China Opposes Taiwan Recall Plan Amid Political Tension

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On July 22, 2025, Taiwan was preparing for a major recall vote that could remove nearly one-fifth of its lawmakers. In a surprising turn, China’s officials and state news outlets began supporting the lawmakers who were facing removal. This unexpected support has stirred tension in Taiwan.

What’s Happening in Taiwan?
Taiwan is holding a special vote this Saturday to decide whether to remove 24 lawmakers from their seats. All of them belong to the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan’s main opposition party. These lawmakers make up about 20% of the country’s Legislative Yuan (similar to a parliament).

Last year, Taiwan elected President Lai Ching-te, but his party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), lost control of the legislature. Without a majority, the president’s party has struggled to pass bills and set the budget—especially money to strengthen Taiwan’s defense.

What Is a Recall?
A recall vote gives people a chance to remove an elected official before their term ends. In Taiwan, enough citizens raised a petition earlier this year, officially launching the recall process. This Saturday, voters will step into polling stations to say “yes” or “no” on removing these KMT lawmakers.

Why Are People Calling for the Recall?
Groups supporting the recall say the KMT is:

• Close to China
• Weak on supporting Taiwan’s military
• Causing chaos and blocking progress in parliament

These groups say they are “anti-communist.” They want lawmakers who will stand up for Taiwan’s independence and safety.

What Does KMT Say?
The KMT strongly denies being pro-China. They accuse President Lai’s party of pushing Taiwan toward “dictatorship” and using fear to influence people. They call the recalls political games to silence the opposition.

KMT spokespeople say they simply want to talk to China so Taiwan’s economy and farmers will get better trade deals. They stress that talking does not mean giving in to Beijing.

China Steps In
For the first time, China has voiced support for the lawmakers under recall. In June, officials from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticized the recalls as a political tool used by President Lai to weaken Taiwan’s democracy. One spokesperson accused Lai of hiding behind democracy to push out rivals.

Chinese state news outlets also carried hundreds of articles and videos criticizing the recalls, using words like “green terror” and “dictatorship.”

This surprised Taiwan. China normally picks its words carefully about Taiwanese affairs. But its strong voice now shows it really wants the recalls to succeed.

Why Does China Support the KMT?
People in China’s government see the KMT as more willing to work with Beijing than the DPP. Taiwan’s main party, the DPP, has taken a firmer stand on Taiwan’s independence—something China strongly opposes. China fears the DPP might push Taiwan toward separating from the mainland.

By speaking out, China is showing that it hopes Taiwan will choose lawmakers who are more open to dialogue—and less open to independence.

Taiwan’s Concern
Many in Taiwan worry this is interference in their democracy. They believe China is trying to influence how Taiwan votes inside its own country.

Inside Taiwan, the DPP and other supporters say China’s involvement is helping the recall groups, even if they don’t vote for the recall themselves. The DPP’s spokeswoman, Wu Szu-yao, said China is “offering ammunition” to the KMT.

What Will Happen on Saturday?
Now Taiwan waits. If most of the voters in these districts vote “yes” to recall, and at least 25% of registered voters take part, the votes count and the lawmakers will be removed.

If twelve or more lawmakers are removed, the KMT could lose its chance for majority control in the legislature. President Lai’s DPP could then push through key bills—like those for better defense spending.

Why This Is a Big Deal

• This event shows deep polical divisions in Taiwan:
• Some want stronger ties with China to help businesses and trade.
• Others want firm independence and stronger defense.
• These divisions now matter even more with China watching closely.

China vs Taiwan: A Longer Story
China claims Taiwan is part of its country. Taiwan sees itself as a separate, democratic nation.

China has increased military drills and pressure near Taiwan. It refuses to meet with President Lai, who has tried to open talks. Beijing labels him a “separatist” and wants Taiwan to follow its idea of “One China.”

Voices from Both Sides
Taiwan's President Lai says the recalls are being used to silence the opposition and weaken democracy. He rejects talk with China unless China stops military pressure.

KMT spokesman Tony Lin says it’s important to talk to China, not fight. He believes dialogue can help Taiwan's farmers and businesses.

A Taipei university teacher, Huang Kwei-bo, warns that the DPP’s strong messaging scares people into voting for the KMT, even if they don’t trust China. He calls it political propaganda.

Looking Ahead
After Saturday, Taiwan will begin by-elections to fill any empty seats left by recalled lawmakers. The fully scheduled elections won’t happen until 2028.

• What happens this weekend could:
• Change control of Taiwan’s legislature
• Shape Taiwan's future approach to China
• Show how outside countries can influence internal politics

What Does This Mean for Everyday People?

• Voters: It’s a chance to vote on democracy, independence, and what kind of future Taiwan will have.
• Businesses: They are watching for signs of better trade or new problems with China.
• Families: Some worry about safety if tension with China rises. Others think speaking to China could mean better jobs.
• In every home, people ask: What kind of Taiwan do we want?
• This recall vote is not just about removing lawmakers. It's a test of:
• Taiwan’s ability to decide its own future
• The balance between democracy and outside influence
• Whether voters want to lean toward China-friendly talk or resist pressure for independence
• With China speaking loudly now, Taiwan faces an important moment this Saturday—and all eyes are on the ballot.｀

Taiwan recall vote