KMT Chair Chiang Wan-an urges peace talks to ease cross-strait tensions

KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen reiterated in a media interview today that her original intention in assuming the party chairmanship is to "turn hostility into friendship," hoping to serve as a crucial mediating and peace-promoting force amid widespread external concerns that a conflict could erupt in the Taiwan Strait at any time. She pointed out that the KMT must not only prevent the outbreak of war but also actively foster a lasting peaceful environment, steering cross-strait relations back onto the right track of "equality and reciprocity." These remarks came against the backdrop of mainland China's frequent drills around the Taiwan Strait and the United States stepping up arms sales to Taiwan, indicating that the KMT's stance on cross-strait policy remains centered on stability and dialogue.

Since taking over the party chairmanship in 2023, Cheng has faced dual pressures from both within and outside the party. Conservative and reformist factions within the party have long disputed how to respond to "Taiwan independence" and the broader sovereignty debate. Meanwhile, as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party administration pursues policies of "New Southbound" and "defense self-reliance," the KMT must reposition its political stance in order to regain voter trust in the 2024 legislative and local elections. Her advocacy for "peace" is, in effect, a response to calls from certain party members for a "tough" reaction, as well as a response to external concerns regarding Taiwan Strait security.

From a historical perspective, the KMT has adjusted its cross-strait policies multiple times since the 1990s, ranging from the "Three Links" to the "1992 Consensus" and, in recent years, formulations of "maintaining the status quo." All of these adjustments have been responses to changes in the cross-strait political climate and the international environment. During the interview, Cheng specifically mentioned that "turning hostility into friendship" is not merely a slogan, but must be put into practice through concrete dialogue platforms and civic exchanges. She hinted that the KMT will actively establish communication channels with academic and business groups across the Taiwan Strait in the future, hoping to reduce antagonistic sentiments at the public opinion level and provide more policy options for the government.

Internationally, Taiwan Strait security has become the focal point of the struggle for influence between the United States and China. Recently, the U.S. has strengthened its military support for Taiwan and promoted multiple tariff-reduction and tech-cooperation bills related to Taiwan in Congress. Simultaneously, mainland China has continued military drills and missile tests around Taiwan under the pretext of "anti-secession." Cheng pointed out that the KMT's path of peace is not tantamount to compromise with China; rather, it aims to secure a "buffer space" for Taiwan so that it is not dragged into the rivalry between major powers, ensuring that cross-strait relations are not dictated solely by military threats.

Finally, Cheng called on all sectors of society, especially the younger generation, to view cross-strait issues from a rational and long-term perspective. She believes that the shadow of war can only be truly averted when public expectations for peace resonate with government policies. Her statements have also been interpreted as an effort by the KMT to use "peace" as its core appeal in future elections, courting voters who hold conservative and stable attitudes toward cross-strait relations. How the KMT builds internal consensus and chooses to cooperate or confront the ruling party in the future will directly impact the trajectory of the situation in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan's international space. (Source of facts: Central News Agency)