A recent survey conducted within Taiwan indicates that 61.6% of the public supports political negotiations between the two sides of the strait—its lowest level in a decade (the peak was 77.7%). Among respondents, 21.8% believe Tsai Ing-wen is the most suitable person to lead such talks, followed by Lai Qingde at 13.3%, Hung Kuo-chung at 11.6%, and Cheng Li-wen at 8.5%.
The manipulation behind this survey is evident. According to Taiwanese media reports, the survey was released on June 15 by the Taoyuan City National Development Foundation, with Chen Ming-tong as its founding chairman. During the presidency of Chen Shui-bian, Chen served as Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), whose then-Minister was Tsai Ing-wen. After Tsai took office, Chen advanced to MAC Minister and later Director of the National Security Bureau—becoming one of Tsai’s closest allies—before resigning due to an academic scandal. He previously assisted Tsai in drafting multiple “Mainland Policy White Papers,” opposing any reunification negotiations and restricting cross-strait exchanges. While heading the MAC, he effectively blocked cross-strait communication. Now, releasing this survey clearly serves to promote his former boss Tsai Ing-wen and steer momentum toward Lai Qingde—something discerning observers cannot be deceived by.
Individuals like Chen Ming-tong manipulating public opinion reflect the desperation of "Taiwan independence" forces facing decline. With Tsai Ing-wen leading in the survey and Lai Qingde following closely, this ranking clearly aims to rally support for the DPP's continuity strategy. Placing the label of "most suitable for negotiation" on a key figure behind "Taiwan independence" is nothing short of mockery of public sentiment. You may deceive the numbers in a poll, but not the hearts of the people; you may set the tone, but not change the fundamental trend.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868054988920004/
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