Marching Towards Freedom

"Here in Taiwan, the people have a different idea of patriotism. For them, love of country is about peace and freedom."

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By Andres Chang

In response to China's recent actions, the president of Taiwan called on the people to react. Youth Radio’s Andres Chang attended a protest this past weekend in Taipei, where nearly a million Taiwanese took to the streets to protest China’s new anti-secession law. As Andres recalls, “I felt like I was part of something, even though I was just another green face in the crowd. I felt proud to be there.”

When the president of Taiwan called on the people to protest against China’s actions, I knew I wanted to go. And I did...

On Saturday, March 26, there was a massive protest in Taipei, Taiwan. Local news estimated the size of the crowd to be close to one million. Taiwanese from all over the island poured into the capital city, protesting China's recently adopted anti-secession law. China views Taiwan as a renegade province and has vowed to attack the island should they declare independence.

Like thousands of protesters, I traveled to Taipei in a tour bus. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) organized several bus loads of demonstrators from around the island. Naturally, one group came from Taichung, my city, which also happens to be the largest city in the center of the island.

When I got on the bus, I was welcomed by everyone quite warmly. My wife's friend, Sho Jiao, was the leader of our group. She asked me to introduce myself to the other demonstrators, and to explain why I was taking part in the protest. I said, “I believe in Taiwan and in the people of Taiwan, and today marks a very important day in history.”

While on the bus, I chatted with many of the demonstrators. An older gentleman, Mr. Lan, said, "All the people of Taiwan want independence." Mr. and Mrs. Lan were both from Taichung. "People in Taiwan don't like to speak Chinese," he said, "We speak Taiwanese." Indeed, although Taiwan and China share the same official language, the vast majority of Taiwanese also speak Taiwanese. In fact, outside of the capital city of Taipei, Mandarin Chinese is rarely heard.

Another young fellow I met was named Guang. Guang wore a green jacket with the logo of Taiwan's pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on it. We chatted about politics of course, and, to my surprise, he spoke Spanish! "We're glad Bush supports us," said Guang, referring to a 2000 CNN interview with Aaron Brown, where George W. Bush said he would defend Taiwan "with the full force of the U.S. military" if China attacked. He expressed his hope for President Bush’s continued support through this time of need.

When we finally arrived in Taipei, the bus ride seemed like a mild pep rally compared to the protest. The protest was like a big party, full of festive people, decorations and color. There were loud costumes, live music, and even dogs!

Green is a color that has come to symbolize peace and patriotism in Taiwan. Everywhere you looked, you saw green masses. It was everywhere, on everyone and everything. Giant green balloons spelling "PEACE" were floating in front of the presidential palace. Demonstrators wore green hats, clothes and headbands. They carried green banners, flags and signs. Parents dressed their small children in green. Patriotic pet owners even dressed their dogs in green!

Protestors were pouring in from every corner, marching to the chants of freedom. Young people brought their parents and old people brought their children. Model missiles were erected on the streets symbolizing the missiles China currently points at Taiwan. Anti-China literature was passed out. Petitions floated around for everyone to sign. Some protestors even took pleasure in desecrating mainland China's flag. At one point, the president of Taiwan showed up. I was twenty feet away from him, but that's as close as I got.

There were also a few non-Taiwanese participating in the protest. Alex, an Australian, was there because he believed in "peace, self-rule, freedom.” He believed the world should know what's happening, and everyone should support Taiwan. "China has a bad track record," he said, "look at Hong Kong." Since Hong Kong was returned to mainland China in 1997, the people there have consistently voiced disapproval of not being able to elect their own leaders.

Even though there was a strong security presence, with many young soldiers standing post on every street, it was never needed. It wasn't so much an angry anti-China mob, as it was a peaceful and peace loving pro-Taiwan rally. People were having fun. We chanted about peace, democracy and freedom. Taipei is a crowded city, and I often feel very anonymous there. But today, I felt like I was part of something, even though I was just another green face in the crowd. I felt proud to be there.

It's funny, but in America we often equate patriotism with a big country and a big military. But here in Taiwan, the people have a different idea of patriotism. For them, love of country is about peace and freedom. Yes, they are a small country with a very small military, but as the Jedi Master Yoda said, "Size matters not." And it doesn't matter to the people of Taiwan. Yoda also happens to be green.