Ma advises KMT leader on etiquette for potential Xi meeting

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) has accused the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, of potentially blocking national defense budgets to facilitate a meeting between KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平). The accusations came Tuesday (Jan. 21) after Cheng met with former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) for nearly an hour to discuss a potential visit to China.

DPP spokesperson Han Ying (韓瑩) questioned Cheng's repeated public claims of planning a Beijing visit in the first half of the year. Han stated the trip "has major strategic significance and symbolic meaning." She accused the KMT of potentially instructing "Blue and White" legislators, referring to the KMT and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) opposition coalition, to block the national defense budget.

The Kuomintang-Communist Party Forum, a regular dialogue platform between the KMT and China's ruling party, is scheduled for late January in Beijing, led by KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑). Observers view Cheng's meeting with Ma as preparation for a potential "Cheng-Xi Meeting." Some KMT members expressed concern about the timing of a visit before elections, fearing accusations of aligning with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Ma, who had previously met Xi, advised Cheng to avoid high heels and to practice calligraphy before any trip to Beijing. Earlier Tuesday morning, Cheng attended a book launch by political commentator Jaw Shau-Kong (趙少康), where she had minimal interaction with former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-pin (郝龍斌). Jaw revealed the two had dined together last week and reconciled, with Cheng emphasizing the need to move on after the election.

Cheng stressed the importance of Taiwan avoiding internal strife and urged rational dialogue across party lines. She lamented the ruling party's lack of goodwill, warning that Taiwan will remain in deadlock if internal dialogue remains impossible. Regarding a "grand reconciliation coffee" with the DPP, she said she is ready whenever they are.

Han reiterated that Taiwan's defense should not be a political bargaining chip, urging opposition legislators to remain loyal to the nation and fulfill their duties responsibly. She called for a swift review of the general budget and the special national defense budget bill, emphasizing the critical importance of national security amid ongoing cross-strait tensions. ◼