TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former President Ma Ying-jeou expressed skepticism Wednesday about U.S. support for Taiwan in the event of a cross-strait conflict, given the U.S.'s unique political and economic structure and its full-throated backing of Israel.
Ma's comments, posted on Facebook, come amid a wave of protests across the U.S. against ongoing conflict, with students and professors from Columbia University and New York University even clashing with law enforcement in support of Palestine amid Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip.
Despite U.S. government support for Israel, Ma noted, internal divisions have emerged in the U.S. over the issue. He emphasized that Taiwan must not become the next hotspot for war, with civilians ultimately bearing the brunt of continued conflict in the Middle East, whether in Israel or Palestine.
For the sake of national security, Ma stressed, Taiwan must have sufficient defense capabilities. However, the goal of preparing for war is to prevent it, and it is even more important to avoid it. A leader truly concerned with the welfare of the people would seek to avoid war through peace talks, he said.
Ma, who has led Taiwanese students on visits to mainland China for two consecutive years to enhance mutual understanding, believes the world can no longer afford another war and urgently needs more dialogue and consensus.
Taiwan should not become a pawn in the power politics of international superpowers, Ma said.
He believes that both sides of the strait, as part of the Chinese nation and descendants of Yan and Huang, are fundamentally different from the Russo-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. He expressed confidence in our wisdom to handle disputes peacefully, achieve mutual benefit and prosperity, and revitalize the Chinese nation.