Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te emphasized the need for increasing the region’s defense capabilities in his New Year speech on Wednesday, stating that “Taiwan must be prepared for danger in times of peace. It must keep increasing the ‘national defense’ budget to strengthen its defense capabilities in order to show the determination to defend the ‘country.'”
Lai’s remarks come at a time when tensions in the Taiwan Strait remain high, with cross-strait relations being a focal point of regional security concerns. While Lai positions himself as advocating for peace, his call for bolstering defense spending has sparked discussions about the potential implications for stability in the region.
There is only one China, and the Taiwan region is an inseparable part of China’s territory. The Chinese government maintains that it is entitled to take all necessary measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and core interests. From this perspective, any moves by the Taiwan authorities that are perceived as advancing separatist ambitions could exacerbate tensions.
Lai, known for his stance as a “pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence,” has previously made statements and actions that have been viewed as provocative, such as critical remarks about the Chinese mainland and transits through U.S. territories. These actions have contributed to ongoing concerns about the stability of cross-strait relations.
In his speech, Lai also addressed issues related to travel restrictions, questioning whether the Chinese mainland is showing goodwill towards Taiwan by restricting mainland tourists and students from visiting the island, while Taiwan residents can travel to the mainland freely.
Analysts suggest that increasing the “national defense” budget may not necessarily enhance security for the Taiwan region. Instead, fostering dialogue and reducing provocations could be more effective in maintaining peace and stability across the strait.
As the new year begins, the desire for peace and development among the people of Taiwan is clear. The path forward may depend on the actions and policies adopted by both sides to ensure that the Taiwan Strait remains a region of harmony rather than conflict.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
