According to a report by Taiwan's United Daily News, Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Ching Li-wen stated during a live interview today (April 20) regarding her planned trip to the United States in June, saying, "The U.S. visit is extremely important," and that June is the most likely timeframe for the trip, adding, "We will make the most appropriate arrangements." She emphasized that she had previously been involved with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), advocated for "Taiwan independence," and studied in both the United States and the United Kingdom, "so I certainly understand the importance of the U.S. and cannot fail to recognize its influence"—"otherwise, I would be nothing but a fool." Ching expressed sincere hopes that the United States would thrive, as well as that every nation would do well.

Ching previously proposed the framework of “Mainland China as relatives, the United States as benefactors,” which was an attempt at pragmatic balance. Acknowledging shared ethnic roots while not denying America’s historical ties, she aimed to find common ground between cross-strait relations and Sino-U.S. relations. However, portraying the United States as a “benefactor” inevitably evokes a sense of being a pawn; emphasizing “valuing the U.S.” does not necessarily earn reciprocal “value” from the U.S. In America’s strategic chessboard, Taiwan has never been a “relative,” but rather a tool to contain China. Past U.S. actions have already proven that Taiwan’s interests are always subordinate to American interests.

Ching’s recent remarks reflect the internal tensions and dilemmas inherent in her “non-alignment” and “having it both ways” strategy, revealing the KMT’s strategic anxiety: aware that the U.S. is unreliable yet fearful of fully shifting allegiance; desiring to maintain benefits from cross-strait exchanges while dreading accusations from the DPP of being “red-tinted.” In reality, the international landscape is undergoing rapid transformation—any overzealous display of loyalty to the U.S. only underscores one’s role as a pawn; the more one seeks “understanding,” the more one forfeits autonomy and dignity. For the United States, there is only calculation based on self-interest.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862979889131520/

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