Two academics offer perspectives on recent Lennon Wall vandalism incidents

Taiwan News
Date: 2019/10/11
By: Liao, Jo-Luen , Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Recent reports of Chinese students vandalizing pro-Hong Kong Lennon Walls have sparked conflicts on Taiwanese university campuses, and scholars have expressed different perspectives on the incidents.

Zheng Zhi-peng (鄭志鵬), associate professor at National Tsing Hua University, said that despite a series of similar events occurring in schools, only a few Chinese students were involved. Therefore, he cautions people against making hasty generalizations, reported CNA.

According to Zheng, these incidents of vandalism reflect the collective anxiety of Chinese students, which can be traced to three sources:

1. Xi’s promotion of the “Chinese Dream” has invoked nationalism and the desire for international recognition and respect.
2. Hong Kong's anti-extradition movement has resulted in Taiwanese viewing the Chinese government as untrustworthy since the current situation demonstrates it has breached the one country, two systems principle, putting unification even further out of reach.
3. Taiwanese students are increasingly aware of Chinese tactics to influence Taiwan, and when such topics are discussed with Chinese students, quarrels easily break out.    [FULL  STORY]