Cheng Li-wun urges active peace to lower cross-strait risks and criticizes DPP policies

In a recent exclusive interview with Japanese media, Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun focused on the core of Taiwan's subjectivity, emphasizing that "Taiwan should proactively strive for peace and take charge of its own future," while proposing multiple feasible solutions to reduce risks in the Taiwan Strait. She pointed out that although the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has championed Taiwanese subjectivity since coming to power in 2016, its handling of cross-strait relations has caused many Taiwanese to question whether Taiwan can truly master its own destiny. Cheng's remarks have drawn widespread attention both inside and outside Taiwan, as she is not only the leader of the KMT but also a representative figure of the party's long-standing advocacy for "peace and stability" in cross-strait relations.

During the interview, Cheng stated that if Taiwan is to genuinely reduce cross-strait risks, it must approach the issue from two dimensions: "proactiveness" and "peace." She urged the government to proactively seek dialogue mechanisms with mainland China based on the premise of "peaceful coexistence," avoiding any unilateral military or diplomatic moves. She further pointed out that Taiwan should strengthen multilateral cooperation on the international stage, especially by participating in regional security dialogues with friendly nations such as the United States, Australia, and Japan to enhance its international visibility and security guarantees. Such an approach can not only balance cross-strait relations but also gain broader support within the international community.

Cheng also criticized the DPP's cross-strait policies during its time in power, arguing that its championing of Taiwanese subjectivity has ignored practical diplomatic and military pressures, leading to Taiwan's international isolation and increasingly tense cross-strait relations. She pointed out that while the DPP's promotion of the proposition that "Taiwan is an independent entity" on the international stage may yield short-term domestic support, in the long run, it has weakened Taiwan's negotiating leverage in the international community. Cheng called on the DPP to re-examine its policies and adopt more pragmatic ways of cross-strait interaction to ensure Taiwan has a more solid backing when facing external threats.

In proposing solutions, Cheng mentioned three key points: first, Taiwan should strengthen its defense autonomy and enhance its self-defense capabilities; second, it should seek multilateral security mechanisms through diplomatic channels to avoid unilateral confrontation; and third, it should promote cross-strait economic complementarity, utilizing economic interests as the foundation for cross-strait peace. She noted that these measures are not merely military or economic tools, but a comprehensive strategy that integrates domestic and international resources to enhance Taiwan's overall resilience. Cheng emphasized that only under the dual framework of "proactiveness" and "peace" can Taiwan truly take charge of its own future and bring long-term stability to cross-strait relations.

Cheng's remarks serve not only as an important statement of the KMT's internal stance on cross-strait policy, but also exert a profound influence on Taiwan's political direction. If endorsed by the DPP and other political parties, it might inject more pragmatic and peaceful elements into cross-strait relations. Conversely, if cross-strait relations remain deadlocked, Taiwan will face higher risks and uncertainty. Cheng's appeal also serves as a reminder that while pursuing subjectivity, Taiwan must balance the international environment and security realities to truly achieve the goal of "proactively striving for peace."