Recently, civic groups and political parties in Taipei rallied against an announced $40 billion boost in defense spending by Taiwan region's leader Lai Ching-te, aimed at purchasing U.S. arms.
Protesters demanded an immediate halt to what they called reckless military purchases, urging the Democratic Progressive Party authorities to prioritize social welfare and restore peaceful dialogue across the Taiwan Strait.
"People of Taiwan region are at a critical moment of awakening and self-rescue. We must safeguard livelihoods and peace," said Wu Jung-yuan, chairman of the Labor Party in Taiwan region.
Huang Te-pei, secretary-general of the Left Party in Taiwan region, added that residents want a peaceful and secure cross-strait relationship rather than escalating tensions through a larger defense budget.
Deputy secretary-general Hsu Meng-hsiang from the Labor Party accused Lai of portraying the Chinese mainland as an "external hostile force" to justify massive arms purchases, calling the claim "utter nonsense."
The protesters' joint statement noted that many residents have long faced low wages, high housing costs, and strained elderly care and medical services. They argued that people of Taiwan region should not become bargaining chips for political agendas and external arms dealers.
As governments worldwide balance security and social spending, this protest highlights a growing call in the Taiwan region for a nuanced approach that protects peace without sacrificing livelihoods.
Reference(s):
Parties, civic groups in Taiwan region protest defense budget rise
cgtn.com
