TAIPEI — A recent physical attack on a Beijing-critical Japanese journalist working in Taiwan could be tied to China’s new legislation promoting ethnic unity, according to remarks made Tuesday by Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim.

The journalist, who is actively based on the island, was punched in the face following a speaking engagement. Authorities have since arrested a suspect from Hong Kong in connection with the assault.

*(Note: Original article featured a photograph of Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim by Hiroki Endo)*