Reports from the media reveal that retired Taiwanese general (retired general) Zang Youxia stood up to listen to the national anthem of the Communist Party of China while attending an event in Hong Kong. The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China stated that Zang Youxia had indeed violated the regulations on cross-strait relations. As a result, it has been decided to penalize him by suspending 75% of his 5-year monthly retirement benefits and reclaiming and canceling his awards and medals.
According to a report by Mirror Weekly, Zang Youxia, a retired general and former chairman of the Huang Fuxing section of the Kuomintang, was monitored by security units. In August, he not only attended reunification activities in Hong Kong but also stood and listened to the Communist Party’s national anthem during the event without avoiding it.
The Republic of China issued a press release stating that in response to Zang Youxia’s violation of the Regulations on Relations between the People of Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (Cross-Strait Relations Regulations), the Ministry of National Defense explained that the case was handled by the original service agency in accordance with the provisions of the Cross-Strait Relations Regulations. After verifying the facts through various inquiries and consultations with the parties involved, a review meeting was convened on October 9th with the participation of relevant agencies such as the National Security Bureau, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Justice, and Mainland Affairs Council.
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense clarified that after thorough discussion of the case, statements from the parties involved, and opinions of the committee members, Zang Youxia’s attendance at events organized by political organizations or groups in the Mainland region constituted an act that undermined the dignity of the nation, thus violating Article 9, Section 3 of the Cross-Strait Relations Regulations.
Therefore, the Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan has decided to penalize him by “suspending 75% of the 5-year monthly retirement benefits, effective from his actions on August 20th; payments already made will be reclaimed. Furthermore, awards and medals previously received will be confiscated and canceled (excluding service medals and loyal service medals).”
Zang Youxia issued a statement asserting that in order to protect his personal rights and assert his innocence, he immediately appointed a lawyer to seek legal remedy and will hold those responsible accountable without any leniency.
According to Article 9, Section 3 of the Cross-Strait Relations Regulations, political officials holding the rank of vice minister or above in defense, foreign affairs, mainland affairs, or state security agencies, or heads of intelligence agencies, are prohibited from participating in celebrations or events organized by political organizations, institutions, or groups in the Mainland region that may harm the dignity of the nation.