TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) recent remarks about cross-strait security drew widespread criticism from opposition leaders on Thursday (Dec. 4), including Legislative Yuan (立法院), President Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜). President Lai and the head of parliament participated in the opening of Taiwan's Healthcare+ Expo (台灣醫療科技展), highlighting precision medicine, medical robotics, and AI-assisted diagnostics.
President Lai said in a New York Times interview that Taiwan must prepare for potential military actions from China, the People's Republic of China. He added that the People's Liberation Army (PLA, 解放軍) aims to achieve the capability to seize Taiwan by force by 2027. Lai expressed gratitude to G7 leaders, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Japanese political figures for their concern over peace in the Taiwan Strait.
The president noted that the unified stance of international leaders significantly aids Taiwan's societal stability and regional peace in the face of Chinese military threats from across the strait. He expressed hope for collaboration in upholding a rules-based international order across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to maintaining peace and stability despite increasing pressure from Beijing and ongoing cross-strait tensions.
Lai stated, "We must prepare for the worst while doing our best to stay ready" during the interview with international media. He added, "Taiwan will protect our nation and remain committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region" as tensions escalate. The president's remarks were made during his interview with The New York Times' DealBook summit, where he addressed regional security concerns and cross-strait relations.
Han criticized Lai's approach, likening Taiwan's security to a four-legged stool requiring protection of the Republic of China, democracy and freedom, U.S.-Taiwan relations, and cross-strait peace. He said that Lai's hawkish approaches and statements damaged one of these critical security pillars for Taiwan. Lai countered, arguing that China's dissemination of doubts about the U.S. undermines Taiwan's security and stability.
Lai's recent statements regarding cross-strait security have drawn widespread criticism from leaders of the opposition parties across Taiwan's political spectrum. Lai introduced a national security action plan on Nov. 26, which sparked controversy by mentioning Beijing's goal to unify Taiwan by force by 2027. The Office of the President (總統府) later clarified that Beijing aims to achieve complete unification of Taiwan through the use of armed force before 2027.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) also labeled Lai's remarks a severe mistake and questioned his national security abilities in public statements to media outlets. Lu remarked, "It could trigger public panic, unsettle industries, or lead to cross-strait misjudgments" during a press conference. She warned that merely correcting words without changing actions could jeopardize the nation's economic stability in the face of regional tensions.
Lu stressed the importance of precision in presidential statements to avoid misjudgments and panic among Taiwan's population and international partners. She criticized some parties for using conflict as an electoral tool to gain political advantage in the upcoming elections. The mayor emphasized that responsible leadership requires careful consideration of the impact of public statements on regional stability.
Lai faces severe political dynamics after several failures to shake up the influence of opposition parties in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament. He encountered uncertainties of geopolitics, from China's aggressive measures to Japan's Taiwan Contingency issues and unsettled U.S. tariffs despite the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act. Shifting public attention to China might be a short-term move, but it could highlight potential vulnerability in governance and political leadership in the long run. ◼
