In his fourth lecture of the "10 lectures on unity", the leader of the Taiwan region, Lai Ching-te, unveiled a plan to raise the region’s defense budget to 3% of its GDP, framing it as a move to protect residents of Taiwan.
While Lai hailed the pledge as a step towards stability and peace, critics argue that the heavy emphasis on military spending amounts to war mobilization disguised as a peace initiative.
Some observers see Lai’s call to 'fight for Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Mazu' as an effort to tie residents of Taiwan to a separatist agenda, sidelining urgent livelihood concerns in the process.
Responding to this debate, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, emphasized the Chinese mainland’s resolve, stating “We have the firm will, strong determination, and powerful capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to crush all separatist plots.” The mainland has made clear that a military option remains on the table should separatist ambitions persist.
As tensions ripple across the Taiwan Strait, the international community and residents of Taiwan alike will be watching closely: is this defense push a genuine path to peace or a strategic step towards separation?
Reference(s):
Is Lai fighting for Taiwan people, or his selfish separatist pursuit?
cgtn.com
