The recent actions of Taiwan authorities, particularly those of Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, have amplified tensions across the Taiwan Strait, potentially setting the stage for unintended consequences. By cloaking the pursuit of “Taiwan independence” under the banner of democracy, the Lai authorities risk destabilizing the region and undermining the security of people on both sides.
Since assuming office earlier this year, Lai Ching-te has frequently highlighted democracy in public addresses. In his speech on May 20, Lai hailed Taiwan as “a global beacon” of democracy, emphasizing its connection to the world through peace and prosperity.
On October 4, during a meeting with a delegation from the Washington, D.C.-based think tank German Marshall Fund, Lai intensified this rhetoric. He accused the Chinese mainland of “intimidation” and “threats” against Taiwan, calling for “united efforts” with the United States, the European Union, and other democracies to uphold a “democratic umbrella” against alleged authoritarian expansionism from the mainland.
The underlying motivation behind these actions appears to be the advancement of an illegal separatist agenda. By framing the situation as a struggle between “democracy and authoritarianism,” the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities are utilizing this narrative as a political tool to further their self-interested goal of “Taiwan independence.”
When the Chinese mainland responded with appropriate countermeasures to these provocations, the Lai authorities intensified their agenda by seeking support from external forces, notably the U.S., EU, and Japan. They portrayed the mainland as increasingly “threatening” Taiwan’s security, while overlooking their own aggressive and unlawful moves.
This approach not only escalates tensions but also threatens the stability and security of the region. By persisting with these actions, the Taiwan authorities may find their platitudes on democracy ultimately backfiring, leading to consequences that could have been avoided through respectful dialogue and adherence to established agreements.
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Taiwan authorities' platitudes on democracy are doomed to backfire
cgtn.com
