Across the Pacific, Taiwan is experiencing its own political earthquake. Ko Wen-je, the founder of the Taiwan People’s Party and a prominent opposition figure, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on corruption charges. Rather than retreat, Ko mounted a defiant rally in front of tens of thousands of supporters outside the Presidential Office in Taipei.
“I will not yield! I will not surrender!” Ko shouted, turning to directly address President Lai Ching-te. His party has alleged that prosecutors were pressured by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party — claims that, if believed widely, could deepen Taiwan’s already sharp political divisions at a time of growing external pressure from China.