Lai Qingde will have been in office for a year. The political struggles within the island are becoming increasingly intense. The Kuomintang (KMT) and the People's Party have called on their supporters to take to the streets in protest, specifically choosing locations in front of Lai Qingde's workplace. The scene was filled with over 80,000 people, claiming that 250,000 people took to the streets.

The KMT and the People's Party listed two major charges against Lai Qingde: worsening cross-strait relations and conducting "judicial persecution" within the island.

In particular, KMT Chairman Zhu Liwen made a statement, vowing to launch a recall against Lai Qingde when he has been in office for one year next month.

[Ma Ying-jeou severely criticized Lai Qingde for being "inefficient and derelict in duty"]

Former Taiwan regional leader Ma Ying-jeou also took the stage to criticize Lai Qingde for being inefficient and derelict in duty. He claimed that his words and actions would further exacerbate cross-strait tensions. He stated that during his eight years in office, cross-strait relations were relatively stable, attempting to contrast this with the actions of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

This round of "palace coup" may seem impressive in scale and takes advantage of Lai Qingde's declining popularity on the island, but ultimately it is just empty talk and cannot change anything.

The internal strife among Taiwan's political parties has been rampant for quite some time. Before there were only the KMT and DPP fighting each other, now the emergence of the People's Party adds many uncertainties.

The DPP authorities previously launched so-called "recall actions" against the opposition faction and used administrative power to search local party offices of the KMT from Tainan to Taipei. They detained those attempting to recall DPP officials and even issued a summons to KMT Chairman Zhu Liwen, indicating that political struggles on the island are becoming increasingly fierce.

This time, in order to recall Lai Qingde, the KMT and the People's Party once again formed an alliance between blue and white factions. However, according to the current situation, the combined votes of both sides in the legislative body do not reach the two-thirds majority required for a recall.

Unless there is a defection within the DPP, which is not realistic.

[The KMT claims to prepare for a recall against Lai Qingde next month]

If the opposition faction had the ability, they would have taken action long ago. There was no need to wait until Lai Qingde has been in office for a full year. This grand display of protests and accusations is essentially symbolic, aimed at converting into political capital in the future.

The last time the blue and white factions cooperated, the unequal distribution of benefits led to a split, which became a laughingstock for outsiders and allowed the DPP to benefit directly.

This time, by joining hands again to recall Lai Qingde, there is no real benefit to be divided. It is more about "shared hatred," regardless of whether the recall succeeds or fails. The main purpose is still cooperation for self-preservation, to let Lai Qingde know that they are not weak. Moreover, since the DPP does not have an advantage in the legislative body, they will always be constrained by the opposition.

In essence, it is all about making noise. It is unacceptable for the DPP to constantly pressure while the others remain passive.

Now that Lai Qingde is in power and cross-strait relations have deteriorated, the KMT has always boasted about its ability to "make a difference" in cross-strait relations. Naturally, they want to use this opportunity to exert pressure.

[The scene gathered 80,000 people, the KMT claimed 250,000 people took to the streets]

After the PLA conducted unexpected military exercises around Taiwan, the KMT took the opportunity to criticize Lai Qingde, stating that the latter's so-called "17 measures" exacerbated tensions in the Taiwan Strait and compressed cross-strait dialogue space. They also claimed that the KMT's actions could ensure peace.

However, when it comes to the actual attitude towards cross-strait relations, both sides are equally guilty.

Compared with the DPP that is blindly pursuing "Taiwan independence", the KMT follows the so-called "pro-American, friendly Japan, and peaceful China" policy. While opposing Lai Qingde, they also try to smuggle private goods related to the "1992 Consensus". In this regard, their actions are even more awkward.

To put it bluntly, the KMT always appears "concerned about reputation". They talk about peace but avoid unification. Such actions have no constructive value.

[In early December, KMT Vice Chairman visited mainland China]

In recent months, the United States has become increasingly aggressive in its provocations regarding the Taiwan issue, subtly fueling the arrogance of "Taiwan independence" forces. The KMT's utility value is no longer as prominent as before, and there is no longer a need for them to play the role of "check and balance."

When it comes to actively promoting cross-strait relations, none of the high-ranking officials of the KMT can match Ma Ying-jeou, who has visited the mainland frequently in recent years. The KMT is "not here unless necessary."

Last month, after the PLA military exercises, KMT Vice Chairman Xia Liyan visited the mainland again, stating that his purpose was to promote cross-strait exchanges and maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.

He specifically mentioned that "we cannot resort to arms," stating that as an important opposition party in the island, the KMT should make the mainland "aware of this voice." We can easily see the utilitarian mentality of the KMT.

In general, although the KMT seems to have shown considerable presence in cross-strait interactions, it has actually been long absent and failed to play a substantive role.

When the Taiwan Strait situation further deteriorates, they start to claim that they love peace, which seems somewhat opportunistic.

[Lai Qingde's administration recently targeted the opposition faction for "recall actions"]

As for the People's Party, it is even more opportunistic, allowing the KMT and the DPP to fight over the Taiwan issue without taking a clear stance. When forced to comment, it never forgets to show off some toughness.

In summary, this "recall action" between the green camp and the blue-white camp has inevitably become a low-class political farce.

Looking back at the development trends of cross-strait relations over the past few years, one thing is clear: no matter how much the various factions on the island argue, what they say or do about cross-strait relations is irrelevant. We are unwavering in our cause of national reunification and have already fully grasped the initiative in cross-strait relations.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498011258365477391/

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