Taipei, Taiwan – Students at National Taiwan University (NTU) gathered in protest on Tuesday against the visit of a Chinese delegation consisting of around 40 Chinese students and faculty members, invited by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation. The delegation’s visit has sparked controversy, as Taiwanese students voice concerns about the nature of the exchanges and the involvement of Chinese Communist Party members in the group.
Protest at National Taiwan University
The protest took place at the College of Social Sciences (COSS) building, where students gathered to express their opposition to the visit. The demonstrators raised placards and chanted slogans such as “This is not China Taipei,” “Support China’s Democratization,” “Redress the Tiananmen Square Incident,” and “Support Hong Kong Democracy and Freedom.” Some protesters also shouted, “NTU students love freedom” and “We want equal exchanges.”
NTU President Chen Wen-chang (陳文章) and the Dean of the College of Social Sciences, Chang Yu-tzung (張佑宗), were present at the protest site and closely monitored the situation as the Chinese delegation entered the building.
Delegation Led by Prominent Chinese Figures
The group of Chinese students and teachers, which included notable figures such as Olympic gold medalists Ma Long (馬龍) and Yang Qian (楊倩), was invited by the China-friendly Ma Ying-jeou Foundation for a nine-day visit from November 27 to December 5. The visit’s purpose, as outlined by the Foundation’s CEO, Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), was to promote “people-to-people exchanges” between Taiwan and China.
A major point of contention among the protesters was the secrecy surrounding the delegation’s visit, as many students were reportedly told that the event was “confidential.” NTU student Chang (張), a third-year student who participated in the protest, voiced concerns that while Taiwanese students were eager to engage in discussions on law, democracy, and human rights with the Chinese delegation, they were denied the opportunity to do so. Chang emphasized that any exchange should be based on equality and openness.
Controversy Over the Visit
The Chinese delegation’s visit has drawn criticism for appearing to align with Beijing’s political agenda. The visit was authorized by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), but many students and activists argue that it serves to promote Chinese Communist Party propaganda under the guise of academic exchange. In particular, the presence of delegation members from the Communist Party and the Communist Youth League has raised alarm.
Opposition figures, including the chairman of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), Eric Chu (朱立倫), have defended the visit. Chu argued that such exchanges could strengthen cross-strait relations. However, his statement did not address the concerns raised about the political implications of the visit or the lack of open dialogue between the two groups.
NTU and Other Institutions on the Delegation’s Itinerary
In addition to National Taiwan University, the Chinese delegation is also scheduled to visit other educational institutions, including National Tsing Hua University, National Chengchi University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Chinese Culture University, Chang Gung University, and Taipei Municipal Zhong Shan Girls High School.
Table: Details of the Chinese Delegation’s Visit
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Delegation Size | Approximately 40 members |
| Purpose of Visit | People-to-people exchange |
| Lead Delegates | Ma Long (Olympic gold medalist), Yang Qian (Olympic gold medalist) |
| Date of Visit | November 27 to December 5, 2024 |
| Organized By | Ma Ying-jeou Foundation |
| Authorized By | Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council |
| Controversy | Concerns over secrecy and Communist Party affiliation |
| Opposition’s Concern | Lack of open exchanges and political agenda |
Key Points from the Protest
- Secrecy: Students were informed that the delegation’s visit was “confidential,” sparking concerns about transparency.
- Equality in Exchanges: Students insist that any cross-strait exchanges should be based on equality and openness.
- Political Agenda: The inclusion of Communist Party members in the delegation has raised fears of Chinese political influence.
- Government Support: Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council authorized the visit, despite the controversy.
FAQs: Understanding the NTU Protest
1. What sparked the protest at NTU?
The protest was sparked by the arrival of a Chinese delegation invited by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation. Students expressed concerns about the secrecy surrounding the visit and the political nature of the exchange, especially the involvement of Chinese Communist Party members.
2. Why are students opposed to the visit?
Students oppose the visit because they feel that the exchange should be based on openness, equality, and transparency. They are also concerned about the political motives behind the visit and the lack of direct communication between Taiwanese students and the Chinese delegation.
3. Who is leading the Chinese delegation?
The delegation is led by Qiu Yong (邱勇), the Communist Party Secretary of Tsinghua University, along with notable figures such as Olympic gold medalists Ma Long and Yang Qian.
4. What other institutions is the delegation visiting?
In addition to NTU, the Chinese delegation is also scheduled to visit National Tsing Hua University, National Chengchi University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Chinese Culture University, Chang Gung University, and Taipei Municipal Zhong Shan Girls High School.
5. What is the goal of the Chinese delegation’s visit?
The goal of the visit, as stated by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, is to promote people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and China.
