Taiwanese-Americans in Los Angeles Protest Against Taiwan's National Assembly Reform Bill

Hundreds of Taiwanese-Americans gathered in Los Angeles to protest against Taiwan's National Assembly Reform Bill, which was passed on May 28, 2024. The bill, proposed by the Kuomintang (KMT) and its allies, has faced significant criticism from various quarters, including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led by President-elect Lai Ching-te.

Why this matters: The passage of Taiwan's National Assembly Reform Bill has significant implications for the country's democratic institutions and the balance of power between the ruling parties and the opposition. If implemented, the bill could lead to a consolidation of power and erosion of civil liberties, potentially destabilizing the region and affecting Taiwan's relationships with other countries.

The protesters in Los Angeles voiced concerns over what they perceive as an abuse of power by the ruling parties. They argue that the bill infringes on civil liberties and targets the incoming administration. The bill grants the Legislative Yuan more oversight and investigative powers, including criminalizing officials who make false statements in parliament.

The National Assembly Reform Bill has been a source of intense debate in Taiwan, leading to a physical brawl in the parliament. Lawmakers from the DPP, KMT, and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) were involved in the fight, which saw punching, kicking, and shoving. The brawl was temporarily halted but resumed later, continuing until the afternoon.

Wang Mei-hui, a DPP lawmaker, expressed her opposition to the bill, stating, "Why are we opposed? We want to be able to have discussions, not for there to be only one voice in the country." Conversely, Jessica Chen, a KMT legislator, argued that the DPP's resistance to the bill stems from their desire to maintain power, saying, "The DPP does not want this to be passed as they have always been used to monopolizing power."

The formation of the new government in Taiwan is already contentious, with the DPP losing its majority in parliament despite winning the January elections. The opposition KMT holds more seats than the DPP but lacks a majority and is seeking to form a coalition with the TPP.

Protests against the bill have not been confined to Taiwan. Demonstrations erupted in Taipei and other parts of Taiwan on May 17, with the largest protest drawing between 50,000 to 100,000 attendees at the Legislative Yuan. Overseas Taiwanese in the US have also been active, raising over $80,000 to feature a billboard in Times Square, New York City, and launching an international petition.

The protest movement, dubbed the Bluebird Movement, has been marked by heated debates and occasional violence. Named after the location of the main protests on Qingdao East Road, the movement has sparked widespread opposition to the bill.

The protests in Los Angeles and the parliamentary brawl in Taiwan highlight the deep divisions between the ruling parties and the opposition. The new government formation remains disputed, and the implications of the National Assembly Reform Bill continue to be a contentious issue.

Key Takeaways

• Taiwan's National Assembly Reform Bill sparks protests in LA and Taiwan.
• Bill grants Legislative Yuan more power, sparking concerns of abuse of power.
• Opposition parties, including DPP, argue bill infringes on civil liberties.
• Physical brawl erupts in Taiwan's parliament over the bill.
• Protests, dubbed the Bluebird Movement, spread globally, including in the US.