Taiwan’s public policy advocacy, Taiwan think tanks, and other organizations jointly held a “Youth Day on Wednesday” seminar on the 7th to discuss the topic of “Listening to Ukraine’s Street Interviews, Talking about Taiwan” by inviting scholars and experts for discussion. Experts suggested that Taiwan should learn from Ukraine’s experience in resisting Russian aggression to defend against threats from the Chinese Communist Party and strengthen the country’s power.
Host and assistant professor of the Department of Political Science at Soochow University, Chen Fangyu, pointed out that due to the recent changes in the international situation, there are many misunderstandings about Ukraine among the people in Taiwan. However, just like Taiwan, Ukraine is also facing threats from neighboring great powers and even military invasions, making its situation similar to Taiwan’s. Chen emphasized the importance of standing together with Ukraine.
Chen mentioned that this seminar took a different approach by using documentary footage from interviews in Ukraine to bring attention to the country’s current situation among the Taiwanese public.
Guo Meicen, director of the Taiwan Think Tank Survey and Public Opinion Center, stated that previous “Youth Day on Wednesday” events have focused on the Russia-Ukraine war issues, mainly discussing whether aiding Ukraine aligns with various countries’ strategic interests or analyzing the similarities and differences between Taiwan and Ukraine in facing threats from superpowers.
Guo highlighted that this event provided a unique perspective by examining experiences from everyday civilians to resonate more with the concerns of the general population in Taiwan. She hoped that through this discussion, Taiwanese people would rethink their preparedness when faced with aggression from superpowers and consider what actions can be taken for the future.
Independent journalist Liu Zhixin mentioned that the series of activities planned to hold six screenings in five cities in Taiwan with different themes to increase Taiwanese understanding of the Ukrainian situation. Taiwan is not indifferent to the Ukraine war, nor is Ukraine too distant; it’s more about exploring uncharted territories and allowing people in Taiwan to empathize with the plight of Ukrainians.
According to Liu, the way war unfolds is closely related to location, profession, and personal choices one can make during wartime. Different individuals have various experiences and can make different choices based on their circumstances. Through in-depth street interviews, the goal is to provide diverse personal perspectives for a better understanding of Ukraine.
He emphasized that the choices made “when the missiles fell and when they didn’t” demonstrate different possibilities. Taiwan should cherish the current opportunities for making choices, fend off threats from the Chinese Communist Party, and strengthen the country’s power.
During the seminar, three different documentaries were screened. The first segment introduced the 2013-2014 Euromaidan revolution that erupted due to protests against the then-pro-Russian president’s unjust agreements with Russia, leading to the deaths of 112 civilians.
Liu explained that the pro-Russian president’s actions in Ukraine, such as deleting defense budgets and weakening the country’s defense capabilities, resulted in the fast takeover of the Crimea Peninsula, causing more than ten thousand casualties even before a full-scale war. Eventually, Ukraine had to rely on crowdfunding efforts to defend the nation.
The second video documented the interviews of three children who were forcibly separated from their father and deported to Russia, showcasing the agonizing search process between the father and the children.
Liu elaborated that as the city of Mariupol was bombed and Russia engaged in census and purge activities, adults were subjected to forced labor or execution, and Ukrainian children were swiftly transferred under new Russian adoption laws encouraging Russian families to adopt Ukrainian children. The curriculum was altered to indoctrinate Ukrainian children into believing they are Russian, starting military training at a young age, pressuring Ukrainians to kill their fellow countrymen, with over twenty thousand children sent back to Russia.
The third segment depicted the situation at a hospital in the occupied zone, eventually being rescued by the Ukrainian military’s counteroffensive.
Liu underscored the strength of women and their stories, noting how even in the face of Russian forces, women often speak as mothers, saying, “Go back, children, this is not your place.” The hospital’s uniqueness lies in treating both the injured and the attackers, with medical staff standing firm in their positions amidst a war zone. When asked why they didn’t acquire Russian citizenship and embrace a new world under Russia, the medical workers responded, “Knowing what it’s like to live in a free country.”
Guo mentioned that future Wednesday Youth Days will continue to deepen Taiwan’s understanding of the Ukrainian situation through discussions and dialogue, leading to tangible actions and resilience within Taiwan.
After the meeting, the host and youths raised questions regarding “how to promote discussion and communication among Taiwan’s centrists,” “besides diplomatic and defense measures, what other points can resonate with Ukraine,” “the role of local governments during the war process,” and “Russian disinformation.” Participants engaged in detailed analyses and responses to each question.