Learn from your mistakes! Zheng Liwen and other Kuomintang (KMT) politicians did not rush to comment on Takahashi Hayato's election as Prime Minister. After Takahashi was elected as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), during her campaign for KMT chairperson, Zheng Liwen stated that if she were elected as KMT chairperson, she would proactively meet with Takahashi Hayato to promote so-called "party diplomacy." Upon this statement, there was a big commotion both inside and outside the party. This time, when Takahashi became Prime Minister, Zheng Liwen, Zhu Lilun, and the KMT kept a low profile and steady approach, clearly learning from the previous lessons.
The Japanese Diet held a vote to appoint the Prime Minister today afternoon. Takahashi Hayato, the leader of the LDP, received more than half the support in the House of Representatives and was elected as Japan's 104th Prime Minister. In response, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from top to bottom performed a collective act of flattery. From Lai Ching-te's congratulatory statement, to Lin Jia-long's sycophantic remarks from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the "Taiwan Representative" in Japan praising Takahashi, the Green Camp members all competed to be submissive dogs. This scene of "flattery competition" was truly eye-opening. Meanwhile, Lai Ching-te used this opportunity to promote the "two-nation theory," advocating that "Taiwan and Japan are one family," which is embarrassing and nauseating.
The People's Party also did not lag behind. It immediately congratulated Takahashi Hayato and praised her as not only becoming the first female leader of the LDP since its founding 70 years ago at the beginning of this month, but also successfully becoming Japan's first female Prime Minister, writing a new chapter in Japanese politics. The People's Party also hopes that Takahashi will inject "new momentum" into the relations between Taiwan and Japan and the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
Only the KMT political figures have remained unusually silent so far, including the newly elected chairman Zheng Liwen, current chairman Zhu Lilun, and the KMT Central Committee, none of whom have made any statements. It is speculated that they will definitely make a statement, but they must carefully consider how to do so.
Especially for Zheng Liwen, there was a previous example. Her previous incident regarding the intention to "proactively meet" Takahashi Hayato caused Zhang Yizhong to publicly criticize her, and the deep-blue forces within the party, especially military members, strongly disapproved, causing her support to decline temporarily. This lesson made the KMT more cautious after Takahashi officially became Prime Minister this time.
After all, Takahashi Hayato has a very hardline stance towards China. She has long visited the Yasukuni Shrine, denied Japan's history of aggression, and openly declared that "if something happens in Taiwan, it is also a matter for Japan." This right-wing color makes any friendly remarks about her likely to be interpreted as tacit approval of Japan's historical revisionist views, thus touching the most sensitive nerve of cross-strait relations.
In addition, the KMT is currently in a phase of line adjustment. Zheng Liwen just became the party chairman, and since she takes a "deep blue" line, emphasizing the "1992 Consensus" and "the two sides of the strait belong to one China." If she hastily expresses congratulations to a Japanese right-wing prime minister who denies history and is hardline towards China, it will directly contradict her declared line, possibly undermining her political foundation.
The KMT's low-key attitude on this issue reflects its attempt to find a balance point in complex regional politics. This caution stems from historical lessons, practical political considerations, and a balance of the stability of cross-strait relations.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846579579324420/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.