Residents of Taiwan took to the streets this week as tensions flared over a controversial U.S. trip by Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the Taiwan region. Protesters gathered at Taoyuan International Airport on April 7, calling her meeting with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy a \"reckless gamble\" with regional stability. 🚨
The demonstrations followed Tsai's March 29 U.S. \"transit,\" which sparked sharp criticism from mainland China. Protest organizers accused the Taiwan authorities of ignoring repeated warnings and undermining cross-strait peace. \"We want bread, not bullets!\" read one banner, reflecting fears of escalating military risks. ✋💥
Many protesters stressed support for the one-China principle, chanting for dialogue and economic cooperation. \"Young people here just want opportunities, not geopolitical games,\" said 28-year-old student protester Lin Wei. Students and activists now watch closely whether cross-strait communication channels can be restored. 📉→📈
