On November 29, 2025, Taiwan region leader Lai Ching-te unveiled a bold "security action plan" that includes a massive boost to military spending – an extra NT$1.25 trillion (about US$40 billion) – stirring fresh debate over cross-Strait relations and the island's future. 🌏💥
Chinese mainland scholars have sounded the alarm. Li Zhenguang, a Taiwan affairs professor at Beijing Union University, warns that this aggressive defense budget could seriously undermine cross-Strait peace and stability, calling it a clear step toward secession with foreign backing. 🤔
Chen Guiqing, research fellow at the Institute of Taiwan Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, adds that Lai's plan isn't just about buying more weapons. It's a comprehensive push to ramp up military capabilities, from optimizing procurement mechanisms to mapping out a long-term defense industry strategy. 💸🔧
But critics say the real victims could be ordinary people on the island. Chen points out that flooding the defense sector with extra funds may squeeze budgets for education, healthcare and other vital services, putting a strain on livelihoods just as families recover from the pandemic era. 🎒🏥
Beyond economics, mainland experts see a bigger risk: escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Wang Yingjin, director of the Cross-Strait Relations Research Center at Renmin University of China, argues that Lai's "provocations" could violate the one-China principle and challenge the post-World War II order, adding uncertainty to a region already on edge. ⚠️
Wang also notes a political angle: by stoking cross-Strait antagonism, Lai may be seeking to bolster his own power at home. Meanwhile, most residents of Taiwan hope their leaders focus on economic growth, social welfare and stability rather than turning up the temperature on a complex geopolitical flashpoint. 🌊🏘️
As the island navigates its next steps, experts warn that prioritizing secessionist ambitions over people’s well-being could lead to disaster – not only for cross-Strait peace but for Taiwan’s own future. The world will be watching closely. 👀
Reference(s):
Lai's moves threaten peace, risk disaster for Taiwan, experts warn
cgtn.com
