On July 15, Taiwan will commemorate the 20 year anniversary of the lifting of martial law. For many Taiwanese, the 38-year period of martial law imposed by the Kuomintang regime represents a sad, painful era in Taiwanese history. Freedom of speech and expression was strictly curtailed, the media was tightly controlled by the government, while local culture was systemically oppressed. Political dissidents who spoke up for democratic reforms and increased autonomy were ruthlessly persecuted by the island's dictatorial government.
The times have changed drastically since the removal of martial law in 1987. Taiwan is arguably the most vibrant democracy in East Asia, a fact recognized by reputable organisations such as Freedom House and Human Rights Watch. The press in Taiwan enjoys an unprecedented amount of freedom, and Taiwanese citizens are able to participate directly in regular elections and referenda. Local culture and language has undergone a recent revival, after a long period of suppression.
Such drastic improvements were not easy to achieve. Democracy activists in the 1970's and 1980's risked their own livelihoods to speak out for political reforms and social justice. Some of these advocates and their families were harassed, while others were imprisoned indefinitely for sedition. In fact it was the illegal formation of the Democratic Progressive Party by political activists that was key in pressuring the government into lifting martial law a year later.
Enjoying the progress achieved on Taiwan in these last 20 years, it suffices to say that the Taiwanese cherish their hard-won freedoms and home-built democracy. They know first hand the sacrifices that were made to transform their country from a brutal dictatorship to a fledgling democracy. There is no desire for them to return to the dark days of martial law style dictatorship.
However, the democracy that the Taiwanese have built is under siege from China's military threats. The Chinese government refuses to recognize the success of Taiwan's democracy, nor the vast majority of Taiwanese that reject the idea of unification with China. After overcoming the harsh rule of the Japanese empire and Chinese nationalists in the 20th century, the Taiwanese people do not want to be ruled by the Chinese communist dictatorship that regularly commits human rights atrocities.
Unfortunately, nations which pay lip service to the values of human rights and democracy are too afraid to oppose China's expansionist rhetoric. In their bid to appease the growing power that China represents, they are quick to oppose any moves towards independence by Taiwan, but all too slow to condemn the fast increasing number of missiles that China points at Taiwan. While such nations support the independence of Kosovo and East Timor, they are unable to recognize the right of the Taiwanese people to determine the fate of their island nation.
The 20 year anniversary of the lifting of martial law will be celebrated on Taiwan as a triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression and tyranny. But such a victory stands incomplete so long as nations refuse to recognize the right of the Taiwanese people to safeguard their democracy from Chinese aggression.
Dr. Stan Lai, Spokesperson,
FAPA Europe
