President YOU Attends Press Conference Before Departure of North American Taiwanese Medical Association (NATMA) Ukraine Medical Mission
In his opening remarks, President YOU expressed admiration for the physicians of the medical mission to risk their lives heading towards Ukraine for humanitarian assistance. While NATMA has sent over 20 medical missions to other parts of the world, the Ukraine Medical Mission is particularly unique and commendable for the destination country is still at war.
President YOU took the opportunity to emphasize that the spirit of humanitarianism and care for other nations is inherent to Taiwan. He highlighted that under President Tsai Ing-wen’s leadership, Taiwan voluntarily donated face-masks and other materials to countries in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfilling the spirit of “Taiwan Can Help”. Hence when Taiwan faced difficulties such as vaccines shortage, other nations were willing to reciprocate our favors.
President YOU then explained the roles played by Taiwanese doctors in the historical context of the “Taiwanese spirit”. He stated that it marks the centenary of the "Security Police Incident" this year, when Dr. Shi Huan-chang and Dr. Chiang Wei-shui were arrested for their involvement in advocating for the establishment of the "Taiwan Parliament Anticipation Union (TAPU)" in 1923. Despite being rejected by Taipei North Police Agency, the TAPU was eventually recognized after successful submission of the application to the Tokyo Waseda Police Department in Tokyo. This marked Taiwan's first legally recognized political organization. However, on December 16 of the same year, 99 people were arrested, with 18 members, including six doctors, facing charges under the command of the Japanese Government-General’s Police Bureau. Eventually, among the seven activists being sentenced, two were doctors (Shi Huan-chang and Chiang Wei-shui). President YOU believes that the devotions of those activists/doctors are exemplary manifestations of the Taiwanese Spirit. As one of the Chinese medical classics goes: "A superior physician aims to cure the state; a mediocre one treats the patient while an inferior one would treat a disease". The saying illustrates the spirit of Taiwanese physicians, who strive to heal the nation, care for individuals, and address illnesses. It is evident that the medical community has made significant contributions to Taiwanese democracy. Many doctors, driven by their dedication to healing and saving lives, extend their missions to saving people and the country. President YOU hopes that through media coverage, the noble spirit demonstrated by Taiwanese physicians and medical missions, such as the Ukraine Medical Mission, can be widely promoted and praised.
President YOU further stressed the importance of Taiwan’s preparedness for battles to deter potential wars. He cited Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine as an example. At the start of the military conflict, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine told the US he will not leave the country, for “the fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride”. President YOU claimed Taiwan adopt the same "self-help" approach in the face of eminent threats. While standing at the forefront of authoritarian threats, particularly under the relentless menace from its aggressive neighbor, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Taiwan has to demonstrate its inherent Taiwanese spirit. In addition to the natural barriers of the Taiwan Strait and formidable military defenses, Taiwan has cultivated positive relationships internationally. With those elements combined, it is anticipated that the CCP will be deterred from taking any reckless actions. This concept of strategic deterrence aligns with the principle from Sun Tzu's Art of War: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting”.
In closing, President YOU expressed gratitude and highest respect to the NATMA for their long-term efforts and valuable contributions, which help increase Taiwan's international visibility through their selfless spirit across borders. The President then walked with the Mission to the designated site in front of the legislative chamber to take group photos. The press conference ended in an amicable vibe.
YOU Si-kun: Praises to the NATMA for Upholding “Taiwanese spirit” and Its’ Care for Ukraine.
President YOU Si-kun attended the "Press Conference Before the Departure of the North American Taiwanese Medical Association (NATMA) Ukraine Medical Mission” on the morning of August 28. The event was attended by over 40 dignitaries, including National Policy Advisor to the President Chen Mao-jen, President of the NATMA Dr. Tsai Jung- Tsung, Chairman Tsao Hsing-cheng, Dr. Lin Rong-song, Dr. Han Ming-rong, Chairman Wang Yi-lang, and Ms Liao Hsiao-chun.In his opening remarks, President YOU expressed admiration for the physicians of the medical mission to risk their lives heading towards Ukraine for humanitarian assistance. While NATMA has sent over 20 medical missions to other parts of the world, the Ukraine Medical Mission is particularly unique and commendable for the destination country is still at war.
President YOU took the opportunity to emphasize that the spirit of humanitarianism and care for other nations is inherent to Taiwan. He highlighted that under President Tsai Ing-wen’s leadership, Taiwan voluntarily donated face-masks and other materials to countries in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfilling the spirit of “Taiwan Can Help”. Hence when Taiwan faced difficulties such as vaccines shortage, other nations were willing to reciprocate our favors.
President YOU then explained the roles played by Taiwanese doctors in the historical context of the “Taiwanese spirit”. He stated that it marks the centenary of the "Security Police Incident" this year, when Dr. Shi Huan-chang and Dr. Chiang Wei-shui were arrested for their involvement in advocating for the establishment of the "Taiwan Parliament Anticipation Union (TAPU)" in 1923. Despite being rejected by Taipei North Police Agency, the TAPU was eventually recognized after successful submission of the application to the Tokyo Waseda Police Department in Tokyo. This marked Taiwan's first legally recognized political organization. However, on December 16 of the same year, 99 people were arrested, with 18 members, including six doctors, facing charges under the command of the Japanese Government-General’s Police Bureau. Eventually, among the seven activists being sentenced, two were doctors (Shi Huan-chang and Chiang Wei-shui). President YOU believes that the devotions of those activists/doctors are exemplary manifestations of the Taiwanese Spirit. As one of the Chinese medical classics goes: "A superior physician aims to cure the state; a mediocre one treats the patient while an inferior one would treat a disease". The saying illustrates the spirit of Taiwanese physicians, who strive to heal the nation, care for individuals, and address illnesses. It is evident that the medical community has made significant contributions to Taiwanese democracy. Many doctors, driven by their dedication to healing and saving lives, extend their missions to saving people and the country. President YOU hopes that through media coverage, the noble spirit demonstrated by Taiwanese physicians and medical missions, such as the Ukraine Medical Mission, can be widely promoted and praised.
President YOU further stressed the importance of Taiwan’s preparedness for battles to deter potential wars. He cited Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine as an example. At the start of the military conflict, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine told the US he will not leave the country, for “the fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride”. President YOU claimed Taiwan adopt the same "self-help" approach in the face of eminent threats. While standing at the forefront of authoritarian threats, particularly under the relentless menace from its aggressive neighbor, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Taiwan has to demonstrate its inherent Taiwanese spirit. In addition to the natural barriers of the Taiwan Strait and formidable military defenses, Taiwan has cultivated positive relationships internationally. With those elements combined, it is anticipated that the CCP will be deterred from taking any reckless actions. This concept of strategic deterrence aligns with the principle from Sun Tzu's Art of War: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting”.
In closing, President YOU expressed gratitude and highest respect to the NATMA for their long-term efforts and valuable contributions, which help increase Taiwan's international visibility through their selfless spirit across borders. The President then walked with the Mission to the designated site in front of the legislative chamber to take group photos. The press conference ended in an amicable vibe.