Taiwan Warns of Rising Threats as China Increases Pressure

May 8, 2025 – Taipei

Between 3:00 PM on May 7 and 3:00 PM on May 8, 2025 (Philippine Standard Time), tensions between Taiwan and China intensified, marked by strong political statements and heightened military activities.

Taiwan Commemorates Victory in Europe Day

On May 8, Taiwan held its first official commemoration of Victory in Europe Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. President Lai Ching-te delivered a speech drawing parallels between the threats faced by European democracies in the 1930s and the current challenges confronting Taiwan. He emphasized the dangers of appeasing authoritarian regimes and highlighted recent Chinese actions, including sabotage of undersea communication cables and electoral interference, as evidence of escalating aggression (AP News, 2025).(AP News, The Guardian)

China Reaffirms Intent to Reunify Taiwan

Simultaneously, Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a visit to Moscow for World War II commemorations, reiterated China’s stance on Taiwan, declaring reunification as “inevitable” and “unstoppable” (The Guardian, 2025). This statement underscores China’s unwavering position on Taiwan and its increasing alignment with Russia amid global geopolitical shifts.(The Guardian)

Military Activities Escalate

Recent weeks have seen a surge in Chinese military activities near Taiwan. On April 25, Taiwan reported significant incursions involving 27 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and nine naval vessels operating near the island. Fourteen of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, violating long-standing norms and entering multiple sectors of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) (Army Recognition, 2025).(Home)

Calls for Enhanced Defense Measures

In response to the growing threats, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt suggested that Taiwan could bolster its defense by deploying explosive sea drones, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s innovative warfare tactics. Schmidt highlighted how the Ukraine-Russia conflict has shifted the nature of warfare toward remote-controlled technologies like drones, proposing similar strategies for Taiwan to deter potential invasions (Business Insider, 2025).(Business Insider)

International Support and Alliances

Taiwan continues to seek stronger ties with democracies worldwide. The United States has accelerated weapons deliveries to Taiwan amid the growing threat of Chinese invasion, reinforcing its commitment to Taiwan’s defense (Army Recognition, 2025). Additionally, public opinion polls indicate strong support among the U.S. populace for defending Taiwan, regardless of views on China (Global Taiwan Institute, 2025).(AP News, Home, Global Taiwan Institute)

Conclusion

The period from May 7 to May 8, 2025, highlights the escalating tensions between Taiwan and China, characterized by assertive political rhetoric, increased military activities, and international diplomatic engagements. Taiwan’s efforts to draw historical parallels and garner global support underscore its determination to maintain sovereignty amid growing external pressures.(AP News)

References

• AP News. (2025). Taiwan marks 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day by highlighting threats from China. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/54d15b5f07d56730c21a6be521b0c7db(AP News)
• The Guardian. (2025). Taiwan president says country faces similar threat to Europe before WW2. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/08/taiwan-president-europe-second-world-war(The Guardian)
• Army Recognition. (2025). ALERT: U.S. Accelerates Weapons Deliveries to Taiwan Amid Growing Threat of Chinese Invasion. Retrieved from https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/alert-u-s-accelerates-weapons-deliveries-to-taiwan-amid-growing-threat-of-chinese-invasion(Home)
• Business Insider. (2025). Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt said Taiwan could use kamikaze boats to protect itself from a Chinese invasion. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/eric-schmidt-taiwan-china-boats-sea-drones-magura-ukraine-2025-5(Business Insider)
• Global Taiwan Institute. (2025). Polls Indicate that the US Public Supports Taiwan Defense, Regardless of Views on China. Retrieved from https://globaltaiwan.org/2025/05/polling-data-on-us-public-support-for-taiwans-defense/(Global Taiwan Institute)