[Politics] Was the reception in the US downgraded? Cheng Li-wen criticizes it as baseless, stating the gains exceeded expectations.
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Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wen recently led a delegation to visit the United States. Regarding media reports alleging that this trip failed to include visits to US National Security Council officials and that the State Department officials met were only at the departmental level, Cheng Li-wen stated today (17th) that such reports are baseless. However, she added that according to convention, the level of meetings will not be disclosed. Cheng Li-wen also revealed that during this trip, she met with 10 members of Congress, including those from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and that the gains from this trip far exceeded her original expectations. #Please listen to reporter Chao Wan-chun's interview report#
KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen shared the results of her US visit at the party headquarters today. Regarding media reports claiming that Cheng Li-wen's trip did not include visits to US National Security Council officials and only met with State Department departmental officials, Cheng Li-wen stated that the relevant reports are baseless. She explained that regarding meetings with the US executive branch, it is customary for Taiwanese political figures visiting the US, and no related information will be publicly disclosed. Cheng Li-wen: "(Original sound) This is our convention. Furthermore, regarding the visit to Washington, I can only say that everything was very normal and completed according to the original normal arrangements."
Cheng Li-wen reiterated that she hopes to restart cross-strait dialogue and exchanges, believing this aligns with the long-standing principles and expectations of the international community. Therefore, she personally went to the United States to explain to the US side, dispelling unnecessary doubts. Throughout the process, whether interacting with scholars, think tanks, Congress, officials, or overseas Chinese communities, the gains far exceeded her original expectations. She also revealed that during this trip, she met with 10 US congressional members, including those from both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Cheng Li-wen pointed out that in a broad sense, no one wants to see cross-strait conflict and regional instability, and many people question whether her proposals are too naive. She stated that while she is an idealist, she is by no means a dreamer; there is a roadmap, and every step is taken after careful consideration and in a steady manner.
Regarding whether the second batch of arms sales to Taiwan was discussed with the US side, Cheng Li-wen said this was not mentioned, but she did note "US President Trump's statement that arms purchases are good bargaining chips." She emphasized that the KMT values military cooperation with the United States and strengthening Taiwan's defense capabilities. The party will closely monitor the dynamics of the second arms sale and consider drafting legislation related to defense autonomy. Cheng Li-wen: "(Original sound) Regarding domestic defense industry manufacturing, especially the recent discussions about drones facing the same issues. Therefore, experts from US think tanks have sincerely suggested that the KMT should also propose our version, so I am seriously considering this possibility."
Cheng Li-wen stated that she also proactively expressed to the US side the desire to establish direct communication channels to understand the US's specific assessments and expectations, or the items the US deems necessary for Taiwan's defense resilience, etc.
Regarding Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu's upcoming visit to the US on the 21st with a cross-party delegation of legislators, some interpret this as an internal party competition for the 2028 presidential election. Cheng Li-wen said that Han Kuo-yu represents the legislature and is one of the most representative officials of Taiwan's democratic system. Therefore, she hopes that Han Kuo-yu's visit to the US will receive high-level treatment from the US side, and she wishes Han Kuo-yu a fruitful trip. (Editor: Hsu Chia-yuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215087
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