The Path forward on Beijing does not Involve Self-Censorship: Taiwan Diplomat
Beijing has threatened Australian officials, lawmakers, and friends of Taiwan to deter them from contacting its local diplomatic offices. This is a move to dissuade any ties and communication between the Australian institutions and public figures and Taiwan.
The director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane, William Hou-Lu Fan, has urged Australian entities not to self-censor in order to please an aggressive Beijing that is attempting to assert its authority over Taiwan, a democratic nation.
Fan stressed that both Taiwan and Australia are democratic countries, and should stand together against authoritarian threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Giving in to these demands will only embolden the CCP to continue its oppressive tactics.
He also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and communication with like-minded countries, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, to collectively counteract authoritarian expansion and aggression.
Pressure on Local MPs, Communities to Stay Silent
According to Fan, the Taipei Office has faced various forms of interference from Beijing, including threats to Australian officials, lawmakers, and Taiwan supporters, to prevent them from engaging with the local diplomatic office. Chinese influence has also been reported on Taiwanese organizations and its diaspora.
In addition, risks have been raised regarding the CCP’s pressure on Western governments to conform to its standpoint on the Taiwan issue. The growing influence of Beijing on policy systems poses challenges for countries with significant economic ties to China, as they attempt to balance economic interests and human rights concerns.
The Question of Trade Over Human Rights
Australia’s significant economic relationship with China (which accounted for $180.9 billion of trade in 2021-22) has prompted the country to carefully maneuver between maintaining economic interests and addressing human rights issues. This has led to certain sectors of society, including the higher education sector, being hesitant to engage in public discussion on sensitive issues.
Falun Gong, a spiritual practice emphasizing truth, compassion, and forbearance, has been heavily targeted and defamed by the CCP. Millions of its practitioners in China have been persecuted, detained, and tortured by the regime, while overseas institutions and governments have been pressured to toe the party line.
