LETTER TO THE EDITOR: No one-party rule in Taiwan

OPINION:

Numerous social media accounts in Taiwan have been suspended for the ’crime’ of criticizing Taiwan’s government. The Taiwanese news media tend to self-regulate in order to avoid rejection of license renewal, and they hesitate to report protests or other anti-government-related events.

Just last month, Chang Ya-ping, the deputy secretary-general of the opposition party in Taiwan (as well as the first political prisoner of the Tsai administration), was charged with damaging the ruling party’s reputation and was sentenced to 34 months in prison. This silencing of opposition voices has begun to sink our island of democracy.

Taiwan is an important U.S. ally in Asia, not only in trade but also as a nation that shares America’s values and interests. Taiwan continuing to move toward one-party dominance is not in the best interest of the United States. The people of Taiwan should enjoy freedom of speech and reap the rewards of their political choices.

JOHN WU

36th president, Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA)

Rosemead, Calif.