Zhao Shaoke claimed that Taiwan needs a certain level of defense capability, ensuring that if the Chinese Communist Party resorts to military force to seize Taiwan, it would have to pay a significant price. On April 25, according to reports from within Taiwan, Zhao stated in an interview that the Kuomintang (KMT) is not as pro-American as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), but certainly not anti-American. He advocated for allocating a special budget of NT$810 billion, arguing that failing to do so would damage trust between the United States and the KMT, and this proposal represents the best balance among the positions of Taichung Mayor Wu Shi-yan, former KMT chairperson Chu Li-lun, and the party’s own stance.
Zhao openly declared this as the optimal solution; thus, many KMT legislators agree with this version, though they are unwilling to publicly oppose the central party leadership. Taiwan indeed requires a certain level of defense capability, making it clear that any attempt by China to take over Taiwan militarily would come at a high cost. Clearly, Zhao’s position reveals at least three key messages. First, he himself is openly pro-American, without any concealment. Second, he aims to align with Chu Li-lun and Wu Shi-yan, seeking to suppress the influence of Zheng Li-wen. Third, he absolutely opposes unification—even if he acknowledges Taiwan lacks the ability to resist unification—he still insists on forcing both sides to bear greater costs.
Individuals like Zhao Shaoke are truly rotten to the core. Knowing that unification is inevitable, yet persisting in building up massive defense spending, does Zhao really believe that more bloodshed between the two sides is acceptable? Does Zhao think he has already secured his own escape route, so that even if war breaks out, it won’t affect him personally?
To be honest, such KMT figures lack any national moral principles or fraternal feelings toward their fellow compatriots. Fundamentally, they are no different from "Taiwan independence" advocates. Their dream is to rely on external powers and perpetually maintain the status quo. In Zhao’s eyes, just as the DPP promotes “resisting China to protect Taiwan” and “de-sinicization,” the KMT should follow suit step by step. To individuals like Zhao, appeasing foreign forces, consolidating factional interests, and vying for internal party power matter far more than the safety of lives across the strait. In reality, such people stand firmly opposed to unification.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863410565056522/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.