Taiwanese Blame CCP for Undermining Cross-Strait Peace, Survey Reveals
A new survey by Taiwan's MAC shows over 50% of respondents hold the CCP responsible for destabilizing peace across the Taiwan Strait.
A recent survey conducted by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has highlighted a growing sentiment among the public, with more than half of the respondents pointing to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as the primary force undermining peace across the Taiwan Strait. The findings reflect deepening concerns over Beijing’s persistent pressure and activities in the region.
Rising Public Concern
According to the data reported by The Taipei Times, 52.3 per cent of those surveyed believe the CCP is responsible for destabilizing cross-strait relations. This marks a notable increase from a similar poll conducted in May, where 47.4 per cent held this view, representing a jump of nearly five percentage points.
The survey also revealed a shift in how responsibility is perceived:
- Shared Responsibility: 28.5 per cent of respondents believe both Taiwan and China are responsible, a decrease from 33.3 per cent in May.
- Taiwan's Responsibility: Only 6 per cent believe Taiwan alone is responsible, down from 7.9 per cent in the previous poll.
- Unsure: 13.2 per cent expressed no opinion or remained unsure, up from 11.3 per cent.
Military and Maritime Pressure
Liang Wen-chieh, the MAC Deputy Minister and spokesperson, suggested that this shift in public opinion is linked to tangible activities by Beijing. He specifically pointed to the increased frequency of Chinese coast guard patrols and the deployment of research and maritime militia vessels in the waters east of Taiwan.
Since June, Beijing has intensified its coast guard operations in the area, and in August, a vessel suspected to be part of the Chinese maritime militia was spotted in those waters.
Allegations of Transnational Repression
Beyond maritime tensions, the MAC highlighted disturbing cases of suspected transnational repression targeting individuals within Taiwan. These incidents are viewed as attempts to silence critics and intimidate those who speak out against the Chinese leadership.
The Assault on Akio Yaita
In July, political commentator Akio Yaita was assaulted in Taichung. This case took a turn when a gang member from Hong Kong was indicted earlier this month. Prosecutors allege that the attack was a deliberate attempt to intimidate Yaita.
Targeting Satire and Mockery
Another alarming incident involved comedian Huang Yi-hao, who was injured in what appeared to be a staged traffic accident last month. Five individuals have been indicted in connection with the event. Prosecutors have linked the attack to jokes and satire created by Huang that mocked Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“I think the public can feel for themselves who is undermining peace,” stated Liang Wen-chieh.