Foreign media outlet The Economist published a commentary yesterday (11th) on Taiwan's politics and cross-strait relations, opening with a provocative question: "How many young lives is Xi Jinping willing to sacrifice to take Taiwan?" The article argues that Taiwan's 30-year tradition of multi-party democracy should serve as the strongest 'political deterrent' against Chinese annexation. Any attempt by Beijing to suppress Taiwan's democratic freedoms would attract global scrutiny, significantly raising the cost of takeover. However, the political deadlock following the 2024 elections has led to what the article calls an 'internal betrayal' of this proud democratic system.

210,000 drones stuck in limbo: Blue-Green infighting triggers constitutional crisis

The article points out that since 2024, with the DPP in power and the KMT controlling the legislature, Taiwan's political landscape has fallen into an endless cycle of stalemate. The government's planned procurement of 210,000 aerial and maritime unmanned vehicles has been delayed due to budget disputes, with implementation now pushed to no earlier than next year. Other budgets have been blocked, constitutional court appointments obstructed, and government operations nearly paralyzed.

Both sides blamed: Lai's rigidity and KMT's pro-China stance under scrutiny

The Economist does not take a one-sided view. It criticizes President Lai Qingde for being overly rigid, unlike former President Tsai Ing-wen, who actively engaged with moderate members of the opposition. At the same time, it highlights how the KMT and its allies have blocked U.S. arms procurement budgets and constitutional court nominations. Party Chairperson Jessica Chen's stance that Taiwan 'should not rely on the U.S. but strengthen relations with China' has angered the pan-green camp. The article even cites private admissions from senior KMT figures who admit to blocking the drone budget out of fear that DPP-affiliated companies would benefit, while KMT-friendly firms with Chinese investments dare not accept defense contracts and thus avoid such issues.

Social media as a tool of Chinese united front? Youth lose faith in chaotic democracy

Beyond defense setbacks, the article warns that China is leveraging pro-China social media to influence Taiwan's youth, portraying Taiwan's democracy as chaotic and dysfunctional, leading to growing political apathy among younger generations. The piece concludes with the stark warning: 'Divide and then conquer.' It emphasizes: 'No one can value Taiwan's democracy more than its own politicians. This free system was meant to raise the cost for Beijing—but shamefully, it is now being betrayed from within.'

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  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: News