台湾不是海绵，“台独”是磨刀石

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the long-standing issue of Taiwan, likening it to a sword that has been sharpened for 70 years without being tested, expressing a hope for peaceful resolution while highlighting the importance of military strength for national security and global peace [1][10][11]. Summary by Sections U.S. Military Report - The U.S. Department of Defense released the 2025 China Military Report, a 100-page document submitted to Congress, which has faced criticism for its repetitive content compared to previous reports [2]. - There is a history of U.S. military analysts relying on previous reports, as illustrated by an incident where Taiwan's military mistakenly summarized an old report due to significant overlap with the current one [3][4]. Taiwan's Role - An article from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) describes Taiwan as a "sponge" absorbing Chinese political, military, and diplomatic resources, suggesting that the ongoing division between Taiwan and China prevents China from expanding its influence elsewhere [5]. - The author argues against this characterization, stating that Taiwan is not a sponge but rather a "whetstone" that sharpens China's resolve and unity, particularly in the face of external pressures from the U.S. and Japan [6][7]. Economic Insights - The article highlights Taiwan's economic contributions to China, noting that Taiwan's investments and expertise significantly aided China's development during the early years of reform and opening up [6]. - According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Taiwan's GDP per capita is projected to reach $37,830 by 2025, surpassing South Korea and Japan for the first time in 23 years [6]. Military and National Cohesion - The notion of "Taiwan independence" is viewed as a catalyst for national unity among Chinese citizens, reinforcing the belief that resolving the Taiwan issue is crucial for national strength and modernization efforts [7][8]. - The U.S. military's reports serve as a record of China's military development in response to the Taiwan issue, indicating that while annual changes may seem minor, significant advancements are evident over a longer time frame [8].