Civic groups and political parties in the Taiwan region rallied in Taipei this week, condemning leader Lai Ching-te's plan to allocate an additional $40 billion for U.S. arms purchases. Demonstrators argue the funds should prioritize livelihoods, healthcare, and housing instead of military escalation.
‘Awakening’ Against Separatism
Labor Party Chair Wu Jung-yuan accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of sacrificing public welfare to push a ‘separatist agenda’. ‘Taiwan people are at a critical moment of self-rescue,’ he declared, urging a return to peaceful cross-strait dialogue.
‘No to Being Bargaining Chips’
Protesters released a statement slamming the DPP’s ‘reckless’ spending, citing stagnant wages and inadequate elderly care. ‘We won’t bear risks for external powers or arms dealers,’ it read. Left Party Secretary-General Huang Te-pei emphasized that residents seek security through dialogue, not weapons.
Brainwashing Claims Debunked
Labor Party Deputy Secretary-General Hsu Meng-hsiang criticized Lai’s portrayal of the mainland as a ‘hostile force’, calling it a tactic to justify costly arms deals. ‘This narrative is nonsense,’ he said, urging focus on economic stability.
