Image reproduced from NOWnews 今日新聞

Recently, at a rally held in the North Court to support former chairman of the People's Party, Ko Wen-je, a surprising statement was made by a 19-year-old supporter. He declared that "if he had to go to battle, he would unconditionally surrender to the People's Liberation Army (PLA)". This remark caused a stir in the crowd. Legislator Lin Bing-you from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suggested if such a declaration can lead to the immediate cancellation of national treatment for the declarer.

Many netizens expressed strong opinions regarding this incident, with one commenter proposing that those who declare allegiance or unification should first have their health insurance benefits frozen, and the government should assist them in obtaining Chinese citizenship, allowing them to lead a fulfilling life. This suggestion resonated with many others who viewed it as a form of reprimand for acts of surrender.

Former Taoyuan city councilor Wang Haoyu stated that this behavior may have violated the Criminal Law governing the military in Taiwan, potentially deserving a prison sentence of over seven years for treason, and he has considered reporting this matter to the authorities.

This incident has sparked discussions regarding the current tense cross-strait relations, highlighting the youth's extreme emotions and concerns about the relationship between Taiwan and China. In a politically charged environment, the comments made by young people are increasingly scrutinized. Both the People's Party and the DPP have different viewpoints, leading to active discussions and reflections across social media and news outlets.

Amidst this, the occurrence of this event coincided with Ko Wen-je facing political pressure, making the mobilization of the People's Party’s supporters crucial. The controversy surrounding Ko's involvement in the Jinghua City case remains a significant challenge for the People's Party, and every action of their supporters is closely observed by both party members and the public.

In this context, the line between freedom of speech and legal constraints becomes increasingly important. Various perspectives on this issue spark discussions on democracy, freedom, and accountability, with some arguing that young people's comments reflect concerns for the future of their nation, while others worry that such statements might incite more intense societal discord.

The future development of cross-strait relations will be closely related to the views of these young people, and this incident may serve as the starting point for more discussions of a similar nature moving forward.