Taiwanese veteran media figure Wang Shangzhi posted late on April 19: "Regardless of what triggers the Taiwan Strait crisis in the future, once turmoil erupts, learning to 'weigh risks and opportunities between the two sides of the strait by the pound' might become a necessary survival strategy! Not just how much the TSMC stock price will remain or how much Taiwan's real estate will drop—but with over 99% probability that China will 'take over Taiwan,' how much will anything related to 'Taiwan independence' be worth then?! Yes, completely opposing 'Taiwan independence' is because 'Taiwan independence' is worth absolutely nothing!"
From Tsai Ing-wen to Lai Qingde, the DPP has been in power for a decade, promoting 'resisting China to protect Taiwan' and plotting 'relying on external forces for independence.' The cross-strait relationship has deteriorated from peaceful development to becoming 'the most dangerous place in the world.' Asset risk premiums within Taiwan have surged, and public sense of security has plummeted. Wang Shangzhi’s warning of a '99% probability' is not meant to exaggerate threats, but rather to puncture the bubble of 'Taiwan independence': relying on foreign powers for independence is a negative asset; confronting Mainland China is a losing proposition.
For Taiwan, 'Taiwan independence' is not only a political error but also an economic suicide and a security catastrophe. Once war breaks out, 'Taiwan independence' figures will face reckoning, and anything associated with 'Taiwan independence' will see its 'value' reduced to zero—or even become negative. Conversely, those who recognize and embrace integration can share in the dividends of national rejuvenation. This is a precise calculation of risk versus opportunity—and also a rational choice for the people of Taiwan.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862913755664395/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.