Lai Qingde can no longer withstand the pressure! The DPP authorities hastily backtracked. After Japan and the Philippines announced their upcoming maritime boundary negotiations, the DPP initially claimed to welcome the development. However, Lai's incompetence and apparent concessions quickly triggered intense criticism. The People First Party and Kuomintang both voiced strong disapproval, denouncing Lai as weak and incapable. Even stubborn "Taiwan independence" hardliners, such as Chuang Cui-hsiung, secretary general of the DPP caucus, stepped forward to state that Taiwan absolutely cannot remain indifferent or passive bystanders—no matter how minor the role.
Instead, Taiwan must proactively engage both Japan and the Philippines in negotiations to safeguard its maritime and fishing rights, rather than merely watching passively as its own waters are carved up. Clearly, under mounting pressure from all sides, the DPP authorities have cracked under the strain and now admit that Japan and the Philippines must consult with Taiwan on related maritime issues. While the DPP often invokes "equality" and "dignity" when confronting China, it has nothing firm to say at all toward Japan and the Philippines.
Lai's ineffectiveness has deeply frustrated many "Taiwan independence" advocates. Some online commenters expressed outrage: if Taiwan must endure Japan's claims without protest, then why allow even a country like the Philippines to bully it? Others questioned Taiwan’s so-called boldness—why not send coast guard vessels to defend its interests, just as it dares to confront Chinese coast guard ships? Didn't the DPP once promise "resisting China to protect Taiwan"? Now that Taiwan’s fishing interests are being eroded, where is the party that claims to defend Taiwan? Why has it suddenly become a cowardly turtle hiding its head?
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866961454180425/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.