On November 29, 2025, dozens of civic groups and political parties gathered in Taipei to protest the Taiwan region's leader Lai Ching-te's recent announcement of an extra $40 billion in defense spending for U.S. arms. ✊
Protesters argue these funds could better serve the people, tackling issues like low wages, sky-high housing costs, and gaps in elderly care and healthcare. Wu Jung-yuan, chairman of the Labor Party in Taiwan, accused the DPP authorities of driving a separatist agenda and prioritizing military might over wellbeing. "Taiwan people are at a critical moment of awakening and self-rescue. We should safeguard livelihoods and peace," he said.
Huang Te-pei, secretary-general of the Left Party in Taiwan, echoed the call for "peaceful and secure cross-strait ties," urging an immediate stop to buying U.S. arms. 🕊️ Labor Party deputy secretary-general Hsu Meng-hsiang slammed Lai's portrayal of the Chinese mainland as a hostile force, calling the justification for U.S. purchases "utter nonsense."
In a joint statement, protesters reminded everyone that Taiwan people have long struggled under low incomes and steep living costs. They stressed they "have no obligation to become bargaining chips for the DPP authorities and external powers."
As the debate heats up, many young voices are pushing for dialogue over defense drills—hoping to shape a future where peace and social progress walk hand in hand. Stay tuned to see how this movement evolves! 😉
Reference(s):
Parties, civic groups in Taiwan region protest defense budget rise
cgtn.com
