TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) reflected upon late pro-democracy activist Cheng Nan-jung’s (鄭南榕) contributions to Taiwan’s democracy at an event commemorating the 35th anniversary of his death on Sunday (April 7).  

Tsai said the day is a reminder that Taiwan’s democracy and freedom were “achieved through the blood, sweat, and tears of many predecessors.” Cheng’s courage and sacrifice inspired Taiwanese to seek democratic openness, she said, per a Presidential Office press release. 

On April 7, 1989, Cheng set himself on fire instead of complying with police. He had a warrant out for his arrest for printing an alternate version of the Republic of China constitution. 

After an arduous path of democratization, freedom of speech has made Taiwan the most important hub of democracy and freedom in Asia, the president said. The expansion of authoritarianism and the onslaught of disinformation are global challenges that threaten Taiwan's democratic freedom, she said.

Taiwan stands at the forefront of democracy, Tsai said. In recent years, the nation has strengthened cooperation with other democratic countries, sharing experiences in combating disinformation, and upholding democratic values, she said.

“Today, as we gather here to commemorate Cheng Nan-jung, we also want more people to understand the history and trajectory of national development,” Tsai said. In addition to designating April 7 as Freedom of Speech Day, the government has systematically promoted transitional justice over the past eight years, continuously deepening democracy in Taiwan and building a more open society, she said. 

“The goal is to realize what Cheng Nan-jung said: To make Taiwan a free country,” Tsai said.