During a meeting of the Kuomintang Central Standing Committee on January 28, party Chairperson Cheng Li-wen (鄭麗文) stated that Taiwan "does not need to choose between the U.S. and China."
"The U.S. is our benefactor, but Mainland China is our family," she noted.
She noted that international colleagues frequently question whether she is "pro-China" or "pro-America."
"Why can't we choose both?" she asked.
Cheng emphasized that the Republic of China would "never forget" U.S. assistance since World War II, but also stressed that Taiwan should not be forced to commit "fratricide" on the frontlines of great power competition.
Cheng argued that cross-strait reconciliation would contribute to regional stability and create opportunities for cooperation between the U.S. and China, describing this as "beneficial not only for Taiwan, but for all humanity."
These statements are an attempt by Cheng to chart a foreign policy course distinct from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party amid heightened US-China tensions. As part of this broader effort, think tanks associated with the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party are set to convene for a forum in Beijing next week.
Avoiding Alignment While Stabilizing US Relations
Notably, while projecting a "non-alignment" message externally, the KMT has simultaneously taken steps to stabilize relations with the U.S. Su Hung-ta (蘇宏達), Chairman of the Taipei Forum Foundation, currently in the US, revealed that he has conveyed to American officials Cheng's plans to visit and speak in Washington during the first half of 2026, emphasizing that the KMT "prioritizes Taiwan-US relations above all else."
Su reported that during exchanges on Capitol Hill, U.S. officials expressed significant concern about Taiwan's special defense budget, though he denied that under the table negotiaitons about the defense budget serve as a "ticket" for the trip.
Defense, Trade, and AI: KMT Signals Cooperation with US
Beyond defense issues, Cheng disclosed via Facebook that she recently received a delegation from the US-Taiwan Business Council at KMT headquarters, where both sides discussed economic cooperation and technological development.
She emphasized that cross-strait stability forms the foundation of Taiwan's economy, arguing that easing tensions and restoring communication with Beijing would help Taiwan's service sector and benefit American businesses investing in enterprises across the island.
Regarding industrial policy, Cheng expressed the KMT's enthusiasm for U.S. private sector investment to help Taiwan's financial and traditional industries connect with American tech corporations, accelerating AI adoption and driving industrial transformation.
On energy policy, Cheng reiterated the KMT's continued commitment to restoring nuclear power to ensure Taiwan's stable electricity supply.
The US-Taiwan Business Council representative invited the KMT to participate in the 250th anniversary of America'sindependence, with Cheng expressing anticipation for jointly commemorating the two sides' longstanding friendship and shared democratic values. （Related： US Strike in Venezuela Deters Chinese Aggression Towards Taiwan, Rubio Says ｜ Latest ）
