TAIPEI, July 22, 2025 — Taiwan is preparing for a crucial recall election that could significantly shift its parliamentary balance. As the island’s voters get ready to decide the fate of 24 opposition lawmakers, the situation has drawn unexpected attention from Chinese officials and state-run media, raising concerns about foreign interference.
Recall Vote Targets Kuomintang Lawmakers
The recall campaign, launched by Taiwanese civic groups earlier this year, targets 24 members of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), which makes up nearly one-fifth of the legislature. The groups accuse KMT lawmakers of undermining national security by:
- Opposing defense budget increases
- Engaging with Chinese officials
- Creating political disorder in parliament
Campaign organizers describe the movement as “anti-communist”, warning that the KMT is aligning too closely with Beijing. The KMT strongly denies these claims.
“This is a domestic issue between Taiwan’s two main parties,” said Crystal Yang, a spokesperson for the KMT. “We do not seek or welcome China’s support.”
China’s Reaction Adds Fuel to the Fire
Despite its sensitive position, China has vocally criticized the recall effort. Two senior Chinese officials recently called the campaign a “political scheme” led by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, accusing him of acting like a dictator.
“Lai is using democracy as a cover for authoritarianism,” claimed Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, in a June news briefing.
Chinese state media, including the People’s Daily, have released over 400 articles and videos this year portraying the recall as part of a “green dictatorship” — a reference to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) party color.
DPP Says China’s Messaging Helps the Recall Campaign
Supporters of the recall say China’s interference is backfiring. Businessman Robert Tsao, one of the campaign’s leaders, says Beijing’s comments reinforce their case.
“It just proves the KMT is aligned with China. That’s why more voters are supporting us,” Tsao said at a rally in Taipei.
DPP officials argue that China’s support for KMT rhetoric reveals a coordinated effort to influence public opinion and undermine Taiwan’s democracy.
“China is supplying talking points to the KMT,” said Wu Szu-yao, DPP legislative secretary general. “They fear the recall campaign will succeed.”
KMT Rejects Beijing’s Involvement, Defends China Policy
The KMT insists it is not pro-China, but says communication with Beijing is essential — especially since China refuses to speak with President Lai, labeling him a “separatist.”
“Our focus is on maintaining dialogue and promoting Taiwan’s interests,” said Tony Lin, head of the KMT’s Culture and Communication Committee. “This includes support for Taiwan’s agriculture exports.”
KMT leaders also claim that the DPP uses media influence to exaggerate fear of China, turning public opinion against the opposition.
“This is an unfair tactic,” said diplomacy professor Huang Kwei-bo of National Chengchi University, a former KMT official. “The DPP exaggerates the China threat to maintain power.”
What’s at Stake for Taiwan’s Democracy
This recall vote is more than a battle over individual lawmakers — it’s a test of Taiwan’s democratic resilience and the influence of foreign powers on its political system. With voters heading to the polls this weekend, the outcome may reshape the island’s legislative direction and determine how much influence China holds over Taiwan’s internal affairs.
