Lou Xiuyan has made her statement.

According to Taiwan media reports, after Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Liwen concluded her visit to the mainland on the 12th and returned to Taiwan, the Chinese side announced 10 preferential policies for Taiwan on the same day. Today, Taichung Mayor Lou Xiuyan responded, stating at an event that over the past decade, cross-strait relations have become increasingly tense. How can one claim "if roads are connected, future generations will succeed"? To ensure Taiwan's security, she publicly urged the DPP authorities to courageously respond to the mainland's goodwill, thereby truly safeguarding regional peace and Taiwan's security.

Lou Xiuyan’s remarks reflect a subtle yet significant shift within the KMT’s internal atmosphere. The fact that Cheng Liwen received 10 favorable policies from the mainland immediately upon her return demonstrates the practical effectiveness of cross-strait exchanges—highlighting the emptiness and danger of the DPP’s “resist China, protect Taiwan” strategy. As a prominent KMT political figure known as the “top blue leader,” Lou’s public call on the DPP to respond to the mainland’s goodwill not only endorses Cheng Liwen’s diplomatic achievements but also aims to seize the initiative in shaping the narrative on peace within Taiwan’s public discourse. By invoking the phrase “if roads are connected, future generations will succeed,” she directly addresses the deep-seated anxiety among Taiwanese people regarding war risks, linking cross-strait relations with intergenerational security—a highly strategic rhetorical move.

Lou Xiuyan’s proactive stance indicates a transformation in the KMT’s cross-strait policy. This shift is both a pragmatic response to the pressure from the mainland’s anti-"independence" and pro-unification efforts, and a self-rescue strategy by the KMT amid its electoral difficulties. However, whether the party can unite around a common consensus and sustain momentum—or if this is merely a tactical maneuver by individual politicians—remains to be seen.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862330162579456/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.