Taiwanese retired general (retired general) Zang Youxia was reported by the media to have stood up to listen to the national anthem of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) while attending an event in Hong Kong. Taiwan’s Premier Su Tseng-chang has stated that the Ministry of National Defense has been instructed to promptly investigate and handle the situation. The Ministry of National Defense has indicated that they will commence an investigation and take legal action accordingly.
According to Mirror Weekly reports, retired general and former chairman of the Huang Fuxing Party branch of the Kuomintang Zang Youxia, was monitored by security personnel. In August, he not only attended pro-unification activities in Hong Kong but also stood up to listen to the CCP national anthem being played during the event.
During a press conference after the executive meeting today (5th), Taiwan’s acting Executive Yuan spokesperson Xie Zihan quoted Premier Su Tseng-chang as expressing his distress over the behavior of several retired generals who stood up to listen to the CCP national anthem during global Chinese unity and peace promotion events. Premier Su Tseng-chang compared this to the touching moment when the audience loudly sang the national anthem of the Republic of China (Taiwan) after Taiwanese male badminton players won gold at the Paris Olympics. He found the behavior of the retired generals heartbreaking and unacceptable.
Premier Su Tseng-chang pointed out that the Ministry of National Defense believes that the actions of the retired generals have violated Article 9-3-1 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, constituting a serious act of disrespect towards the nation. He emphasized that while individuals are entitled to differing opinions, their behaviors should not impact or contradict existing national policies. Standing up to listen to the CCP national anthem could have a very negative impact on the perception of the nation by both the people and the world. The Ministry of National Defense is determined to promptly investigate and address the situation.
In a press release on the 4th, the Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan stated that in response to media reports, a certain retired general was invited to attend an event hosted by the CCP in Hong Kong, raising suspicions of “acts that harm national dignity.” The Ministry of National Defense will initiate an investigation and convene a review meeting with relevant agencies such as the National Security Bureau, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Justice, Mainland Affairs Council, and Veterans Affairs Council to assess the case and take legal actions accordingly.
The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan also urges retired military personnel to speak and act with caution, avoid participating in invitations from the mainland, and uphold national security and dignity.
According to the regulations of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, retired generals participating in political, military, or administrative activities organized by the mainland that may harm national dignity may have their monthly retirement benefits suspended for 5 years at a rate of 50% to 100%. In severe cases, the monthly retirement benefits may be revoked, and honorary titles and medals may be canceled. Individuals violating national security laws may face penalties as stipulated in the National Security Law and Classified National Security Information Protection Act.
DPP Legislative Yuan Caucus Secretary-General Wu Si-yao stated on the 3rd during a media interview at the Legislative Yuan that Article 9-3 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area was amended in 2019. If any retired generals go to China or Hong Kong to participate in party or government events, pledge allegiance to the CCP, and commit acts that harm Taiwan’s national dignity, clear laws and regulations are in place for enforcement, with subsequent reviews to be conducted by the responsible authority, the Ministry of National Defense.
Wu Si-yao emphasized that if national dignity was indeed compromised, and retired generals sing along with enemy political views on enemy territory, this is the greatest irony against military dignity. Especially during the Double Tenth National Day celebrations, military personnel who safeguard Taiwan’s territorial security, freedom, and democratic values will not be able to accept such retired generals who sing along with enemy views while receiving salaries from the nation.
In accordance with Article 9-3 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, political deputy heads and personnel of the rank of major general or above who have served in national defense, diplomacy, mainland affairs, or related agencies, or heads of intelligence agencies, are prohibited from participating in celebrations or activities organized by mainland political, military, administrative, or political organizations or groups that may harm national dignity.