Taiwan’s Opposition, China’s Military Pressure, and the Strategic Role of Semiconductors

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Publication (Outlet/Website): A Further Inquiry

Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/03/19

Kevin Hong explains how the opposition parties have weakened Taiwan’s government and defence budget while China increased military pressure and infiltration tactics. Taiwan’s civil defence efforts, recall elections, and economic significance, particularly in semiconductors and AI, play a key role in international relations. Hong highlights China’s aging population problem and government-controlled economy. He emphasizes that Taiwanese people are fighting for their sovereignty, rejecting China’s influence, and strengthening alliances with democratic nations like the United States.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Today, we are here with Kevin Hong, who is involved with Taiwan’s  humanistic pastafarianism movement and disaster relief. Since our last interview, Taiwan’s geopolitical landscape has changed significantly. I want to focus on that today because humanists are people who get involved in politics.

Taiwan is one of those sensitive areas, like Israel-Palestine, Russia-Ukraine, Ethiopia, Sudan, and so on. So, what happened with the Kuomintang (KMT) and the constitutional crisis?

Kevin Hong: In the last election on January 13, 2024, Taiwan had two major parties. One is the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is pro-Taiwan. The opposing party is the Kuomintang (KMT), the Chinese Nationalist Party and is perceived as pro-China.

There is also a third party, the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP). Some people initially thought they were neutral, so some young voters supported them. However, some regret it because the TPP often sides with the KMT in parliament.

In 2024, the opposition parties passed many acts to restrict governmental power and budgets unreasonably. Some of these acts were unconstitutional. The highest courts ruled that certain provisions violated the constitution, marking a setback for the opposition.

They also made significant cuts to the government budget, particularly defence spending. The opposition-controlled parliament enacted substantial budget cuts, including significant freezes on defence spending, totalling NTD$160.7 billion.

In this geopolitical environment, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has increased its presence around Taiwan. They have deployed more aircraft and naval vessels in the region. Additionally, they have been cutting Taiwan’s undersea internet cables more frequently—five times in the past three months. Given this situation, we expect further attacks throughout the rest of the year.

Meanwhile, the United States government wants to encourage its allies—Europe, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan—to increase their defence budgets. This aligns with Taiwan’s interests. However, since the opposition parties dominate parliament, they have blocked most budget increases. You can check the exact figures online because even the Kuomintang struggles to track how much funding they have cut.

The opposition has also employed tactics akin to DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, overwhelming the system with excessive legislative proposals to mislead and divert attention. This is their strategy. The Kuomintang’s parliamentary leadership—not the president, but their head in parliament—spearheads these tactics.

He frequently visits Hong Kong to meet with the Chinese government. How should I say this? His actions influence Taiwan. He continues meeting with them and probably—probably, I don’t know—but probably discusses how to interfere with our parties and lure the country into China’s control.

Jacobsen: It’s almost like a war, but a soft war.

Hong: It’s a gray zone war, I would say.

That’s the issue. We, the free Taiwanese people, want to change this. Amending our constitution is difficult, so we have launched mass recalls to re-elect the parliament. We are now in the second stage of a petition for recalls.

This process has multiple stages, but currently, 35 legislators are facing recall efforts. The recall act has passed the second stage, meaning these 35 recall elections may occur this year. That is how we are trying to protect our country politically.

As discussed in our previous interview, I work in civil defence for disaster relief. I want to train volunteers to help build a stronger society that can withstand disasters, including a potential war. That is how we are trying to safeguard our liberty.

Jacobsen: Regarding civil defence, what are the most important things that people outside of Taiwan should know? Also, what kind of disaster relief training do you provide?

Hong: The most important thing that people worldwide should understand is that many Chinese people live in Taiwan but do not identify as Taiwanese. Some have dual identities—Taiwanese in geography, but their national identity remains Chinese.

These Chinese individuals came to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War in 1947. They established a cruel, fascist, authoritarian regime that oppressed Taiwanese nationalism. They attacked our identity.

They silenced our language. They forced us to speak Mandarin and identify as Chinese. They arrived in the millions and brainwashed generations of people.

But we Taiwanese are a resilient nation. Now, we have elected the DPP, a Taiwanese party, to lead. Since 2016, Taiwan has had a DPP president. There are two presidents, Tsai(2016-2024), Lai(2024-). There was a DPP President Chen in 2000-2008, but president Bush said that he was a troublemaker. The US complained to Chen about supporting Taiwanese nation-building.

And until now, this issue persists. We still have to hold elections with people who do not identify as Taiwanese. It creates a chaotic situation, but it is part of our history.

After Japan lost World War II and the Kuomintang (KMT) lost the Chinese Civil War, millions of Chinese fled to our island. This caused a difficult situation that continues today.

I hope the people of the world understand that those who do not support Taiwan’s independence were never truly Taiwanese. No matter what happens with the recall efforts or the parliament, these individuals should not have been part of our electoral process in the first place.

The instability and political chaos should not be blamed on the true Taiwanese people. This stance may seem controversial, but we are still fighting. We are fulfilling our responsibility to resist the pro-China parties. Even if we lose politically, we are not truly losing—we are winning in spirit.

Regardless of the election results, it does not mean that we do not want to protect our homeland. The United States often asks whether the Taiwanese people want to defend themselves.

The answer is yes—Taiwanese people do want to protect our home. However, the Chinese citizens living in Taiwan do not. That is the core issue.

We want the world to distinguish between these two groups. Before the war, there were many pro-Russian voters in Ukraine. After the war started, some of them fled to Russia or even fought for Russia. The rest were the true Ukrainians.

Taiwan is in a pre-war Ukraine-like situation. Many people living here are not truly Taiwanese. That is why, even if the election results appear unfavourable, it does not mean that Taiwanese people do not want to protect their country.

The current parliament, which cut the defence budget, does not represent the people’s true will. We must acknowledge that there are two distinct groups in Taiwan—pro-Taiwanese and pro-Chinese—not just one. The world needs to understand that.

Jacobsen: One issue that people may be more aware of is the advanced AI and semiconductor technology being developed in Taiwan. This benefits the entire world.

Hong: Yes, particularly TSMC.

Jacobsen: Yes, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). TSMC reported a 39% revenue increase in the first two months of 2025 due to the rising demand for AI chips. Some people might wonder, “Why Taiwan?” Well, that is one reason.

If people only care about their AI chips and economic bottom line, that is one justification. However, there is also the human rights aspect. Can you also discuss the economic and technological side of this political situation?

Hong: First, I am not an expert in AI or the information industry. However, I can say that many people—both in Taiwan and internationally—believe that the semiconductor industry could encourage allies to step up and protect Taiwan.

Yes. But I want to emphasize something further. We are not using AI as a tool to make the world protect us. Taiwan’s strategic importance has existed long before our dominance in the semiconductor industry. Taiwan’s critical role was evident during the Korean War as early as the 1950s. Our strategic position became clear as part of the First Island Chain. Taiwan is at the center of this chain and serves as the first line of defence against communist expansion from the mainland.

Additionally, Taiwan is one of the most democratic and liberal societies in Asia. We have made significant progress in human rights and liberty. Regarding shared values, Taiwan aligns with Western democracies and allied nations that uphold freedom and democracy. We are an integral part of this international framework.

Jacobsen: Also, Taiwan is highly seismically active. In April, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage. Were you involved in the disaster relief efforts?

Hong: First, we are accustomed to earthquakes, and our architectural designs are built to withstand earthquakes and typhoons. However, the Hualien earthquake was exceptionally strong, reaching a high-intensity level. Despite this, our rescue and disaster relief teams responded effectively, and the casualty count remained low. Taiwan has highly skilled and professional emergency response teams. Beyond our own country, we have also provided disaster relief abroad. For example, Taiwan sent aid and support when Turkey suffered a devastating earthquake in early 2023.

Jacobsen: How is Taiwan’s relationship with the United States under the current administration?

Hong: The United States has the Taiwan Relations Act, which commits to providing Taiwan with the necessary weapons and military support to defend itself against any force that seeks to alter the current status quo. After Trump’s first presidency, Taiwan significantly escalated its arms purchases and military cooperation with the U.S. This trend has continued under the current administration. Our government, including the prime minister, has also increased Taiwan’s defence budget, which now exceeds 3% of GDP if my memory is correct. The United States assists Taiwan in acquiring advanced military technology, which is critical to strategic cooperation.

Jacobsen: Given these developments, how do you feel about Taiwan’s future relationship with the U.S.?

Hong: I feel optimistic about Taiwan-U.S. relations. China, Russia, and Iran—this growing axis of authoritarian powers—seek to reshape the global order. However, the allied nations stand firmly against this. The world does not want these authoritarian regimes to succeed.

Jacobsen: Taiwan’s talent and strategic importance to the world will remain significant. Does Foxconn and its AI development have any relevance to the political situation? Also, how do you generally incorporate developments in AI and technology into your views on humanism?

Hong: AI cannot ask good questions; rather, it cannot truly engage in meaningful questioning. Or, let me clarify: AI can generate questions, but asking the right questions is the core issue for humanism, research, academic inquiry, and technological advancement. You need to formulate a good question before attempting to find an answer.

As it currently exists, Hong: AI lacks the cognitive ability to develop deep or insightful questions independently. However, using AI as a tool can be beneficial for humans. Throughout history, people have used tools to enhance thinking, solve problems, and address global challenges. AI is another tool in that tradition, and I am glad to have access to it. AI’s most immediate and useful application in humanistic work is its ability to store and retrieve information efficiently. We can feed AI large datasets and retrieve relevant information quickly when needed. This significantly enhances research and decision-making speed. However, there are specialists with deeper insights on this topic.

Jacobsen: That is a good point. Let’s shift gears. How is the president of Taiwan handling Chinese infiltration efforts?

Hong: Several measures are being taken. Let me check the latest news updates on this for you. The president just held a press briefing specifically addressing this issue. You can find official details in the press release, which I will send via messenger.

One key policy focuses on restricting Chinese nationals who have obtained Taiwanese residency or identification. Many Chinese citizens marry Taiwanese individuals and later obtain Taiwanese IDs (not full nationality but legal identification). Some of these individuals publicly express pro-China sentiments, openly saying that they want China to “conquer” Taiwan and “liberate” them. They often spread these ideas on platforms like TikTok, likely for attention or financial incentives.

Our government has begun cancelling their IDs to prevent them from undermining national security. If they wish to live under China’s rule, they can return to China. This policy was officially enacted today.

Additionally, Taiwan has tightened restrictions on dual identities. Some Taiwanese citizens secretly hold Chinese identification, which raises serious security concerns. The government is now systematically identifying and revoking Taiwanese IDs from individuals with dual affiliations. These measures are part of a broader strategy to counter internal security threats.

Jacobsen: That is a decisive approach.

Hong: Yes, and beyond individual actions, Taiwan has also established a Society Defense Resilience Committee. This committee, initiated by the president, plays a crucial role in strengthening Taiwanese civil defence and identifying security threats at the societal level.

Our society has built a resilient defence system to protect against enemies and safeguard the island. That is the essence of what the president is doing. That is what I can share with you.

Jacobsen: I was reading in the Financial Times that Taiwan recently revoked the residency of a Chinese TikTok influencer.

Hong: Yes. Taiwanese government employees are banned from downloading TikTok on their devices. However, this restriction only applies within the government—it is not enforced across society.

Jacobsen: A key takeaway from today’s discussion is that you are not relying on supernatural forces or divine intervention to solve your problems. You are facing reality as it is rather than waiting for gods to intervene. Ideally, the international situation will stabilize, but Taiwan is operating within the world as it exists right now. That is an important aspect of humanism.

Hong: Yes. The world is not merciful. It only helps those who help themselves.

Jacobsen: Here is something interesting. Mitsu Games makes a board game called 2045. The premise is a future Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Have you heard of it?

Hong: No, but I will check it out. 2045 sounds late for such a scenario. By then, China’s aircraft carriers will be outdated and too old to maintain a significant military advantage.

Jacobsen: That is a good point. Even now, Russia relies on aging Soviet-era military technology. China’s aging population is also a significant factor. It reached its peak population in February 2021, and since then, it has been declining. In the long term, China could experience a demographic crisis similar to South Korea or Japan, making governance increasingly difficult for its leadership.

Hong: That makes sense. A declining population creates economic and political challenges for any country. Yes, but China operates under a communist system, and its economy functions differently from a capitalist, market-based economy. In a free market, economic adjustments primarily affect the supply side. However, in a socialist economy, the government can manipulate demand as well.

To explain the difference, let me give an example. A few years ago, Western economists predicted China’s economy would collapse due to its aging population. The reasoning was simple—too many retirees, insufficient young workers, and insufficient domestic consumer demand. When a labour shortage occurs, wages typically rise, reducing profitability and economic growth.

However, in a socialist system, the government can intervene directly, altering supply and demand. Instead of allowing market forces to dictate outcomes, China can implement policies to redistribute labour, control wages, and artificially sustain economic growth. This is why many predictions about China’s immediate economic collapse have not materialized—at least, not yet.

Once wages rise, low-cost industries will relocate to other countries such as India and Vietnam. When that happens, China’s economy would normally suffer a decline. However, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), under Xi Jinping, has already preemptively addressed this issue. Instead of allowing foreign companies to shift their investments abroad naturally, the Chinese government has actively pushed them to leave. Once these companies relocated outside China, job opportunities shrank, reducing overall employment.

With fewer jobs available, wages remained stagnant despite the labor shortage. This was a deliberate move to suppress demand and keep labour costs low. Even though the working-age population is shrinking, China’s government has ensured that wage inflation does not spiral out of control. In a sense, this was a calculated manipulation of market forces—a level of control that free-market economies would struggle to replicate.

Despite these strategies, China’s aging problem remains a major challenge. Encouraging people to have more children is nearly impossible under the current economic and social conditions. It is expected that China’s birth rate will continue to decline. However, the CCP has other methods of managing an aging society that may not be ethical or humane. If necessary, China could reduce its elderly population through means that other countries would never dare to implement. This is why many assume that China may never experience a full-blown aging crisis like Japan or South Korea.

Jacobsen: Are there any other areas you want to make sure we cover in this interview?

Hong: That depends on your audience.

Jacobsen: Oh, it’s a friendly audience—mainly people curious about Taiwan’s situation and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Hong: I see. In that case, we have covered most of the key issues. That should be good. Thank you very much.

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In-Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. ©Scott Douglas Jacobsen and In-Sight Publishing 2012-Present. Unauthorized use or duplication of material without express permission from Scott Douglas Jacobsen strictly prohibited, excerpts and links must use full credit to Scott Douglas Jacobsen and In-Sight Publishing with direction to the original content.