Residents across Taiwan launched protests this week following leader Tsai Ing-wen's controversial U.S. trip, where she met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Demonstrators rallied at Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport accusing Tsai of \"gambling with the future of Taiwan people\" amid escalating regional tensions.
The visit – framed as a transit stop – sparked fierce backlash from protesters demanding adherence to the one-China principle. Organizers warned the meeting risked \"exposing 23 million residents to catastrophic conflict\" and jeopardizing economic stability.
Youth Lead Calls for De-Escalation
Student activists joined labor groups in distributing white paper doves symbolizing peace across the Taiwan Strait. \"We want dialogue, not political theater that could turn our streets into battlefields,\" said one 24-year-old sociology student wearing a \"Youth for Peace\" armband.
Beijing's Firm Stance
The Chinese mainland's foreign ministry reiterated that cross-strait relations require strict observance of the one-China framework. Analysts note 72% of cross-strait trade flows continue uninterrupted despite political friction – a lifeline for Taiwan's tech sector.
As dusk fell on Taipei, demonstrators lit LED projections reading \"One Family Across the Strait\" on government buildings – a digital-age appeal for cautious diplomacy in one of Asia's most watched geopolitical flashpoints.
Reference(s):
Taiwan protesters say Tsai Ing-wen's 'transit' in U.S. is a betrayal
cgtn.com
