Taiwan Opposition Leader Welcomes Trump's Stance Against Independence
Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang party, praised US President Donald Trump's recent comments opposing Taiwan independence as a positive step toward reducing cross-strait tensions. Cheng, visiting the United States, said Trump's position aligns with the KMT's long-standing 'one China' principle and could help maintain the status quo. Her comments come weeks after Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where Xi warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could create a 'very dangerous situation.'
Taiwan's main opposition leader Cheng Li-wun has characterized US President Donald Trump's recent statements against Taiwan independence as a 'relatively positive first step' in reducing tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post during her visit to the United States, Cheng emphasized that opposition to Taiwan independence has been the Kuomintang's consistent political position and that maintaining this stance could minimize the likelihood of conflict. She highlighted the importance of Washington's position in her vision of transforming the 'first island chain' into a 'chain of peace and prosperity.' Trump's comments, made following his Beijing summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, included statements that he was not seeking to have Taiwan 'go independent' and expressed reluctance about potential military involvement across the Pacific. Xi had warned Trump during their meeting that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to a 'very dangerous situation,' underscoring the sensitivity of the matter in US-China relations.
What's missing
The article does not provide context on the current political dynamics within Taiwan, such as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's position on independence or recent polling on Taiwanese public opinion regarding independence versus the status quo.
What different sources said
- South China Morning PostCenter
Cheng Li-wun talks Trump, Taiwan independence and a future leadership run
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