Taiwan Security Issues

Ambitious, energetic and perhaps a bit naive. That might be a fair take on how Taiwan’s Beijing-friendly opposition leader Cheng Li-wun was sized up in Washington.

‘Charismatic but naive’: Taiwanese opposition KMT chief’s peacemaker pitch leaves US unimpressed An analysis of KMT leader Cheng Li-wun's US tour and her peacemaker pitch, with insights from Washington and experts on US-China relations. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s visit to Washington shows how Taiwan’s domestic politics are becoming a direct concern for U.S. policymakers. Her effort to ease concerns over the KMT’s China stance comes amid criticism of opposition-backed defense spending cuts, raising questions about whether cross-Strait dialogue can coexist with stronger defense readiness and credible deterrence.

Taiwan opposition leader seeks to ease US concerns over China stance The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party said on Friday that ‌she had used a visit to the U.S. to correct "many misunderstandings" about her pro-engagement approach to China, amid strong criticism from hawks in Washington.