According to Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, there is a notable shift in public opinion in Taiwan, indicating that more residents now view the U.S. as a detriment to their security rather than a safeguard. His comments were made following a recent survey which highlighted that 51 percent of Taiwanese people did not agree with the U.S. proposition of "protection fees" in exchange for defense, a viewpoint that has gained traction, up from previous polls.

The survey conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation revealed that a significant majority, over 57 percent, do not trust that the U.S. would deploy troops to defend Taiwan, showcasing a trend of skepticism among the populace regarding American military commitments. The foundation noted that this growing reluctance may influence Taiwan's future relations with the U.S. and the dynamics between Taiwan and mainland China in the coming years.

Chen criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its heavy dependence on the U.S., suggesting that such reliance could lead Taiwan into perilous circumstances. He mentioned that younger Taiwanese are particularly vocal on social media, expressing concern that U.S. financial demands could undermine local healthcare funding.

Furthermore, he condemned the DPP's ambitions towards "Taiwan independence" as futile, particularly in light of plans for the Taiwan leadership to transit through the U.S. while visiting Pacific allies. Chen emphasized that attempting to foster the notion of "one China, one Taiwan" contradicts the one-China principle and would be met with opposition from the Chinese populace.

Zhong Houtao, an expert on Taiwan affairs, commented that Taiwan's government seems to be seeking external assistance, hoping to instigate turmoil in the Taiwan Strait, believing that foreign forces, particularly the U.S., would intervene in any potential conflict. He labeled this mindset as a delusion, noting that Taiwan’s capacity for self-reliance in achieving independence is limited.