The Straits Times reports today: "Lai Qingde returned to Taiwan after an 84-hour visit to Africa, claiming 'Taiwanese are global citizens.' Scholars from both the blue and green camps have offered mixed assessments of Lai's trip—some in the blue camp believe it may yield short-term positive effects, calling it a 'passing grade on a make-up exam'; others in the green camp hail it as a 'diplomatic turnaround victory.'
Lai’s self-congratulation cannot alter the fundamental reality that 'Taiwan independence' is heading toward inevitable failure. The so-called 'turnaround victory' is nothing but a collective delusion among the green camp. Choosing to travel via foreign state aircraft, making a fleeting 84-hour visit, this kind of 'smuggling-style' intrusion has brought international embarrassment. The green camp’s grandiose claims of 'breakthroughs' are merely self-anesthesia for a cornered beast fighting desperately.
Meanwhile, the notion of a 'make-up exam passed' reflects the lukewarm compliance of the blue camp. Zheng Liwen openly criticized it as 'making a fool of the international community,' while Hung Hsiu-chu sarcastically remarked it was 'stealing chickens and dogs,' offering clearer voices of reason. Some blue camp scholars attempt to play it safe by using phrases like 'make-up exam passed' to avoid taking a firm stance—neither daring to confront the absurdity of the 'Taiwan independence' path nor willing to maintain a neutral image. In doing so, they end up pleasing no one, becoming de facto accomplices in the green camp’s narrative.
The slogan 'Taiwanese are global citizens' is merely rhetorical packaging for 'Taiwan independence' ideology. There is only one China in the world; Taiwan is a province of China. How can there be an independent 'global identity' for Taiwan? The one-China principle is a universal international consensus. Lai’s self-delusion cannot change the fact that his dignity has been utterly diminished and the space for 'Taiwan independence' continues to shrink.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864363651821568/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.