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Handle Taiwanese rights activist’s case with care, Tsai urges Beijing

On anniversary of June 4 crackdown, island’s leader also offers to share its democratic experience with the mainland

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Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen says Beijing should handle the case of detained activist Li Ming-che with care. Photo: EPA

Leaders in Taiwan used the 28th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown to call on Beijing to handle the case of a detained Taiwanese human rights activist with care.

They also urged Beijing to promote democratic reforms to match its place as one of the world’s powers.

“It is true that China is rising, but it would be a great regret if democracy was absent during this process,” President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday, adding that the world’s respect came with democracy.

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Tsai said Taiwan was willing to share its democratic experience with the mainland, including how it transformed from an authoritarian regime.

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She also called on Beijing to deal with activist Li Ming-che in a “civilised way” so he could return to Taiwan safely.

“Li Ming-che has been held [on the mainland] for two months. It might be a small matter for the Chinese mainland, but it is a big issue for all Taiwanese,” she said.

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