China Criticizes Taiwan's Defense Budget Increase, Accuses Authorities of Warmongering

In response to Lai Ching-te's statement regarding an increase in Taiwan's defense budget, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, emphasized that the prevailing sentiment among the Taiwanese public favors peace, development, dialogue, and cooperation.

Zhu cited an article from The Diplomat, which suggested that the "Han Kuang exercises" are largely symbolic and that Taiwanese society lacks the psychological and institutional preparedness for war. She accused the Lai authorities of prioritizing their own political interests, ignoring public opinion, and acting as a financial resource for US arms manufacturers.

Furthermore, Zhu criticized the expansion of the military budget, the promotion of a culture of militarization, and the association of the Taiwanese people with the pursuit of "Taiwan independence" through military means. She stated that these actions constitute a betrayal and a threat to the safety and well-being of the Taiwanese people.

The spokesperson concluded by asserting that the actions of the authorities, whom she labeled as "war merchants," would inevitably face opposition from both the Taiwanese people and the international community. She reiterated the belief that seeking independence through external forces and military means would ultimately lead to their failure.