At 7:30 p.m. on March 8th, the 156th “Cross-Strait Talk” (General 241st), hosted by China Cross-Strait Academy (Hong Kong) and Xiamen Qidataixiang Entrepreneurship Service Co., Ltd., was successfully held at the Tencent Conference with the theme of “Reflections on Taiwan Becoming a Heaven for Criminals: Addressing the Death of a Taiwanese Police Officer in a Collision”.
Recently, the Badu Police Station in Keelung was rammed by a truck, resulting in the injury to one police officer and the death of another. The suspect, a man surnamed Chien in his thirties, who allegedly rammed the pickup truck into the police station, abandoned the truck and fled. But he was subsequently struck by a train while crossing the Nuannuan District and died on the spot. Initial police investigations suggested that the suspect had a history of drug-related offenses and may have exhibited symptoms of auditory and visual hallucinations. However, the precise motive and reasons behind the incident still remained to be clarified. Following the event, the police authorities in Taiwan is deliberating on how to strengthen security measures of police stations. Suggestions being considered include relocating the stations or implementing physical barriers at their entrances. However, these measures are seen as temporary and somewhat desperate measures. How is it that police stations have become dangerous places in Taiwan? Besides mourning the loss, we must address a crucial question: Is Taiwan inadvertently tolerating or even encouraging crime? Unless the current structures that tolerate crime in Taiwan are changed, various heinous crimes will only become more frequent. In this “Cross-Strait Talk”, China Cross-Strait Academy (Hong Kong) specially invited Chiu Yi, a three-term Taiwan legislator, and also a member of the Central Committee of KMT, to discuss the topic of “Reflections on Taiwan Becoming a Heaven for Criminals: Addressing the Death of a Taiwanese Police Officer in a Collision”. The discussion would focus on various aspects, such as why public security issues in Taiwan remain unresolved, who should be held accountable for the neglect of police officers’ personal safety, why annual crackdowns on crime in Taiwan yield minimal results, and how to improve the current state of public security in Taiwan. Luo Dingjun, Secretary General of China Cross-Strait Academy (Hong Kong), served as the host of the meeting.
Chiu Yi pointed out that the current social disorder in Taiwan has put police officers in a constant state of concern for their safety. He attributed this situation primarily to the low cost of crime. In Taiwan, criminals face low probabilities of being caught and lenient sentencing standards. Moreover, there's a high likelihood of parole after sentencing, and even within prison, criminals can live comfortably. Consequently, the extremely low cost of crime fails to deter offenders and, instead, enhances their reputation in criminal circles, making them increasingly audacious and fearless. On the other hand, police officers encounter numerous challenges after resorting to firearms, leading to their reluctance to use them during pursuits and causing significant obstacles in their apprehension efforts.
Additionally, the intricate web of intersecting power in Taiwan involves many politicians serving as significant protectors for criminals. Numerous county and city councilors are deeply involved in both politics and illicit activities, forming mutually beneficial relationships that provide support behind the scenes. Within this intertwined network, drugs play an exceptionally significant role, with approximately eighty percent of crimes in Taiwan being drug-related. The substantial financial investment required for drug consumption and the delusional effects afterward contribute to a plethora of criminal activities. Meanwhile, significant loopholes in ammunition management in Taiwan have led to a proliferation of criminals and a surge in shooting incidents. Furthermore, campus bullying has pushed students onto paths of joining gangs, engaging in prostitution, fraud, and other criminal activities.
In addition to the wonderful speeches delivered by the guests, the online audience also actively participated in the interactive questions on the topic. The audience asked questions about the increasing involvement of young people in crime activities in Taiwan, alongside their perspectives on the Taiwan-related matters discussed in the ongoing national "Two Sessions." All the guests at the meeting answered these questions, and the discussion was heated, highlighting the great concern of young people and scholars on Cross-Strait on the issue.
Chiu Yi also observed that the escalating tension between the two sides of the strait in recent years is undeniable. The potential prospect of warfare in the future has left many young people feeling hopeless. Rather than facing the possibility of dying in battle, some would opt for a reckless and carefree lifestyle now. This mentality, according to Chiu Yi, can be easily exploited by malicious individuals, leading these young individuals to become tools for premeditated group crimes. Moreover, the glorification of criminal characters in many Taiwanese films and television shows has led young people to blindly admire or even imitate such figures and behaviors, consequently contributing to an increase in crime rates.
According to the 2024 national "Two Sessions" report, a notable observation could be the shift away from emphasizing "peaceful reunification" and "cross-strait kinship," to highlighting the "fundamental interests of the Chinese nation" and "upholding the great cause of national reunification." The conveyed message in this regard is significant and cannot be overlooked. Despite the goodwill gestures extended by mainland China, Taiwan has not reciprocated accordingly. Instead, pro-independence elements, emboldened by encouragement from the United States, have intensified their provocations. Under such circumstances, the mainland China naturally may resort to measures it "must take" in the future to uphold its bottom line.
In the end of the meeting, Chiu Yi emphasized that distorted social values inevitably contribute to a rise in crime rates. When addressing the social disorder in Taiwan, it's crucial to contemplate and rectify the intricate interplay of various factors, including social norms, criminal law, public administration, economy, and social values.
Through a brief 1-hour online exchange, more than 350 people from both sides of the strait gathered to discuss the topic of “Reflections on Taiwan Becoming a Heaven for Criminals: Addressing the Death of a Taiwanese Police Officer in a Collision”, to promote cross-strait exchanges with practical actions, and make contributions to maintaining cross-strait peace and development.
As the cross-strait exchange activity synchronized with “Cross-Strait Youth Perspective Forum” and “Smart Youth Integration in the Four Places”, the Cross-Strait Talk, which is launched by China Cross-Strait Academy (Hong Kong), is mainly characterized by gathering authoritative scholars and media workers from Cross-Straits and four places. They will listen to the voice of the Strait, pay attention to the hot spots on both sides of Taiwan Strait, take a global vision, and make a new voice based on both sides of the strait and facing the world.