On May 20th, the Republic of China held the inauguration ceremony for its new president, Tsai Ing-wen, marking the Democratic Progressive Party’s official entry into its third term in office. In response, the Chinese Communist authorities have intensified censorship of relevant news on the mainland’s internet. How do Chinese citizens perceive the succession of Taiwan’s democratically elected government?
Former Chinese official Du Wen watched the inauguration ceremony and expressed to Epoch Times that the smooth transition of Taiwan’s government demonstrates the success of Taiwan’s democracy, proving that Chinese people can also thrive under a democratic system. Du Wen stated, “Taiwan’s democratic success has shown that Chinese people can adopt a democratic system and do so successfully. As a Chinese person, I am proud of this achievement.”
He expressed his hope that internal conflict among Chinese people will never occur: “Infighting among Chinese people is never acceptable. Long live peace.”
Regarding President Tsai Ing-wen’s speech at the inauguration ceremony, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) reacted strongly. On May 21st, CCP Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua criticized Tsai Ing-wen’s inauguration speech as stubbornly advocating for Taiwan independence, promoting separatist fallacies, and inciting cross-strait confrontation, aiming to seek independence through foreign support and military means. CCP official media also heavily criticized Tsai’s remarks.
However, on May 20th, the intensity of CCP military aircraft harassing Taiwan noticeably decreased. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that on that day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., they detected 8 incursions by CCP vessels in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait, without any CCP military aircraft crossing the median line or southwestern airspace. Previously, CCP military aircraft had repeatedly trespassed into Taiwan’s airspace, with the most recent incident occurring just 43 nautical miles off Keelung.
Du Wen told Epoch Times, “It appears that the Taiwan government has undergone a smooth transition.”
“Regarding President Tsai’s speech and action plan, the mainland should have prearranged them in advance,” Du Wen said. “President Tsai’s stance is quite moderate, and Beijing shouldn’t be too concerned, feeling that everything is under control. Nonetheless, the Taiwan Affairs Office will undoubtedly continue to voice their concerns.”
He stated, “President Tsai Ing-wen’s discourse in the inauguration speech, in my opinion, does not deviate significantly from President Tsai’s previous stances. It essentially upholds the long-established position of the Republic of China, which is not a stance advocating for Taiwan independence but a historical fact.”
“Taiwan itself is a result of the civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communists. During the civil war, the Communists failed to conquer Taiwan by force, so can they seize it just by talking big? I find that hard to believe,” remarked Du Wen.
In his inauguration speech, Tsai Ing-wen eloquently elucidated on the non-subordination between both sides of the strait under the Constitution of the Republic of China, maintaining the status quo with dignity. He called for the CCP to cease its hostile actions in the Taiwan Strait and contribute to peace in the region. Tsai stated, “In the face of various threats and infiltrations from China, we must demonstrate our determination to safeguard our country.”
Since Tsai Ing-wen’s election as President of the Republic of China in 2016, the CCP has ramped up various intimidation tactics against Taiwan, leading to escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. After Tsai’s victory in January, the CCP consistently hinted at military aggression towards Taiwan, with numerous voices advocating for attacking Taiwan circulating on Chinese social media. On May 20th, discussions about “military reunification” surfaced online again.
Du Wen emphasized, “One cannot deny that the mainland is actively preparing for a military conquest of Taiwan.”
“Based on my observations within the country, the political circle is deeply divided on the matter of using military force to resolve the Taiwan issue. Some believe that an attack on Taiwan would be unwise, given the political and economic losses it would incur, not aligning with the Communist Party’s current interests.”
“The tension between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait has been ongoing since 1949 and is not a new development. This tense atmosphere serves as a strategic pressure tactic, not a genuine intention for war. If they really wanted to fight, they would have done so long ago.”
“Another perspective suggests that political power comes from the barrel of a gun, making military action necessary for conquering Taiwan. Delaying the military action would only increase resistance and losses as Taiwan’s international integration deepens.”
Du Wen added, “Various factions within the country hold differing viewpoints, and I do not believe military action will be taken. It’s not cost-effective, and it could backfire on the CCP. However, strategic deterrence is crucial for them. Taiwan is indeed facing tangible threats.”
Tsai Ing-wen also expressed hopes for the CCP to recognize the existence of the Republic of China, respect the choices of the Taiwanese people, show sincerity, and engage in dialogue, cooperation, and equal-footed interaction with the legitimate government elected by the people of Taiwan under principles of equality and dignity, aiming to achieve peace and prosperity together.
Du Wen, however, remains skeptical about this prospect, stating, “The Communist Party always follows the logic of ‘political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.’ If negotiations were to take place, it would likely be from a position of siege.”
“In a peaceful environment, negotiations for reunification are possible. However, true unification would require mainland China to undergo democratic reforms, substantial ideological harmony, and cultural, emotional, and ancestral connections. Given the current international situation, the practical significance of reunification remains questionable.”
Tsai Ing-wen will continue along the path laid by Tsai Ing-wen, integrating with democratic nations. He emphasized, “In a democratic society, the people’s interests come first – this is the essence of democracy. The nation’s interests should take precedence over party interests; this is the duty of a political party. Remaining uninfluenced by external forces, we must steadfastly defend democracy.”
Regarding Taiwan’s democratic system, electoral freedom, freedom of speech, and thought, Du Wen commented, “The longing for a life of equality, freedom, dignity, security, and rule of law is universal. Including myself, I hope that internal conflict among Chinese people will never occur. Infighting should never be an option. Long live peace.”
ERIC, a former secret police officer of China’s Ministry of Public Security, who fled to Australia, expressed to Epoch Times, “Taiwan’s democratic exploration, although not without hurdles and ongoing issues, serves as a significant exemplar in the Chinese world. Democracy is perfected through controversies, whether through praise or criticism.”
“The practices and explorations in Taiwan provide a vivid observation window and experimental base. This is crucial for modern political civilization to integrate into the Chinese-speaking world.”
ERIC emphasized that Taiwan stands at the forefront of resisting the authoritarian expansion of the CCP, making it a thorn in the CCP’s side while also serving as a model and contrast. It may even become the CCP’s downfall in the future.
In response to Tsai Ing-wen’s speech, the CCP appeared apprehensive and tried to shield Chinese citizens from knowing the details. One Weibo user wrote, “I searched news all day, and I still have no idea what that Lai said.”
On the day of the inauguration speech, the Chinese social media platform Weibo blocked tags related to Tsai Ing-wen’s inauguration ceremony. Some netizens posted screenshots of the live broadcast of the ceremony, but these images were swiftly removed from the platform.