Li Huaqiu's Perspective: Cautiously and Humbly Addressing the Hidden Power of the July 25 Anti-Toxic Oil Movement

"The July 25 anti-toxic oil march has just concluded, and public reactions are divided, revealing a hidden yet powerful social force that is beginning to stir. We offer the following points as a reminder that the government must take this seriously, and we welcome insights from all sectors.

First, the claim that 200,000 people took to the streets represents not only the anger of those present, but also a deeper, underlying distrust and dissatisfaction with the government—one that may be spreading to the silent majority. This invisible emotional ripple among the quiet populace could become a decisive factor in future political support, and thus demands profound reflection.

Second, the images from Ketagalan Boulevard have been broadcast across all media, reaching every corner of Taiwan, and have also spread through international news outlets. When citizens and global observers see these visuals, how can they not question the dangers of toxic oil? While it remains uncertain how viewers’ thoughts and attitudes will shift, when these images are combined with rumors, it becomes difficult not to empathize with the anger of the protesters and develop negative perceptions of the government. Shouldn’t this give the government serious pause?

Third, this anti-toxic oil action comes just one year after last year’s large-scale recall movement. With memories still fresh, emotions are easily reignited, and anger accumulates. During the event, the government took no steps to calm or communicate with the public. Afterward, it made no official statement, deliberately treating the event as if it never happened. This dismissive and indifferent attitude only deepens the wound, allowing it to fester further.

Taiwan is a democratic nation, once hailed as Asia’s democratic showcase. For the government to act as if nothing happened in the face of 200,000 citizens marching in protest is a clear display of disregard and contempt—an outright confrontation with its people, exposing arrogance and prejudice. Can this rift be repaired? Or will it be left to grow, ignored and unaddressed?

It is said that the government’s indifference is precisely the spark that ignites public outrage. This fire must be extinguished early; once it spreads, it will be too late to control. The spark is already building momentum, and without action, the government will inevitably face the full force of the flames. It must confront this reality head-on, or it will be held accountable.

Though the July 25 event appears to have ended, the anger and unrest among participants remain unresolved. The fury has not subsided. As the saying goes, grievances should be resolved, not compounded. The government cannot resolve public anger and dissatisfaction simply by ignoring it, nor by continuing to mock and ridicule it. Food safety is a matter of life and death—how can it be brushed aside with superficial excuses?

Remember: 'The people regard food as their heaven.' This is the most important issue of all. It cannot be ignored, nor can a dismissive attitude be allowed to grow. Public opinion is supreme; public resentment is dangerous. Thoughtful consideration and humble response are the best strategies.

*The author is a researcher at the Chinese Strategy and War Game Research Association and an advisor to the KMT’s Mainland Affairs Department.