Image Credit: Taiwan News
On Wednesday, September 11, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), asserted that Taiwan does not require a national defence budget, claiming that the island is part of China. This statement ignited a swift reaction from Taiwan’s political figures, highlighting the ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lin Chu-yin responded on Thursday by accusing the TAO of attempting to coerce Taiwan into abandoning its defence budget. Lin expressed concerns that some international democratic partners might question Taiwan’s commitment to its sovereignty, as reported by CNA. She emphasised that the increased defence budget is intended to deter potential Chinese aggression, bolster Taiwan’s capabilities in asymmetric warfare, and improve the training and conditions of its military personnel. Lin likened Taiwan’s enhanced defence measures to a family reinforcing their home security in response to repeated break-ins.
DPP caucus leader Rosalia Wu criticised the TAO’s press conference as an interference in the forthcoming legislative session concerning Taiwan’s defence budget. Wu also took issue with former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je’s interview with Nikkei Asia, labelling his comments questioning Taiwan’s ability to produce domestically designed submarines as irresponsible. Wu further pointed to TAO’s remarks regarding Ko’s ongoing investigation as indicative of Chinese interference in Taiwan’s internal matters.
When questioned about Ko’s legal case, Chen Binhua alleged that President Lai-ching Te was misusing Taiwan’s legal system to target those opposed to independence. This assertion further reflects the contentious nature of cross-strait relations and the intense scrutiny surrounding Taiwan’s defence policies.