Research, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA
News on International Human Rights Day, Honduras, Taiwan
News (1)
On International Human Rights Day Chinese across the U.S. call for "No human rights, No Olympics"
Reporter : Xu Lihui / Editor : Jialian / https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/21/12/11/n13430557.htm
Image : In the afternoon of 10 December 2021, the Los Angeles China Democracy Party held a "No Human Rights, No Olympics" International Human Rights Day in front of the Hollywood Walk of Fame to indict the CCP for crimes. (Provided by Jie Lijian)
On 10 December 1948, the United Nations adopted the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights", which was also designated as International Human Rights Day. In the past 73 years, the human rights situation in China under the CCP’s rule has become more and more worrying. On Human Rights Day, Chinese people in the United States gathered one after another to call on all countries to boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics and demand that the authorities stop violations of human rights.
In the morning of 10 December 2021, more than a dozen Hong Kong people and supporters in exile held up the slogan "No Rights No Games" in front of the Louisiana State Government Building to protest the Beijing Winter Olympics. (Provided by Zheng Cunzhu)
At 9 am on 10 December (Friday), more than a dozen Hong Kongers and supporters gathered in front of the Louisiana State Government building, holding up the slogan "No Rights No Olympics" and calling for a global boycott Beijing Winter Olympics. Li Shiyong, the organizer of the event, said that although there are not many local Chinese, everyone wants to stand up and speak out, "No matter how many people there are, there will always be people around the world who will stand up against the CCP's brutality."
Zheng Cunzhu, a pro-democracy activist from Los Angeles, who participated in the protests, said that in the past three decades, mainstream Western countries have adopted an acceptance method to integrate the mainland into the world through economic exchanges. At the same time, he hopes that the Chinese Communist government will take the initiative to implement political reforms along with economic development and marketization and finally transformed into a democratic country but things went counter-intuitive. After economic development, the CCP used financial resources and technology to not only perverse domestically and follow the old path of the "Cultural Revolution" but also export communist totalitarian ideology to the world in an attempt to subvert the foundation of Western democratic systems.
Zheng Cunzhu believes that "Hong Kong is the Communist Party's test of the Western world. By suppressing Hong Kong's anti-transmission movement, it deprives Hong Kong people of judicial independence, democracy and freedom."
He also said that the authorities' suppression of the Hong Kong democratic movement in 2019 has allowed Western democracies to recognize the nature of the Communist Party. Therefore, the major democracies have expressed their resistance to the Beijing Winter Olympics. He believes that more countries will continue to stand out.
From 9 to 10 December, the United States convened 110 countries to hold the World Democracy Summit. The organizers invited representatives of the government of the Republic of China and Hong Kong people in exile to participate but the CCP was excluded. Zheng Cunzhu believes that this means that the Western democratic camp has finally realized the danger of communist totalitarianism infiltrating the West and the need to be united and have a clear attitude to hold high the banner of human rights and declare war on the dictatorship.
At 3 pm on the 10th, the Los Angeles China Democracy Party also held the "No Human Rights, No Olympics" International Human Rights Day indicting the CCP’s crimes in front of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Many people took the stage to speak.
One of the organizers Jie Lijian said that under the rule of the CCP, people in Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang and other places have been deprived of their human rights. Recently, many Chinese human rights activists and their families have been banned again. Human rights activist Guo Feixiong was unable to leave the country, and citizen journalist Zhang Zhan suffered, sentenced and detained. Jie said, "The CCP has committed countless crimes, and the accusers are very active, and everyone is very passionate."
China is still one of the countries with the worst human rights record. "Such a human rights disaster is not worthy of hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics. We must boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics." Jie Lijian said.
Jin Xiuhong, the vice chairman of the "Front for a Democratic China", said: "International Human Rights Day is a day to defend freedom. We must not forget the dark methods of the CCP; democracy is not to eliminate the voices of others and cannot be used." She reminded that the CCP not only organizes the international activities and the use of the media to "cleanse" themselves, and they are still using various methods to penetrate overseas in order to achieve their untouchable goals. She thinks that we should no longer believe in the specious statement that "the CCP will reform". Many spies and pro-communists are "helping out with a small scolding" in an attempt to confuse the public.
According to Jin Xiuhong, in response to Biden’s Democracy Summit, International Human Rights Day and boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, the "FDC" recently released related videos, hoping that more people can learn about the CCP’s abuse of human rights through the Internet.
News (2)
On International Human Rights Day U.S. Embassy in China: Accountable to the CCP for trampling on human rights
Editor : Xia Yu / https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/21/12/10/n13430057.htm
Friday (December 10) is International Human Rights Day. The Chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in China issued a statement condemning the CCP’s violations of human rights in many ways; and that the United States and its partners have responsibility to promote accountability for the violation of human rights by China (the Chinese Communist Party).
At the same time, the United States held the global "Summit for Democracy" (The Summit for Democracy) from 9 to 10 December, inviting about 110 national and regional leaders and civil society organizations. Taiwan was invited to participate, but China and Russia were excluded.
This year marks the 73rd anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in China David Meale wrote in a statement that the United States is committed to fulfilling its commitments in the declaration and recognizes that it is a solemn task for the United States to promote respect for human rights at home and abroad. The United States is hosting a democracy summit. Democracies from all over the world are working with the United States to resist authoritarianism, fight corruption, and promote respect for human rights.
Mild said that since taking office in Beijing, he has seen China (the CCP) and its official media talk about the domestic challenges of the United States. "We welcome these discussions and call on China (the CCP) to accept criticism in the same way."
"If there is to be a genuine and vibrant democracy, its governance model must be able to guarantee the freedom of public debate and expression-even when expressing criticism of the government of the country, freedom of the press and the people through free and fair elections The right to express political will is vital to democracy," Mild said in the statement.
The statement subsequently listed the CCP’s various acts of trampling on human rights.
"I have witnessed China's progress in many areas, but I have also seen China (the CCP) falsely claim that it supports human rights and democratic values in China, in the international media, and in the United Nations. On the Xinjiang issue, Secretary of State Blinken has confirmed China (the CCP) has committed genocide and crimes against humanity, endangering Uyghurs, the majority of which are Muslims, and other ethnic and religious minorities. The United States reiterates its call to China (the CCP) to stop atrocities and release those who have been improperly committed. Detainees and allow independent investigators to travel to the area unimpeded. We call on China (the CCP) to allow Tibetan Buddhists to believe in their freedom of belief and stop violating their right to self-determination. On the Hong Kong issue, we remain extremely concerned about national security. The collapse of Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy under the law, and the continued deterioration of the rights and freedoms of its residents under protection," the statement read.
Meale then mentioned the CCP’s violations of the human rights of Chinese citizens who exercise human rights and fundamental freedoms in a wider range of areas, including the exercise of freedom of expression. He stated in the statement that according to reports, China (the CCP) imprisoned them, tortured them, and made them disappear. In order to obscure facts and suppress freedom of the press, journalists face personal and digital threats and harassment. As NGOs’ ability to operate and receive support faces greater constraints, the space for civil society continues to shrink. Lawyers cannot perform their basic functions to defend the rights of citizens, because they themselves face intimidation from the police, continue to face the risk of being disqualified as lawyers, and severe restrictions on speech.
The statement also emphasized that human rights have no borders and are not internal affairs.
Mild quoted Secretary of State Blinken as saying: "The United States does not claim to be perfect but we are committed to improving every day, taking responsibility for ourselves, and becoming a more complete federation. We openly and transparently face our own challenges and let the world can see it all."
"I hope that China (the CCP) can fulfill its commitments and obligations, trust its citizens, conduct transparent governance, and protect human rights. In this case, China (the CCP) can begin to align its actions with its responsibilities to the Chinese people and the international community. Be consistent. Until then, the United States and our partners have a responsibility to promote accountability for China's (CCP) violations of human rights." The statement said at the end.
News (3)
U.S. imposes human rights sanctions, Chinese Communist Party officials and companies blacklisted
On 10 December, the US Treasury Department announced that it would impose sanctions on entities and individuals that severely violate human rights. Two CCP officials and a company were blacklisted.
On 10 December, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions against 15 individuals and 10 entities in 8 countries for their human rights violations and repression.
Among them, SenseTime Group, a Chinese artificial intelligence company sanctioned by the United States, is accused of cooperating with the Chinese government to use facial recognition technology to monitor Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
This sanction will prohibit American individuals or companies from investing in SenseTime. SenseTime's initial public offering in Hong Kong was immediately affected. It is said that the company had to postpone its listing plan.
In addition, the Acting Chairman of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Government, Alken Tuniyaz and the former Chairman, Sheklaiti Zakr, were directly responsible for the detention of more than 1 million Uyghurs and were sanctioned by the United States.
News (4) to (7) / Reporter : Li Lan / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2021/12/10/a103290755.html
News (4)
Speeches at the Summit for Democracy Summit
On 10 December, the democracy summit involving hundreds of countries around the world entered the second day. The representative of the Republic of China Tang Feng and the former Hong Kong legislator Nathan Law delivered speeches separately for the freedom of Taiwan and Hong Kong. Democracy speaks.
News (5)
Nathan Law urges Hong Kong people to persist
On International Human Rights Day on 10 December, former Hong Kong legislator Nathan Law, wearing a black T-shirt with the iconic pattern of Hong Kong protesters, appeared at the Global Democracy Summit convened by the United States.
Former Hong Kong Legislative Council Member Nathan Law said, "Beijing implemented the National Security Law in Hong Kong in the summer of 2020, destroying Hong Kong’s civil society. My experience has highlighted how a city once hailed as the freest city in Asia is under our watch, sinking into an authoritarian police city."
Nathan Law, who was persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party and went into exile in the United Kingdom, described the reality of Hong Kong's democracy retreat under the suppression of the Chinese Communist Party through personal experience, and bluntly stated the reasons for this situation.
Nathan Law added, "For a long time, the international community has embraced the rise of China (the Communist Party), but has not established a mechanism to check and balance it. Maybe some people are afraid to offend General Secretary Xi Jinping, maybe some people don’t want to give up the Chinese market, maybe some people don't recognise the threat to democratic values. This is exactly why we failed, and this is why we must change."
The entire summit only set up two midfield speech sessions, one is Venezuelan interim president Juan Guaidó, who does not recognize the current dictatorship, and the other is Nathan Law. Nathan's speech was arranged between the two discussion sessions of "protection of human rights" and "consolidation of democracy and confrontation with authority".
Former Hong Kong Legislative Council Member Luo Guancong said, "In order to see hope, we must first persist. It is also because of persistence that we see hope."
Finally, Nathan Law spoke his thoughts about Hong Kong people in Cantonese.
News (6)
Taiwan's critical role in promoting global freedom, democracy and human rights
Tang Feng (above), one of Taiwan's representatives who has received much attention, and a member of the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China, also gave a video speech on the same day.
Tang Feng, Political Committee Member of the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China: "At a time when Taiwan’s democracy is in the ascendant, we have always stood firmly at the forefront of the global fight against authoritarianism, and played a leading role in promoting global freedom, democracy, and human rights."
Tang Feng announced that Taiwan, in response to US President Biden’s initiative, has pledged to fund independent media and combat transnational corruption projects.
In addition, in response to Nicaragua's choice to suddenly sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan during the democratic summit under pressure from the Chinese Communist Party, Tang Feng responded that Taiwan would never bow to authoritarian forces.
President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China also responded on the 10th, stating that no matter how much pressure the mainland exerts, it will not change Taiwan's determination and efforts to uphold democracy and freedom.
News (7)
There is a long way to go to strengthen democracy
At the end of the two-day democracy summit, Biden said that the road to strengthening democracy is difficult and there is a long way to go.
U.S. President Biden said, "When we conclude this democracy summit, the final message I want to convey is: Democracy is everywhere. Autocratic regimes will never be able to extinguish the spark of freedom burning in the hearts of all regions and people around the world."
News (8) to (9) / Reporter : Qiao An / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2021/12/10/a103290591.html, https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2021/12/10/a103290595.html
News (8)
Four-nation joint statement to curb the export of high-tech to authoritarian countries
The four governments of the United States, Australia, Denmark and Norway who attended the "Democracy Summit" signed a joint statement to jointly launch the "Export Control and Human Rights Initiative."
On 10 December, the governments of the United States, Australia, Denmark, and Norway stated in a joint statement that “advanced technologies are an important part of global economic growth and communications”, and that “the legal trade and responsible use of these technologies will affect future generations. Well-being is essential". But at the same time, "authoritarian governments are increasingly using surveillance tools and other related technologies to severely violate human rights within their borders and international borders, including during transnational repression, censoring political opposition and tracking dissidents. Through this approach the benefits of advanced technology to the people of all countries will be wiped out."
The four countries promised that in the "year of action" after the Democracy Summit, they will work hard to establish a voluntary written code of conduct, based on which like-minded countries can make political commitments, "using export control tools to prevent serious violations of human rights. The diffusion of software and other technologies (to authoritarian countries)."
Canada, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, that also attended the "Summit for Democracy", have all made clear their stances and expressed their support for this joint statement.
News (9)
The U.S. military officially ends combat operations in Iraq
Iraq announced on 9 December 2021 (Thursday) that the US military officially ended its anti-terrorism operations in Iraq. In the future, the coalition forces headed by the United States will transform into an advisory role.
Ma An, Director of Media Affairs of the Iraqi Ministry of Internal Affairs, said, "According to the agreed result, the coalition forces will all end the transition to non-combat missions by the end of this year."
The U.S. military officially ends its military combat missions in Iraq, which means that the Iraqi military will bear all the responsibility for combating the terrorist organization of the Islamic State in the future, and the U.S. will only act as an advisor and technical support.
The Pentagon said on Thursday that there are still about 2,500 US troops stationed in Iraq.
News (10)
The pro-CCP attitude of the new president has reversed! The new government of Honduras: Maintain relations with Taiwan
Image : Reuters
Nicaragua suddenly announced the severance of diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) on 10 December, and immediately resumed diplomatic relations with China. People from all walks of life are concerned about whether there will be a domino effect. Among them, Honduras, another friendly country, just held a presidential election last month. The new government’s attitude towards us has attracted attention from all walks of life. Today foreign media reported that two members of the Honduras post-election power transfer team revealed that the new government will maintain its relationship with the Republic of China.
Honduras held a presidential election on 28 November 2021. The elected leftist president-elect Xiomara Castro showed her willingness to establish diplomatic relations with CCP China during the election campaign. In this regard, Honduras' Quasi-Vice President, Salvador Nasralla, emphasized after the election they consider the United States is both in terms of trade or history is very important. The close ally Honduras will maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan for 80 years and will not develop relations with CCP China.
According to comprehensive foreign media reports, on the second day after Nicaragua switched to resuming diplomatic relations with China, two senior members of the Honduras regime transfer team stated that the country would maintain relations with Taiwan. Gerardo Torres, Secretary of International Relations of the Liberal Party and a member of the Castro team, said that the new government will not sever ties with Taipei. Castro has made it clear that these relations will continue, and no one in the party wants to alienate the government from the United States.
However, another member of the power transfer team, Rodolfo Pastor, is open to the possibility of Honduras' future recognition of China, and calls China the "new superpower", Honduras The matter is being studied. He also said that he hopes that Honduras will have diversified international relations in the future but he emphasized that relations with Taiwan will not change immediately like Nicaragua.
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