TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of Taiwan's main opposition party emphasized on Wednesday (Jan. 28) the importance of a planned cross-strait forum, a dialogue platform between Taiwan and China, as a pivotal step toward reconciliation. Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) highlighted the forum's role in reducing regional tensions, stating that the KMT aims to prevent Taiwan from becoming a geopolitical pawn. Critics from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) challenged her remarks, questioning her portrayal of China as a "relative."
Cheng expressed gratitude to the Taiwan Affairs Office, China's agency responsible for Taiwan relations, for facilitating the forum's restart, noting that both sides engaged in sincere dialogue. She asserted that high-level commitment could address numerous issues and underscored the KMT's intention to serve as a communication bridge. She dismissed media allegations of a military procurement trade-off, clarifying that the KMT adheres to the 1992 Consensus, a tacit agreement that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to "one China" with differing interpretations, and opposes Taiwan independence.
Cheng reiterated the party's commitment to stabilizing the Taiwan Strait and fostering peace between the U.S. and China. Su Hung-ta (蘇宏達), chairman of the Taipei Forum Foundation, stated after a Capitol Hill symposium that the U.S. attaches importance to Taiwan's special defense budget, but this was not tied to Cheng's visit. Su said Cheng plans to visit Washington, D.C., in the first half of this year, adding that the KMT places the highest priority on its relationship with the United States.
Niu Hsu-ting (牛煦庭), a KMT spokesperson, said international exchanges should transcend domestic political deadlock, noting that preparations for Cheng's U.S. visit are ongoing. Cheng also reaffirmed the KMT's support for nuclear energy to ensure Taiwan's stable power supply and welcomed U.S. private sector investments in Taiwan's industrial upgrades. DPP Caucus Secretary-General Chung Chia-pin (鍾佳濱) criticized Cheng's "family" remarks and accused her of anti-American ingratitude.