Taipei, Taiwan: Elected Officials Praise Falun Gong During Event to Commemorate the April 25th Appeal

(Minghui.org) Practitioners gathered at the Taipei City Hall Plaza on April 19 to commemorate the April 25th appeal in Beijing 27 years ago, and to tell people about Falun Gong. After practitioners were detained in the nearby city of Tianjin in April 1999, about 10,000 practitioners went to the State Petition Office in Beijing to peacefully request they be released. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a nationwide suppression three months later, in July 1999.

The weather in Taipei was beautiful during the event on April 19. The large gathering, press conference, and practitioners’ exercise demonstration attracted many passersby. Elected officials spoke during the event and praised the practitioners’ courage and perseverance in upholding their faith.

A press conference was held in Taipei on April 19 to commemorate the peaceful appeal in Beijing 27 years ago.

Helping the General Public Learn About Falun Gong

Retired teacher Tsai Shou-jen remembers watching news reports on television about the appeal 27 years ago. Then premier Zhu Rongji talked with practitioner representatives and ordered that the practitioners who were detained in Tianjin be released. As soon as this was announced, the practitioners quietly and quickly left the area near Zhongnanhei (the government compound in Beijing). News media described this as, “The largest, most rational and peaceful petition in the history of Chinese petitioning.”

Tsai remembers seeing the reports about the appeal, and that it was peaceful and the streets were left clean. Impressed by the news reports, many people in Taiwan were interested in learning more about Falun Gong.

“The next morning more than 10 people came to our group practice site at Youth Park and asked to learn the exercises. They said they watched the news, and it was the first time I showed the exercises to so many people,” Tsai recalled. “That evening, we were also interviewed at a group practice near my school about the freedom of belief in Taiwan.”

The general public in Taiwan was able to become aware of Falun Gong overnight, added Tsai.

A Historic Moral Monument

Hsiao Sung-shan, chairman of the Taiwan Falun Dafa Association

Hsiao Sung-shan, chairman of the Taiwan Falun Dafa Association, also recalled the peaceful appeal 27 years ago. By following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, the practitioners were not only peaceful, they also kept the place clean. A police officer on duty even pointed to the ground and said, “Look! What is virtue? This is virtue.”

Hsiao said that the courage, rationality, and peacefulness displayed by Falun Gong practitioners during their appeals have become a model for our times. “The peaceful appeal on April 25, 1999, is not only an important historic moment, but also a reminder for the future. Only by building on kindness and conscience can human society move towards true peace and safety,” he said.

City Councilor: Positive Side of Human Nature

City Councilor Lee Chien-chang

Lee Chien-chang, a Taipei City Councilor, said that the CCP continues suppressing freedom and human rights. He called for more efforts, such as rallies and other means, to draw public and international attention to the CCP’s tyranny. He also praised the perseverance of Falun Gong practitioners.

“I have great respect for my friends who practice Falun Gong and their efforts to continue to expose the atrocities committed by the CCP in Taiwan and around the world,” Lee explained.

City Councilor: Well Supported in Democratic Societies

City Councilor Hung Chien-yi

Hung Chien-yi, another City Councilor in Taipei, has consistently shown his support for Falun Gong practitioners over the years. He praised practitioners’ long-standing adherence to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. He said practitioners’ peaceful manner demonstrates the good side of human nature.

The appeal in April 1999 was essentially a peaceful petition. This would have been supported by democratic societies worldwide since it was non-violent. But the totalitarian CCP could not tolerate it, and its former leader Jiang Zemin launched the nationwide persecution in July 1999. This is because the CCP worries that the truth will be revealed to the outside world, thus it resorts to repressive measures to suppress various groups.

Hung also described how Falun Gong practitioners are mistreated in China for their belief, including forced organ harvesting. He called on the international community to continue paying attention to the human rights situation in China and working together to improve it.

City Councilor: Inspiring Positive Forces in Society

Taipei City Councilor Cheung Man-kit

Councilor Cheung Man-kit recalled that last year she participated in the event under a clear blue sky, and said the atmosphere was peaceful. “Even the sun seemed to be cheering us on, reminding us not to remain silent,” she said.

Cheung said the CCP’s persecution, threats, and intimidation are unacceptable. “The word ‘peace’ seems simple, but it is very difficult to truly practice. It requires leading the public to move forward together in order to form a positive force,” she continued.

She also said it was her pleasure to walk alongside Falun Gong practitioners on the path of upholding peace, Cheung explained. She said that although this path is difficult, it is important since Falun Gong practitioners in mainland China need support. “We welcome friends in Taiwan to offer encouragement to extend this positive force to the whole world,” she added.

Lawyer: The Greatest Courage

Attorney Chen Yi-shen

Chen Yi-shen, former chairperson of the Commercial Law Committee of the Taipei Bar Association, said that Falun Gong practitioners’ appeal was rational and peaceful. However, practitioners were later met with comprehensive suppression and torture by the CCP, which is a serious violation of human rights. He pointed out that such peaceful activities should be protected, not suppressed, in a democratic society.

Since the CCP operates on violence and lies, Chen believes there should be no compromise in the face of persecution and suppression. Telling the truth is the best weapon against the vicious.

Attorney Chen Youxin

Chen Youxin, a lawyer at Hongding Law Firm, pointed out that Falun Gong practitioners follow their beliefs—Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance to be better citizens. Yet they have become targets of suppression by the CCP. He believes that choosing to peacefully uphold their beliefs under such high pressure is itself a manifestation of courage.

“Because you have firm beliefs even in the face of such a terrible regime, you can still sit quietly and adhere to your beliefs and ideals. This is the greatest courage,” Chen added. “You are great! Your existence highlights the absurdity of the CCP.”

Secretary-General of the Taiwan Statebuilding Party Praises Falun Gong’s Important Contributions to Human Civilization

Ma I-hsiang, secretary-general of the Taiwan Statebuilding Party

The persecution of Falun Gong by the CCP has gone on for 27 years, more than a quarter of a century. Falun Gong practitioners around the world still adhere to their original aspirations, and persist in peacefully and rationally resisting the persecution. This shows their great compassion and forbearance.

Ma I-hsiang, the secretary-general of the Taiwan Statebuilding Party,  said, “For 27 years, our friends at Falun Gong have made indelible contributions to human civilization. This is a moral defense battle that transcends the international community.” 

“Falun Gong [practitioners] upholding moral principles is a precious breath of fresh air in today’s materialistic society,” he continued. “The truth may be delayed, but Falun Gong practitioners’ perseverance ensures it is never absent.”

Ma further emphasized that Falun Gong practitioners, through 27 years of blood, tears, and perseverance, have proven that darkness cannot forever obscure the light. That is why he called on the public to see through the CCP’s evil nature. “Tyranny will fall; the power of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance will continue,” he explained.