DPP candidate's 'peace plan' panned

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party candidate for the 2024 election, is attempting to show loyalty to the United States instead of preserving peace across the Taiwan Strait, according to Taisheng, a publication of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.

The magazine issued a comment on Sunday expressing concerns over a recent article written by Lai, Taiwan's deputy leader, about his plan for "preserving peace" in the Taiwan Strait in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.

Lai proposed four main "pillars" of peace in the article: enhance deterrence, strengthen economic security, deepen democratic partnerships and maintain steady and principled cross-Strait leadership.

The magazine said his four "pillars" are meant to confuse, and he aims to sell out Taiwan to seek favor from the US, which compatriots from the two sides of the Strait should be aware of.

It said the first pillar of "enhancing deterrence" involves increasing the "defense" budget and purchasing more military equipment from the US, essentially turning Taiwan into a military vassal of the West. The second pillar, meanwhile, aims to diversify trade and supply chains, aligning with the Western narrative of decoupling from the Chinese mainland, which will harm the semiconductor industry and adversely affect the Taiwan economy.

The third pillar focuses on establishing stronger partnerships with so-called democracies, resembling its previous "checkbook diplomacy", the commentary read, adding the fourth pillar aims to defend the current cross-Strait situation but twists the concept of the status quo into precondition-free dialogue between the two sides. This is unrealistic and does not address the current stalemate in cross-Strait relations.

His timing in launching this "plan" for peace aims to downplay his reputation as a "pragmatic Taiwan independence advocate" and is closely related to the upcoming elections, the magazine alleged.

Lai's polling has been stagnant within the island's pro-independence base, and showing allegiance to the US and using its influence in Taiwan society is an attempt to boost his support, it said.

What's more, Lai is eager to win the support of swing voters by emphasizing his ability to handle cross-Strait relations by presenting this "peace plan". The commentary concluded by calling for people to see Lai's true aims, and that "these efforts go against the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, which desires peace, stability, and development."