United Microelectronics Corporation founder Robert Tsao recently called on President Lai Ching-te to confront CCP threat more directly. He urged the president to use his public speeches to highlight Taiwan’s resistance to China’s growing pressure.
Tsao made the statement amid heightened political tensions in Taiwan. A heated recall campaign is targeting several opposition lawmakers, and political divisions continue to grow.
According to Tsao, the recall effort is not just about party rivalry. Instead, he described it as a defense against pro-China influence within Taiwan. He accused the KMT and TPP of weakening Taiwan’s resolve ahead of possible aggression from Beijing.
Tsao emphasized that the president should not shy away from speaking plainly about the Chinese Communist Party. He claimed that by doing so, Lai can foster real national unity.
The controversy began when President Lai used a sword-forging metaphor during a speech. He said elections and recalls could “strike out impurities” and help build consensus. Opposition leaders reacted strongly, arguing that Lai sounded like he wanted to purge dissenters.
Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo responded by saying people should not overreact to metaphors. She called on all parties to refocus on key national issues instead of political squabbles.
Still, some analysts believe Lai’s wording hurt the Democratic Progressive Party’s image. Public support for recalls of KMT lawmakers has reportedly declined. Betting odds on successful recalls have dropped from ten seats to eight.
To avoid framing the recall as a DPP-KMT fight, Tsao stressed that it should be seen as a move to confront CCP threat. He warned that partisan framing could energize opposition supporters, especially in Taipei and New Taipei.
Observers have compared Tsao’s rising influence to that of Lin Kun-hai, a business leader who entered politics and shaped party factions. However, former DPP legislator Shen Fu-hsiung dismissed this idea. He said the DPP remains focused on removing KMT lawmakers, regardless of Tsao’s involvement.
As political tensions rise, Tsao continues to encourage President Lai to confront CCP threat head-on. He believes that doing so could unite the country during uncertain times.
