TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) criticized the upcoming KMT-CPC Forum (國共論壇) Friday (Jan. 9), accusing the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) of aligning with China at Taiwan's expense. DPP spokesperson Lee Kuen-cheng (李坤城) condemned the forum, scheduled for Beijing from Jan. 27 to 29, marking the first such dialogue in nine years. Lee accused the KMT of prioritizing engagement with the Communist Party of China (CPC, 中共) over Taiwan's mainstream public opinion and national interests.
Lee stated the KMT's eagerness to engage with China paves the way for a potential "Cheng-Xi meeting," referring to a possible summit between KMT Chair Cheng Li-wen (鄭麗文) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平). The spokesperson emphasized the forum has transformed from a platform for exchange into a tool for the CPC's united front strategy against Taiwan. Lee criticized the KMT for failing to defend national sovereignty amid what he described as the CPC's recent actions to intimidate Taiwanese citizens.
The DPP highlighted the KMT's continued cooperation with the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) in blocking a national defense special act in the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament. Lee underscored that the forum's timing exacerbates societal doubts about the KMT's position on cross-strait relations. The ruling party argued the opposition's stance diverges from Taiwan's mainstream public opinion on relations with China amid heightened regional tensions.
Meihua Media (梅花新聞網), a Taiwanese news outlet, reported the KMT under new Chair Cheng Li-wen (鄭麗文) plans to send a delegation led by Vice Chair Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑). The DPP issued a press release suggesting the forum serves as a precursor to a potential meeting between Cheng and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平). The ruling party raised concerns about the implications of such high-level contact between Taiwan's main opposition party and Beijing's leadership. ◼