Taiwan's ex-president said the island nation can't win a war against China. Ma Ying-Jeou shared his remarks on Wednesday, Jan. 10, just a few days before the most-awaited presidential election.
Ma Ying-Jeou, the Taiwanese President from 2008 to 2016, said that Taiwan can "never" fight a war with the mainland [China]. He said this as the island nation tries to defend its territories and freedom from the Chinese government.
For the past few years, the Chinese President has been making efforts to "reunify" Taiwan with China. He said that he would do anything to make this happen; even by force (if necessary).
Since Ma is a huge supporter of making China-Taiwan relations smoother, he is urging the island nation not to fight against the larger country.
Can Taiwan Win Against China? Ex-Taiwanese President Says No
According to Business Insider's latest report, the former Taiwanese President's political rally cry is avoiding war with China. He has been working with the Kuomintang party to oust the island's ruling party, DPP (Democratic Progressive Party).
"No matter how you defend yourself, you can never fight a war with the mainland. You can never win," said Ma Ying-Jeou.
"They're too large, much stronger than us," he added.
Political and military experts said that ever since DPP governed Taiwan, the island nation has been "hawkish"-meaning aggressive-towards Beijing.
While Taiwan pushes China away from its territories, Xi Jinping is showing aggression as he commits to reuniting the Asian neighbor with China. However, he can't complete his goal as the U.S. and other countries make efforts to prevent Beijing from invading the self-governed island.
But Ma warned that there would not be a scenario where Taiwan wins against China.
"You know, the mainland China military is much larger than us," said the former Taiwanese President, adding that military deterrence is very difficult.
Read Also : Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen Says China Won't Start War as Beijing Faces Internal Challenges
How Will Taiwan's Election Affect Tensions With China?
Nikkei Asia reported that the 2024 presidential election could make the tensions between China and Taiwan worse if it tilts too much in a direction toward the island's independence.
But, if the political landscape shifts towards a more friendly posture with Beijing, there's a chance the tensions would ease. This is what most Taiwanese residents expect.
Based on a recent survey conducted in September 2023, 42% of Taiwan's citizens want the island to make friendly gestures towards China and the U.S.
Meanwhile, over 19% of them argued that the self-governed country must rely on the United States even more but still improve relations with China.
But, around 15% of Taiwanese residents want the island nation to take a pro-U.S. and anti-China stance.
