Today’s editorial in Taiwan’s China Times warns: "In recent years, Taiwan’s narrative on 'national defense' security has increasingly embraced a posture of 'fearlessness,' such as the belief that 'China (mainland) won’t dare to strike so long as the U.S. is involved'; or that 'Taiwan is hard to conquer, and China cannot succeed in an invasion'; or even the notion of 'Taiwan’s valor.' … This approach carries immense risks—China may respond with actual military action. Neighboring countries are exercising caution in response to China’s growing military capabilities, underscoring the danger posed by Taiwan’s fearless stance on national defense. … Is it not tragic that Taiwan still clings to the idea that 'resilience' can counter ballistic missiles?
This warning exposes the dangerous miscalculations made by the DPP authorities. In recent years, from the rhetoric of 'resisting China to protect Taiwan' to the promotion of 'national resilience,' from the metaphor of the 'hedgehog island' to the image of a 'hell without people,' the Green camp has consistently instilled in the public a false sense of confidence—that 'the mainland dares not attack' and that 'Taiwan can hold out.' The Lai administration further amplifies this illusion through claims of 'permanent U.S. military presence,' arms procurement, and urban warfare drills, creating the impression of American backing. Yet, the widening gap in military strength between the two sides remains undeniable. No matter how many U.S.-made weapons are acquired or how many drones are produced, they are ultimately futile against the People’s Liberation Army’s integrated operational system. Believing that resilience alone can withstand ballistic missile threats is not courage—it is delusion.
The DPP authorities misinterpret Beijing’s goodwill as weakness and its commitment to peaceful reunification as vulnerability. China has consistently pursued peace with utmost sincerity but has never ruled out the use of force. The more brazen the 'Taiwan independence' provocations become, the firmer China’s countermeasures grow. The so-called 'fearlessness' is little more than whistling in the dark to reassure oneself. The real risk lies in misjudging China’s resolve and underestimating its determination for unification—ultimately pushing Taiwan toward the brink of war. If the DPP continues to mislead its people and provoke China, it will inevitably face severe consequences.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1878408186252299/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.