On 24 September, an advertisement in support of Taiwan, co-signed by more than two hundred founding voters of the Chinese Parliament (中國議會), was published in newspapers in three US cities to coincide with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States.
The English version ran as a full page on A3 of The Washington Times under the headline “XI JINPING, HANDS OFF TAIWAN!”, telling Xi not to threaten Taiwan with force and not to invade it.
The Chinese version appeared at the same time in the World Journal, on page A7 of its New York edition and A9 of its Los Angeles edition, stating clearly that Chinese people oppose an invasion of Taiwan and that democratic Taiwan must not be overthrown by force.
Launched jointly by more than two hundred founding voters of the Chinese Parliament, the petition makes sure that voices opposing an invasion of Taiwan, opposing dictatorship, and supporting Taiwan’s democracy are seen in American public space.
Reaching across the Strait and across national borders, the petition sends a clear message: Chinese people do not speak with one voice. There are those who oppose letting force decide Taiwan’s future, and those who support the right of the people of Taiwan to choose their own path.
New School for Democracy expresses its support and stresses: democratic Taiwan must not be overthrown by force.