Amid frequent disturbances by Chinese military aircraft and warships in Taiwan, German scholar and renowned author Stephan Thome has expressed that Taiwan should demonstrate unity and determination at this moment. He believes that if Taiwan appears hesitant to resist, the pressure imposed by China will only increase.
According to reports from the Central News Agency, Stephan Thome recently appeared on the CNA Podcast “Cultural Plaza,” highlighting that since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it seems that Taiwanese people have started to awaken to the similar dangers faced by Taiwan. He hopes Taiwan can seize this opportunity to make preparations and consider how to deal with China’s actions.
Born in Germany in 1972, Stephan Thome studied philosophy, religious studies, and sinology. He has lived and worked in East Asia for 15 years, conducting research in mainland China, Japan, and Taiwan. He has resided in Taiwan the longest and is married to a Taiwanese. Thome’s works, including “Taiwan Survival Guide” aimed at a German audience, have sparked discussions in Taiwan.
Thome revealed that he has recently written a non-fiction work related to the Taiwan Strait conflict and cross-strait relations. He has delved into extensive research materials and pondered on these issues daily. Additionally, he traveled to the United States to seek opinions from experts in Washington. The book is scheduled for publication in September this year.
He mentioned that the biggest issue in Germany or Europe is not misunderstanding Taiwan but rather being unfamiliar with it. This leads many to accept China’s propaganda that “Taiwan has always been part of China” without question, even though it is inaccurate. Thome’s writing of the “Taiwan Survival Guide” was driven by these misconceptions. He aims to educate Europeans, including Germans, about the complexities of Taiwan’s history and the importance of broadening their perspectives to understand the events unfolding in East Asia.
Thome acknowledged that clarifying Taiwan’s situation to Europeans can be challenging due to the island’s intricate history. While the Chinese government simplifies the issue by asserting Taiwan as part of China, many people easily grasp this notion, despite its inaccuracy. Thome emphasized the need for a wider perspective to comprehend the ongoing developments in East Asia, stating that the global historical center has shifted away from Europe.
Labeling the current situation as a critical moment, Thome urged Taiwanese people to think carefully about how to unite everyone and convey to China that “we will not surrender and won’t live under Chinese rule.” He warned that without this attitude, Xi Jinping and the Chinese government may perceive Taiwan as fearful – leading to increased threats and pressures to force Taiwan into submission.
Thome believes that China will continue to threaten Taiwan, while foreigners may continue to overlook the island’s significance. However, he expressed confidence in the Taiwanese people’s perseverance in advancing democracy and making the beautiful island even more enchanting.