Taiwan Officials Support Legal Amendments to Tighten Restrictions on Retired Military Officers
Taipei, Taiwan – In response to a recent controversy surrounding remarks made by a retired Taiwanese navy officer, government officials have voiced support for a legislative proposal aimed at tightening regulations on retired military personnel. The proposed amendments to the Cross-Strait Act would expand the scope of existing laws to include more retired officers, particularly those of mid-level ranks, who receive lifetime pensions from the government.
The proposal was brought to the forefront after Retired Lieutenant Commander Lu Li-shih (呂禮詩) made controversial comments while attending the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, China, earlier this month. Lu’s comments about China, which were widely deemed as harmful to Taiwan’s dignity, prompted lawmakers to take swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Controversial Remarks Spark Outcry
During his attendance at the Airshow China, an event showcasing Chinese warplanes and military technology, Lu made an interview statement to Chinese media that has since sparked widespread criticism. He said, “I want to tell the Taiwanese audience how strong our China is,” a comment seen as undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty and national dignity.
Following the backlash, Yen De-fa (嚴德發), head of Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs Council, condemned Lu’s actions, noting that the retired officer’s remarks had not only harmed Taiwan’s reputation but also conflicted with the core values of the military, including loyalty to Taiwan. Yen expressed support for legislative amendments that would prevent similar behavior in the future.
Proposed Amendments: Expanding Restrictions on Retired Officers
The proposed amendment seeks to broaden the scope of the Cross-Strait Act, which currently regulates the behavior of high-ranking retired military officers. Under the current law, the act applies only to retired major generals and rear admirals of Taiwan’s military, but the new draft proposal seeks to include retired officers from the ranks of major (Army and Air Force) and lieutenant commander (Navy) who receive pensions from the government.
Chiu Chih-wei (邱志偉), a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), introduced the amendment after it became clear that officers like Lu, who retired at a lower rank, were not subject to the same penalties. According to the Ministry of National Defense, because Lu was a lieutenant commander, he was not eligible for penalties such as the revocation of his pension or medals.
The draft amendment, submitted on November 15, stipulates that if retired officers’ actions harm Taiwan’s dignity, their pensions could be suspended or revoked based on the severity of their actions.
Government Officials Back the Proposal
On Thursday, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) also expressed support for the amendment. Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑), the spokesperson for the MAC, emphasized the importance of protecting Taiwan’s national security and dignity in the face of external threats, especially from China.
Liang further addressed concerns about balancing the proposed law with freedom of speech, stating that while Taiwan values democratic principles, there should be limits when speech undermines national interests. He noted that certain actions and words must be rooted in “basic morality and conscience,” and that such behavior should not be shielded under the banner of free speech.
Opposition Response: Concerns Over Freedom of Speech
While the proposal has received broad support from officials, not everyone is in favor of expanding the restrictions. Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷), a legislator from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of restricting the speech of retired military officers. On a TVBS political commentary show, Hung emphasized that Lu should be held personally accountable for his remarks, but he criticized the ruling DPP for attempting to restrict dissent and freedom of expression.
Hung argued that Taiwan is a country that values free speech, and restricting such speech, especially among military officers who have served the country, could set a troubling precedent. His comments highlight the ongoing debate over how far the government should go in regulating speech and behavior, particularly when it comes to former military personnel.
Legislative Road Ahead
The proposed amendments will now undergo further deliberation in the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan’s parliament. Currently, the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) hold the majority of seats in the legislature, with 60 out of 113 seats. For the proposal to pass, at least one of these opposition parties must lend its support.
As of now, neither the KMT nor the TPP has issued an official statement on whether they will back the amendment. The proposal’s future will depend largely on the outcome of negotiations and whether the amendments can strike a balance between national security and individual freedoms.
Key Points of the Proposed Amendments
| Proposed Amendment | Current Law | New Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Retired officers of major general or higher rank | Retired officers of major or lieutenant commander rank and above |
| Penalties for Inappropriate Remarks | None for lower-ranking officers | Suspension of pensions for those harming Taiwan’s dignity |
| Application | Primarily applies to senior officers | Expands to include those receiving lifetime pensions from the military |
| Rationale | Prevent actions harmful to Taiwan’s sovereignty | Protect Taiwan’s national dignity and security |
FAQs:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What prompted the proposed amendments to the Cross-Strait Act? | Retired lieutenant commander Lu Li-shih’s remarks at the Airshow China were seen as harmful to Taiwan’s dignity. |
| Who will be affected by the new restrictions? | The amendments will affect retired military officers ranked major and above, including those receiving lifetime pensions. |
| What penalties are proposed for retired officers? | Officers found to have harmed Taiwan’s dignity could face suspension or revocation of their pensions and military honors. |
| How does the amendment balance freedom of speech? | The amendment aims to protect Taiwan’s national dignity while acknowledging freedom of speech, with limits on speech that undermines national interests. |
| What is the next step in the legislative process? | The proposed amendments will be debated and voted on in the Legislative Yuan. They require support from opposition parties to pass. |
Conclusion: Protecting Taiwan’s Sovereignty and Dignity
The proposed amendments to the Cross-Strait Act are a significant step in protecting Taiwan’s national dignity and sovereignty from external pressures. While the proposals have sparked debate over issues of freedom of speech, the government appears determined to prevent future incidents that could harm Taiwan’s standing on the international stage.
