Chinese assault British man for refusing to say Taiwan is part of China

Not everyone agrees. / Reuters

By Jung Min-ho

A group of Chinese men assaulted a British man who had the word “Taiwan” tattooed on his forehead for refusing to say “Taiwan is part of China.”

Paul Farrell, who has lived in Taiwan for 14 years, lost two teeth, received a fat lip and ended up with bruises all over his body after 10 Chinese men beat him during his holiday in the southern Cambodian city of Sihanoukville, the Taiwan News reported Sunday.

According to the report, he became embroiled in an argument with them after they tried to pick a fight over the tattoo at a bar.

One of them suddenly shouted “Taiwan-China!” In response, Farrell said, “Taiwan-Taiwan!” And then they “went insane, grabbed poles and started attacking me," he said.

He said at least 10 Chinese men savagely assaulted him, forcing him to say “Taiwan is part of China,” as hundreds of bystanders watched the attack.

Fearing for his life, Farrell eventually said: “OK, you think Taiwan is China, I'll say Taiwan is China. I just want to leave.”

According to local media, Farrell received widespread attention last October when photos of his Taiwan tattoo were posted on social media. He said he became a naturalized Taiwanese citizen after marrying a local woman seven years ago.