“【Epoch Times, December 9, 2024】(Reported by Epoch Times reporter Chung Yuan, Taiwan Comprehensive) The ‘Stand up as Taiwan, Relay to Protect Taiwan’ relay event organized by the civic group Black Bear Civil Defense Education Association spanned the entire island of Taiwan, covering a total of 380 kilometers in a 9-day journey. On the 8th day of the event, emotions ran high as citizens tearfully urged, ‘Taiwanese people must awaken.’
The Black Bear Civil Defense Education Association stated that their ‘Stand up as Taiwan, Relay to Protect Taiwan’ relay event aims to show the world that pro-unification views are not representative of mainstream public opinion. Taiwan stands on the frontlines of democracy and freedom, and no matter if it’s in the mountains, at the coast, or on the streets, Taiwanese people will defend their homeland! After enduring scorching sun and chilling winds, the ‘Relay to Protect Taiwan’ event reached its ‘final stop’ on the 8th day.
Starting from Kaohsiung in the south, the team set off on a 9-day journey that converged with others at Taipei’s Liberty Square on Xinyi Road. The Chairman Liu Wen and Executive Director Chu Fu-ming of the Black Bear Civil Defense Education Association delivered speeches on a promotional vehicle, enthusiastically inviting speakers like Li Mingzhe, Lin Bingyou, Ba Jiong, Liu Luoyi, Chen Nantian, and Minnan Wolf. A grand procession of over two thousand people marched along Zhongshan South Road, Jinan Road, Linsen North Road, and Beiping East Road, arriving at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Park to complete the flag-raising ceremony and the ‘DEFEND TAIWAN’ human formation activity.
The procession made its way to the venue amidst welcoming applause, chanting ‘Stand up, no kneeling, sovereignty cannot retreat’ and ‘Prepare civil defense, protect Taiwan.’ The Black Bear Civil Defense Education Association expressed that over the course of 9 days, through the voices of thousands, they conveyed the message that ‘partners across Taiwan share the same belief, and through joining the family protecting Taiwan, they physically act to safeguard this beautiful homeland.’ The nine ‘Stand up as Taiwan’ flags carried into the venue were signed by thousands of participants.
Co-founder and Honorary Dean Shen Boyang of the Black Bear Academy expressed gratitude to the initial fourteen hundred sponsors who played a crucial role in establishing the Black Bear Academy. He particularly thanked the former Honorary Chairman Cao Xingcheng, who participated in the human formation activity with a thousand others, without whom the Black Bear Academy would not have reached its current status.
Shen Boyang emphasized that there are numerous internal traitors in Taiwan undermining the democratic system, aiming to invite the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) into Taiwan and destroy the country. Faced with such threats, Taiwan has no option but to stand firm, which is also the reason behind organizing the ‘Relay to Protect Taiwan’ event. He pointed out that despite the diplomatic efforts of Taiwanese diplomats and civil groups, various parliaments worldwide have begun to support Taiwan, but the CCP spreads propaganda favorable to them through TikTok users worldwide. Therefore, their participation in the ‘Relay to Protect Taiwan’ event is to assert their core values.
Cao Xingcheng pointed out that the UN Declaration of Human Rights clearly states ‘sovereignty resides in the people,’ and Taiwan’s sovereignty lies with the Taiwanese people, not with the Chinese, let alone the CCP’s rogue regime. The future of Taiwan is entirely decided by Taiwan’s 23 million people and should not be subject to foreign interference. However, the CCP asserts to the world and Chinese people that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, despite Taiwan never being under CCP rule. The CCP deceives the world with lies, attempting to turn the Taiwan issue into domestic politics and block international intervention.
He emphasized that they stand up to loudly proclaim in the ‘Relay to Protect Taiwan’ event: Taiwan is not subordinate to the CCP! According to the UN Charter, the CCP’s use of force and cognitive warfare against Taiwan violates the Charter. They aim to let the world know that the CCP’s aggression is a crime against humanity and civilization.
According to Taiwan’s Liberty Times, a 52-year-old woman surnamed Xiao, a caregiver, held a banner in support of the ‘Relay to Protect Taiwan’ walking event, choked with emotion as she expressed hope for Taiwanese awakening, urging them not to fear war and hoping Taiwan will not follow in Hong Kong’s footsteps.
Two sisters in their forties surnamed Que came from Songshan District, Taipei to join the ‘Protect Taiwan’ action, emphasizing the importance of everyone raising their voices. They highlighted that the more people express their thoughts, the stronger their collective voice becomes.
As reported by the Central News Agency, Taiwan Legislator Su Chiao-hui stated that the Black Bear Academy’s ‘Protect Taiwan’ program entered its 9th day, starting from Yingge Station in New Taipei City. Su expressed her delight at the invitation for her office to participate, emphasizing the significance of everyone standing up to protect Taiwan, believing that this event will unite everyone in their identification with Taiwan.
When asked about recent online videos revealing how the CCP bribes internet influencers to influence Taiwan, Su Chiao-hui emphasized that the CCP’s regime has never hidden its ambition to annex Taiwan. Apart from a combination of cultural influence and military intimidation, they have also long utilized Taiwan’s open and democratic society for various cognitive operations online. However, with more CCP influence operations being exposed, more Taiwanese are becoming wary of these clandestine actions.”