President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday warned of external threats while honoring a former political prisoner at a memorial service in Taipei. He delivered the remarks while presenting a posthumous presidential citation to Liu Chin-shih, a veteran democracy activist and former chairperson of the Formosa Political Prisoners Association. The ceremony highlighted Taiwan’s democratic legacy while reinforcing calls for unity amid mounting regional pressure. Lai said confronting external threats now requires the same resolve earlier generations showed resisting authoritarian rule.
Lai spoke at Che-lam Presbyterian Church, a historic site closely associated with Taiwan’s democracy and human rights movements. He praised Liu’s lifelong commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights during decades of political repression. At the same time, Lai urged citizens to strengthen solidarity as Taiwan faces external threats targeting its political system. He emphasized unity as essential for safeguarding democratic institutions.
The president contrasted past internal repression with present external threats confronting Taiwan’s society. He said Liu’s generation fought autocratic rule imposed by the Chinese Nationalist Party, while today’s generation faces pressure from outside forces. Lai argued that democratic resilience depends on collective responsibility across political and social divisions. He described unity as a strategic necessity rather than a symbolic ideal.
Liu was born in Suao Township, Yilan County, and witnessed violence during the 1947 February 28 Massacre as a child. Lai said those events planted a lasting conviction that Taiwan’s future required democracy and self-determination. In 1962, authorities arrested Liu for participating in the pro-independence Hsing-tai Association. He later served a ten-year prison sentence during Taiwan’s authoritarian era.
Despite imprisonment and hardship, Liu continued advocating democratic reform after his release. He helped establish the Formosa Political Prisoners Association to support victims of political persecution and their families. Lai said the organization became Taiwan’s first formal association for former political prisoners. He described this work as a cornerstone of Taiwan’s transitional justice process.
Lai cited biblical scripture to describe Liu’s life as defined by perseverance and moral conviction. He said Liu’s contributions continue shaping Taiwan’s democratic institutions and civic values today. According to Lai, honoring such figures strengthens public commitment to freedom and accountability. These principles, he added, remain vital when responding to external threats.
Political observers view Lai’s remarks as part of a broader effort to connect historical memory with contemporary security concerns. His comments come amid heightened regional tensions and increased public debate over national resilience. Analysts say emphasizing democratic heritage helps build consensus around policy responses to external threats. Such messaging also aims to reduce partisan polarization.
Looking ahead, Lai urged citizens to carry forward the spirit of past democratic struggles into future governance. He said Taiwan must protect its democratic achievements through participation, vigilance, and social cohesion. The government, he added, will continue reinforcing institutions while managing external threats carefully. Lai concluded that Liu’s legacy offers enduring guidance for Taiwan’s democratic future.
