Hu Ping published ‘On Freedom of Speech.’ Hu Ping, Xue Wei, the China Democratic Federation, and the friends of the Beichun movement have been working hard to fight for democracy and freedom of speech for over 40 years.” Hu Ping, Liu Xiaobo, the China Democratic League, and the signatories of Charter 08 have always advocated pursuing Chinese democracy based on the principles of ‘peace, rationality, and nonviolence.’ ”
Wang Dan, a student leader of the Tiananmen Square Democracy Movement, delivered a speech titled “My Views on Breaking Through Cross-Strait Relations” at a seminar in New York. He stated: “Democratic politics have led to Taiwan’s soft power far surpassing that of mainland China.” “Defending Taiwan is protecting the United States.”
On October 9, Yu Maochun, former U.S. State Department China Policy Planning Officer, delivered a speech to the seminar in New York, stating: “Defending Taiwan is like defending West Berlin, fully consistent with the basic principles of U.S. nationhood and diplomacy. Taiwan’s democracy is part of world democracy.” Protecting Taiwan means protecting the current democratic system. Taiwan’s democracy is not only a source of pride for the people of Taiwan, but more importantly, it is a typical example of the perfect integration of traditional culture and a modern democratic system, serving as a model for future democracy in mainland China. ”
On October 10, the China Democratic Unity Alliance, Beijing Spring, and the China Democracy Party Plenary Committee jointly issued the “Double Tenth Statement on the Chinese Democracy Movement,” stating: “Taiwan’s democracy is not only a source of pride for the Taiwanese people, but more importantly, a typical demonstration of the perfect integration of traditional culture and modern democratic systems, and a model for future democracy in mainland China.” The statement also said: “We hope Taiwan is not just a beacon of democracy, but should actively act as a driving force for the democracy movement in Asia, especially in China, playing a unique role in China’s democracy movement, not only spiritually but also in practical operation.”
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has met with pro-democracy activists multiple times, He expressed support for the mainland’s realization of democracy.
On October 10, Taiwan held its “Double Tenth Festival” celebration, which is designated as a national day. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized on cross-strait relations: “Maintaining the status quo is our position.” We will do everything possible to prevent the status quo from being unilaterally changed. To resolve differences across the strait, it must be through equal dialogue.” She stated: “We look forward to a gradual easing of cross-strait relations. We will not act rashly, but we absolutely must not think that the people of Taiwan will yield under pressure.” “
Lai Ching-te recently told Editor-in-Chief Wang Jin-chung of this magazine that he fully supports China’s democratization.
On October 11, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated in the House of Representatives: “We will pay close attention to the situation in Taiwan. Taiwan is an extremely important partner and valuable friend who shares fundamental values and maintains close economic ties.” He also stated: “Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are very important. “
