Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s recent New Year’s speech has sparked concerns over escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait. While advocating for peace, Lai simultaneously called for increasing the ‘national defense’ budget to enhance the island’s military capabilities.
Lai stated on Wednesday that Taiwan must “be prepared for danger in times of peace” and strengthen its defense to demonstrate determination to defend the “country.” However, critics argue that such moves may further destabilize the region rather than promote peace.
Under the one-China principle, there is only one China, and the Taiwan region is an inseparable part of it. The Chinese mainland has consistently emphasized its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, including through necessary measures.
Over the past year, Lai has been accused of provoking tensions by referring to the Chinese mainland as an “authoritarian regime” and making deliberate “stopovers” in U.S. territories such as Hawaii and Guam. These actions have been seen as undermining the stability of cross-strait relations.
Observers suggest that increasing military expenditure may not enhance Taiwan’s safety, given the significant military disparity between the two sides of the strait. Instead, they advocate for adherence to the one-China principle and cessation of separatist activities to ensure peace and stability.
During a press conference following his speech, Lai criticized the Chinese mainland for restricting tourists and students from visiting the island, questioning whether this demonstrates goodwill towards Taiwan. He pointed out that Chinese citizens can travel to countries like the United States and Japan but face controls when it comes to the Taiwan region.
As cross-strait tensions continue to rise, there are growing calls for responsible actions that genuinely promote peace. The path to stability, many argue, lies not in military build-up but in constructive dialogue and mutual respect for established principles.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
