Taiwanese American youth voice Taiwan’s right to self-determination during China leader’s visit to Washington

WASHINGTON (Jan. 18, 2011) – Activist group Formosan Association for Public Affairs Young Professionals Group is scheduled to hold demonstration and outreach events in major U.S. cities including Washington, Boston, New York and San Francisco to voice support for Taiwan in light of Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011.  See below for a complete list of times, locations and contact information. Taiwanese-American youths aim to address security concerns in the Taiwan Strait and urge China to respect Taiwan’s right to international participation.

“Though many second generation Taiwanese-Americans do not have direct ties with Taiwan,” said Eileen Lin, coordinator of the Young Professionals Group, “We understand the importance of democracy and human rights since these are fundamental values taught here in America.  We want the same for our friends and relatives in Taiwan without interference from China.”

The Group asserts five demands to President Hu to highlight Taiwan’s security and sovereignty concerns and urges President Obama to pay heed to U.S.-China engagement strategy without compromising America’s core values of freedom, democracy and human rights, as embodied in Taiwan.

The five demands are:
1.     Respect Taiwanese freedom and democracy;
2.     Recognize the right of the Taiwanese people to self-determination;
3.     Dismantle the 1,600 missiles and threatening weaponry pointed at Taiwan;
4.     End Taiwan’s international political isolation, particularly to international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization;
5.     End Chinese economic and political manipulation of Taiwan.

“Many Americans do not know that Taiwan is the ninth largest trading partner of the U.S. and a responsible international player which has a lot to offer the world, especially in fields of medicine and information technology,” Lin adds.

She said the purpose of FAPA-YPG in conducting outreach activities is to inform the American public more about Taiwan.

In addition, other human rights groups, such as Students for a Free Tibet, are scheduled to join the nationwide outreach event.

Location, Time and Contact Information:

Washington D.C.:  Lafayette Square Park starting from 12 p.m. EST
Contact: Eileen Lin
Work: (202) 547-3686
Cell: (571) 314-4660
Email: elin@ypg.fapa.org

Boston: Harvard Square starting from 6 p.m. EST
Contact: Chia-Chun Chung
Cell: (718) 490-1657
Email: jchung1@gmail.com

New York: Union Station starting from 6:30 p.m. EST
Contact: William Chen
Cell: (978) 460-3509
Email: wkchen13@gmail.com

San Francisco: Chinese Consulate starting from 12 p.m. PST
Contact: Steven Chang
Cell: (415) 513-2986
Email: emailstevenchang@gmail.com