Taiwan’s Cheng Li-Wun on Cross-Strait Peace, Meeting Xi Jinping and Managing Ties with US

Why It Matters

The statements signal a potential shift in Taiwan‑China dialogue and could shape U.S. support for Taiwan’s security and budget priorities ahead of a pivotal 2028 election.

Key Takeaways

• Cheng Li‑wun urges return to 1992 consensus to avoid war
• KMT aims to win 2028 presidency to secure cross‑strait peace
• Mainland proposes institutionalised KMT‑CCP platform for ongoing dialogue
• Taiwan's NT$1.25 trillion defence budget faces criticism over transparency
• US visit planned to pitch KMT’s modest defence spending plan

Pulse Analysis

The KMT’s renewed overture to Beijing marks a rare moment of diplomatic overtone amid escalating cross‑strait tensions. By invoking the 1992 consensus, Cheng Li‑wun seeks to anchor peace in a framework that tolerates Taiwan’s democratic turnover, countering the DPP’s narrative of independence. This approach aligns with Beijing’s public stance against Taiwan independence while offering a pragmatic pathway for dialogue, especially as American think‑tanks warn of a possible conflict as early as 2027.

Domestically, Cheng frames the KMT’s relevance around the 2028 presidential election, positioning the party as the only viable conduit for stable relations with the mainland. She argues that the DPP’s hard‑line stance has eroded public support, citing polls that suggest 60% of Taiwanese oppose war and favor the status quo. By establishing an institutionalised KMT‑CCP communication platform, the party hopes to institutionalise exchanges that could outlast electoral cycles, thereby reshaping Taiwan’s foreign‑policy calculus.

On defence, Cheng critiques the DPP’s NT$1.25 trillion special budget as a “blank‑cheque” lacking accountability, contrasting it with the KMT’s historically disciplined procurement record. She highlights delayed deliveries of U.S. F‑16V jets and stresses the need for transparent, outcome‑focused spending. Her upcoming U.S. tour aims to persuade American officials that a leaner, well‑targeted budget—approximately NT$380 billion—offers a more credible deterrent while preserving fiscal prudence. This narrative could influence Washington’s future aid packages and shape the broader security architecture in the Indo‑Pacific.