Taiwan President Lai Ching-te launched a drive against Chinese subversion and espionage, prompting a backlash from Beijing and domestic opponents. Beijing accused Lai of provoking tensions with military exercises and warnings, while Taiwanese opposition parties criticized his hardline stance on China. Despite these challenges, Lai and his supporters assert the need for stronger measures to counter Chinese influence. His actions may be timed to exploit China’s focus on trade negotiations with the United States, and could lead to increased military spending, which requires legislative approval. Political infighting and recall campaigns could further complicate his agenda. While experts acknowledge a growing Chinese threat to Taiwan, debate continues over the appropriate extent and impact of Lai’s measures.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/23/world/asia/taiwan-china-trump.html