Akio Yaita, a renowned Taiwanese commentator and Executive Director of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Institute, was attacked, and some media reports indicate that Hong Kong triad members and other foreign influences may be involved. The spokesperson for the Presidential Office stated that the case is currently under investigation by prosecutors and police according to the law. The government attaches great importance to any acts of transnational repression carried out by authoritarian groups and fully supports law enforcement agencies in their comprehensive investigation. Taiwan is also cooperating with like-minded countries to jointly combat transnational crime.
According to Central News Agency reports, the suspect who attacked Akio Yaita is a Hong Kong national surnamed Liao. Media reports on the 14th indicated that the mastermind behind the attack was a Hong Kong triad leader who ordered Liao to carry out a transnational terrorist attack on Yaita Akio, mobilized five gang members to come to Taiwan to assist, and assigned tasks via a WhatsApp group. Every step from site scouting, the attack itself, to escape was meticulously planned.
Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Kuo told the media that the relevant case is currently being investigated by prosecutors and police in accordance with the law. The government gives high priority to any acts of transnational repression perpetrated by authoritarian groups targeting dissidents worldwide, and fully supports law enforcement in thoroughly investigating such cases. Taiwan is also cooperating with like-minded countries to jointly crack down on this kind of transnational crime.
Kuo stated that Taiwan is a democratic and lawful nation and will never allow any foreign authoritarian force to use gangs, violence, or intimidation tactics in Taiwan to oppress or attack anyone who cherishes freedom and democracy.