April 16, 2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has noted that a Taiwanese national wearing a swastika armband and holding a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf made a Nazi salute at the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office on April 15. Like most other countries, Taiwan firmly rejects Nazi symbols, which represent an ideology of prejudice and hatred that led to the historic tragedy of the Holocaust. Many nations have also explicitly banned the use of such symbols. MOFA strongly condemns this highly inappropriate method of expressing personal opinion.
MOFA reiterates that Taiwan is a country that respects freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. The constitution protects people’s right to express their opinions and exercise freedom of speech. MOFA urges the people of Taiwan to recognize the negative associations and historical trauma attached to Nazi symbols and gestures within the international community. It calls on the public not to bring distress to people of other countries, tarnish Taiwan’s international reputation, and engage in counterproductive forms of expression.
MOFA sincerely hopes that the people and government of Taiwan will work together to actively demonstrate tolerance for different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups of the world. It looks forward to everyone jointly striving for a brighter and more inclusive future.