On Wednesday, December 24, at a press conference held by the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, Chinese mainland spokesperson Peng Qing'en slammed the DPP authorities led by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te for "selling out Taiwan's most competitive industries" by participating in the inaugural silica summit organized by the United States. 📢
Peng argued that the summit—which brings together producers and policymakers to map out a more "democratic supply chain" for critical raw materials like silica—runs counter to basic economic and market principles. He claimed it transforms key resources into bargaining chips for separatist goals, a move that he says lacks real support among Taiwan residents.
The spokesperson warned that by trading away these industries in exchange for political backing, the DPP authorities are risking deeper cross-strait tensions. "Such actions will only saddle Taiwan residents with extra burdens and undermine the island's economic lifelines and future prospects," Peng said.
Supporters of the summit, on the other hand, stress the importance of securing stable supplies for tech and green-energy sectors—a hot topic for young techies in Seoul, Bangkok, and Bengaluru. Yet critics wonder if turning strategic resources into political leverage might backfire, given that most people in Taiwan care more about jobs and innovation than ideological battles. 🤔
As the silica summit wraps up this week, all eyes are on how cross-strait relations will evolve. Will this move spark a new round of political brinkmanship, or push both sides to find creative ways to keep economic ties strong? Stay tuned! 👀
Reference(s):
Lai Ching-te slammed for selling out Taiwan's competitive industries
cgtn.com
