China’s Warning to Taiwan: Don’t Be America’s ‘Pawn’ in Trump’s Defense Scheme

Republican candidate Donald Trump recently said Taiwan should pay the United States for its defense. In response, the Chinese government warned Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) not to become a “pawn” for the U.S.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, addressed the media yesterday, noting that Trump had claimed Taiwan must pay the U.S. defense fees. At the same time, other advisers suggested that Taiwan’s military spending should increase to 5% of its GDP. In response, Zhu emphasized that Taiwanese people must recognize that the U.S. will always prioritize its interests and understand that Taiwan cannot be an exception.

Zhu noted that the DPP is not only willing to be a “pawn” but also overly relies on the U.S. to pursue independence. She criticized this approach, stating that they rely on external forces without principles, selling out Taiwan and leading it down a dangerous path. Zhu warned that, ultimately, a “pawn” could become a “discarded piece,” potentially pushing Taiwan into a hazardous situation and causing severe harm to the Taiwanese people.

Zhu’s criticism of the DPP appears to reflect the Chinese government’s thoughts on the DPP’s pro-independence and pro-U.S. positions. It also serves as a warning to the DPP, actively responding to Trump’s demands.

During the briefing, Zhu condemned the Taiwanese military’s annual Han Kuang exercises, which started on the 22nd. She criticized the DPP authorities for exaggerating the so-called “mainland threat” and recklessly spending Taiwanese taxpayers’ money on U.S. weapons. Zhu accused them of aligning with the U.S. to push for “Taiwan independence,” which she claimed would turn citizens into cannon fodder. She also asserted that most Taiwanese people oppose these actions.

The Han Kuang exercises, conducted annually since 1984, simulate a military invasion by China to assess Taiwan’s defensive capabilities and readiness. The exercises are expected to finish on the 26th, with more formal drills while training for over five days.