Date：July 13, 2017
MAC Press Release No. 51
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), on behalf of the government of the Republic of China today (July 13, 2017) expressed mourning over the death of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and mainland Chinese dissident Mr. Liu Xiaobo and condolences to Mr. Liu's family. During his lifetime, Liu Xiaobo was committed to promoting democracy and human rights movements over a period of nearly three decades. Fearless to power and oppression, he insisted on expressing his demands peacefully. The vision for democratic and constitutional ideals in mainland China he outlined in "Charter 08" earned international praise and should give Beijing authorities cause for consideration and reflection. The Mainland's violations of basic human rights, infringement of the freedom of speech, and disregard for free will over medical treatment seriously contravene global universal values. We solemnly call on the mainland Chinese authorities to respect the basic rights of the people and promptly begin institutional reforms for democratic constitutional government.
The MAC expressed the conviction that the shackles of violence and imprisonment can never quell the people's heartfelt yearning for freedom, democracy, and justice. Beijing needs to treat dissidents with tolerance, inclusively accommodate different views, and fully protect the rights of the people if there is to be adequate supervision and checks and balances over the political system and power in mainland China. This would also be beneficial to harmonious, stable, and progressive institutional development in the Mainland.
The MAC solemnly called on the mainland Chinese authorities to positively and rationally view Liu Xiaobo's forthright admonitions on the development of political and social systems in mainland China, to restore the due civil liberties of the relatives of Liu Xiaobo, promptly release all improperly arrested and detained human rights lawyers and figures, and truly protect their legal rights and interests in response to the concerns of the international community. The MAC also again warned Beijing authorities to promptly acquit improperly detained Taiwan national Li Ming-che and face up to the humanitarian appeal for family visits to maintain benign cross-Strait interactions.