Core Viewpoint - The Taiwan Affairs Office criticizes Lai Ching-te's proposal to increase Taiwan's defense spending to 3%-5% of GDP, labeling it as a move driven by a separatist agenda that threatens the safety and interests of the Taiwanese people [1] Group 1 - Lai Ching-te's administration is accused of stubbornly adhering to a "Taiwan independence" stance for personal political gain [1] - The proposal to enhance defense spending is seen as a waste of public funds that could be better utilized for improving livelihoods and economic development [1] - The Taiwan Affairs Office warns that such military spending will not bring security but rather escalate tensions and risks of conflict for Taiwan [1] Group 2 - The spokesperson emphasizes that relying on the United States for military support will ultimately lead to failure in achieving independence [1] - The approach of using military means to pursue independence is described as a path to self-destruction [1]

Group 1 - The spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office emphasized the importance of peace but firmly opposed "Taiwan independence" and called for unity among Taiwanese people to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait [1] - The spokesperson criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its persistent "Taiwan independence" stance, claiming it escalates tensions and undermines peace in the Taiwan Strait [1] - The DPP's recent release of a "Taiwan National Security Guide" was described as a tactic to instill fear and promote war anxiety among the Taiwanese populace [1] Group 2 - The spokesperson reiterated that Taiwan is part of China and that the mainland has legitimate rights to enforce laws in the Taiwan Strait to protect fisheries and the marine environment [2] - The DPP's acquisition of armed patrol vessels was viewed as an attempt to militarize the coast guard, which could detract from the welfare of the Taiwanese people [2] - The spokesperson warned that the DPP's militaristic approach would ultimately lead to self-destruction and emphasized the mainland's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty [2]

Group 1 - The Taiwan administration has approved a defense budget of 949.5 billion New Taiwan Dollars for the fiscal year 2026, which accounts for 3.32% of the projected GDP, marking a record high [1][3] - The spokesperson criticized the Taiwan administration for its "pro-independence" stance, claiming it prioritizes party interests over public opinion and is escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait [3] - The spokesperson accused the Taiwan administration of wasting public funds on military purchases to appease external forces, which could have been used for improving livelihoods and economic development [3] Group 2 - The spokesperson emphasized that the reliance on the U.S. for military support is a misguided strategy that will ultimately lead to failure and disaster for Taiwan [3]

Group 1 - The Taiwanese administration has approved a total budget for 2026, with defense spending reaching a record high of 949.5 billion NTD, accounting for 3.32% of the projected GDP of 28.6 trillion NTD, an increase of 176.8 billion NTD from the previous year [1][2] - The total revenue for 2026 is projected at 2.8623 trillion NTD, a decrease of 9.6% from the current year, while total expenditures are set at 3.035 trillion NTD, an increase of 3.8% [1] - The budget deficit is estimated at 172.7 billion NTD, requiring a total financing of 400 billion NTD through debt, including a special budget of 100.8 billion NTD [1] Group 2 - The defense budget includes 561.4 billion NTD for defense department management, 179.2 billion NTD for special budgets, and 654 million NTD for non-operating special funds, with an additional military procurement budget of approximately 700 billion NTD expected to be submitted for legislative review [2] - There is public criticism regarding the decision to adopt NATO standards for calculating defense spending, with some questioning the rationale behind using a model not applicable to Taiwan [4] - The Taiwanese administration's increase in military spending has drawn criticism from various quarters, including accusations of being a "cash cow" for U.S. arms dealers and concerns over the implications for Taiwan's security and autonomy [5]

Core Viewpoint - The spokesperson criticized the Taiwanese government's decision to increase the defense budget for 2026, primarily for military purchases from the United States, arguing that it disregards public opinion in Taiwan and serves the interests of a single political party [1]. Group 1 - The spokesperson emphasized that the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan calls for peace, development, communication, and cooperation [1]. - The increase in military budget is seen as a move to turn Taiwan into a "cash cow" for U.S. arms dealers, which is viewed as a betrayal and threat to the safety and interests of the Taiwanese people [1]. - The spokesperson condemned the government's militarization efforts, labeling them as attempts to promote "Taiwan independence" through military means, which is expected to face opposition from both the Taiwanese public and the international community [1].

Core Viewpoint - The "Han Guang 41" military exercise conducted by Taiwan's military has faced multiple accidents, raising concerns about its effectiveness and safety, with a total of 7 incidents reported since the exercise began on July 9 [1] Group 1: Exercise Overview - The "Han Guang 41" exercise commenced on July 9 and has seen a record mobilization of 20,000 personnel [1] - The exercise has been criticized as a political maneuver by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to promote independence sentiments among the Taiwanese public [1] Group 2: Incident Details - A total of 7 accidents have occurred during the exercise, averaging one incident per day, including a recent overturning of a V-150 armored vehicle at Taitung's Zhihang base on July 15 [1] - The incidents have sparked ridicule from netizens, questioning the military's operational capabilities [1] Group 3: Official Response - The spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, Jiang Bin, has dismissed the exercise as a deceptive act by the DPP, asserting that military efforts cannot prevent the inevitable reunification with mainland China [1]

Core Viewpoint - Recent withdrawal of two major Japanese companies from a well-known Taiwanese department store indicates a decline in confidence towards the Taiwan market due to escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait [1] Group 1: Economic Impact - The actions of Japanese enterprises reflect concerns over the ongoing military and political tensions in the Taiwan Strait, which are perceived to threaten Taiwan's economic stability [1] - The current administration's approach, characterized by reliance on external forces and military strategies, is seen as detrimental to Taiwan's economic development prospects [1] Group 2: Foreign Investment Sentiment - The increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait are likely to undermine foreign investors' confidence in the Taiwanese market, as indicated by the withdrawal of Japanese firms [1] - The situation suggests a potential shift in foreign investment patterns, with companies possibly reconsidering their presence in Taiwan due to geopolitical risks [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government firmly opposes military ties between the U.S. and Taiwan, emphasizing that Taiwan's attempts to seek independence through military means will not succeed [1] Group 1 - The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, addressed questions regarding Taiwan's military exercises during a press conference [1] - The Chinese government maintains a consistent and strong stance against military contacts between the U.S. and Taiwan [1] - The Democratic Progressive Party's attempts to pursue independence through military means and reliance on external forces are deemed futile by the Chinese government [1]