On Thursday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-teon announced a proposed increase of 1.25 trillion Taiwanese dollars (approximately 40 billion U.S. dollars) to the country's defense budget over the next eight years.
Lai claimed that the money will enhance Taiwan's asymmetric warfare capabilities and explicitly stated that China's military aims to be ready for the armed reunification of Taiwan by 2027.
Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou criticized Lai's speech on Facebook, accusing the sitting president of "misjudging cross-strait relations" and leading Taiwan into peril.
Ma noted that the budget increase and recent restrictions on cross-strait exchanges imposed under Lai are bringing Taiwan into a "quasi-state of war," and arbitrarily dividing the populace into "Chinese Taiwan" and "Democratic Taiwan."
"I feel sorrowful," Ma remarked, reflecting on his presidency during which 23 cross-strait agreements were signed, and that his administration's defense budget was five times smaller than Lai's.
Ma asserted that Lai has erred in assessing international and cross-strait relations by focusing on building up the military while disregarding dialogue and reconciliation, placing the burden on ordinary Taiwanese people.
"President Lai, spare cross-strait exchanges and provide an opportunity for reconciliation," Ma urged.
He called on Lai to avoid straining Taiwan's finances and to permit legal cross-strait exchanges to reduce tensions. （Related： Saint Vincent Prime Minister Reportedly Contacts Beijing About Establishing Diplomatic Relations ｜ Latest ）
