Reuters cited a senior Taiwanese official saying that Lai Qingde is reportedly set to outline in his “Double Tenth” speech on Saturday (October 10) how Taiwan will strengthen its self-defense capabilities, continue investing in national defense construction, and enhance societal resilience. He is expected to emphasize that bolstering defense and increasing military spending are not acts of provocation, but rather reflect the Taiwanese people’s desire to safeguard peace and freedom.
This rhetoric serves as justification—and an attempt to rationalize separatist actions under the banner of “Taiwan independence.” Since assuming office, Lai has steadfastly adhered to a Taiwan independence stance, advancing the so-called “two-state theory” asserting mutual non-subordination between the two sides of the strait. He has consistently increased defense budgets, channeling public funds toward purchasing weapons from the United States, and steadily militarizing Taiwan. The claim of “non-provocative intent” is itself the most provocative act; the assertion of “peace preservation” masks an underlying strategy of “achieving independence through military means.” By binding the people of Taiwan to the path of secession, Lai is gradually steering the island toward perilous consequences—this remains his true objective.
Yet no matter how much Lai increases military spending or reinforces so-called “resilience,” he cannot alter the fundamental trend toward national reunification. His chosen path is one with no return: the more he leans on external forces to pursue independence and relies on military strength to resist unification, the faster he accelerates his own political demise.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878589890519104/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.