CIVICUS speaks with Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao, chair of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF), about the response to the earthquake that Taiwan experienced in early April – the strongest in 25 years.
TAEF is a policy-oriented think tank that specialises in Southeast Asian and South Asian affairs. It seeks to foster a sense of regional community and advocates for Taiwan’s commitment and contribution to Asia’s development.
How prepared was Taiwan for the latest earthquake?
Taiwan’s government and people are prepared to cope with earthquakes and other natural and man-made disasters. The turning point in terms of disaster and risk preparedness was the 921 Earthquake of 1999, which claimed more than 2,000 lives and left heart-breaking lessons.
Over the past 25 years, the government reformed building codes and regulations to enhance resistance of buildings against earthquake damage. Institutionalised rescue capacity and related technological progress were also improved to handle evacuation, rescue, lifesaving and the demolition of damaged buildings more efficiently.
People, families and communities have become more educated in their perception of risk, awareness and preparedness to deal with natural disasters such as earthquakes, which are very common in Taiwan. Hundreds take place every year, of which dozens can be felt, and some can be quite strong. In many communities, mutual aid organisations have been established to cope with both natural and man-made risks and disasters. Additionally, local environmental and civic defence civil society organisations (CSOs) have become increasingly active in recent years, engaging in natural disaster risk education along with civic defence education to tackle potential invasions by China.
Why did China offer help, and why did Taiwan reject it? How did public opinion react?
The People’s Republic of China has long asserted that Taiwan is part of China and wants to annex it through either peaceful means or force. China’s communist regime views Taiwan’s affairs as domestic affairs. In recent years, it has continuously harassed Taiwan with aircraft and naval vessels. However, the vast majority of Taiwanese people reject China’s ‘One China’ claim and oppose its military intimidation. Most are in favour of the status quo in which China and Taiwan exist as separate entities and intend to preserve it collectively for as long as possible.
In Taiwan, China’s offer of aid following this year’s 403 earthquake was widely viewed as a political tactic towards unification. Taiwanese people still remember that, following the 921 earthquake, China insisted that the aid offered by many countries be channelled through its Red Cross. These tactics angered Taiwanese people and isolated China from the international community.
So this year, when Taiwan’s government declined China’s offer by simply saying that it wasn’t needed, it received widespread support from the public, civil society and even opposition parties.
How have Taiwanese civil society and political parties positioned themselves in the face of China’s challenge?
Over the past decade, the ‘China threat’ has increasingly influenced various aspects of Taiwanese politics and society.
Taiwan’s civil society has increasingly organised and mobilised to counter external threats from a hostile China. Numerous CSOs, particularly advocacy groups, have emerged to monitor the escalating tensions and complex dynamics of Taiwan-China relations, as well as the growing influence of ‘fake news’, disinformation and cyber threats originating from China. They provide fact-checking services and media literacy education to the public, helping minimise the spread of misinformation and media distortion originating from China. They closely watch legislative proceedings in the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan’s parliament. By monitoring interpellations and law-making processes, they aim to ensure that policies align with Taiwan’s interests and security concerns. And they also raise awareness and provide education and training in preparation for potential Chinese invasion scenarios.
As a result of their heightened engagement in addressing the China threat, many advocacy groups and public intellectuals have increasingly aligned with pro-Taiwan political forces such as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The DPP government has been vigilant and implemented several political, regulatory and legal reforms to face the China threat. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT), which leans towards China, has objected to them. Disagreements and conflicts between the DPP government and the KMT and, to a lesser extent, the Taiwan People’s Party on issues such as national identity, security, defence and China policy pose significant challenges to fostering political unity to confront the threat.
What support from the international community does Taiwanese civil society need to continue doing its work?
Taiwan’s CSOs need support from their international counterparts, professionally, technically and morally, to continue their crucial work to enhance Taiwan’s preparedness for various natural, man-made and external threats. Fortunately, in recent years Taiwan has garnered significant attention and support from various players in the international community. Governments, elected legislators, mainstream media, public opinion leaders, think tanks and international CSOs have all contributed to this effort. The concept of a Taiwan contingency has expanded to encompass contingencies for Japan, Korea, the Asia-Pacific, the Indo-Pacific and ultimately a global contingency as well.
Civic space in Taiwan is rated ‘open’ by the CIVICUS Monitor.
Get in touch with the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation through its webpage or Facebook page.