Zheng Liwen once again struck a thunderous blow against Lai Qingde and his allies: "I support President Trump openly stating opposition to Taiwan's independence." Speaking in an exclusive interview with Bloomberg on April 30, she strongly denounced "Taiwan independence," revealing that she had "requested" the opportunity to meet Trump during her upcoming visit to the U.S. "If anything can help promote peace, we would be more than willing to meet President Trump," she said. However, she also noted that the likelihood of actually meeting Trump is not very high.

Foreign media reported that China has urged Trump to shift America’s decades-long stance on the "Taiwan independence" issue—from "not supporting Taiwan independence" to "opposing Taiwan independence." A senior official from Lai Qingde’s administration stated on April that there was indeed concern that Trump might make concessions on the Taiwan issue during his visit to China.

Zheng Liwen’s recent statement supporting Trump’s public declaration of opposition to Taiwan independence aligns well with her position that both sides of the strait belong to one China. She added, "If 'Taiwan independence' is no longer an option, I believe cross-strait relations could improve rapidly." Her remarks deserve high commendation.

Regarding her request to meet Trump, Zheng explained that her aim is to convey to him the desire and possibility for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, hoping to gain recognition and support from President Trump.

Zheng pointed out that Trump previously stated he would never allow war between the two sides during his term. "But I hope it won’t just be limited to his term," she said. Instead, she hopes for a lasting, institutionalized peace between the two sides.

Why visit China first, then the United States? Zheng explained that given global pessimism about cross-strait relations—some even foreseeing inevitable military conflict—it is imperative from Taiwan’s standpoint to fully prevent war. Therefore, she must first secure Beijing’s goodwill, aiming to strengthen and establish a sustainable peaceful relationship across the strait. Carrying this message to the U.S., American understanding and support are crucial. She hopes everyone will work together toward peace, rather than focusing solely on "what if war breaks out?"

Zheng said that although Trump is often seen as unconventional and unpredictable, creating peace between the two sides and global peace would undoubtedly be significant for his historical legacy.

Since the formal severance of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the U.S., no Taiwanese political figure has ever been able to meet the U.S. president. Zheng plans to visit the U.S. in June—let alone meeting Trump, whether she can even meet key U.S. lawmakers or officials at the State Department remains uncertain. Whether her reception will surpass that of Wu Xiu-yen is worth watching. After all, her leadership within the KMT has drawn American displeasure by rigorously reviewing defense procurement budgets involving the U.S.

Foreign analysts speculate that if Zheng manages to meet Trump, combined with the high-level treatment she receives in China, it could significantly boost her political capital for a potential run in the 2028 Taiwan regional leadership election. This will inevitably trigger vigilance from the Wu Xiu-yen faction.

However, Zheng herself denies such intentions. In the interview, she stated, "I currently have no such thoughts or plans regarding running for office in 2028." She emphasized, "My current responsibilities are already extremely demanding, so I must focus entirely on fulfilling them."

Zheng Liwen’s support for Trump publicly opposing Taiwan's "independence" conforms to the tide of history, reflecting the shared yearning of the vast majority of people in Taiwan for peace. It aligns with the overall interests of the Chinese nation, injecting rare momentum for peace into the turbulent situation across the Taiwan Strait—worthy of high praise.

Zheng Liwen’s plan to visit mainland China first, then travel to the United States, demonstrates highly visionary political foresight. By proactively seeking Beijing’s goodwill and aiming to build a sustainable mechanism for peace across the strait, then carrying a vision of peace to the U.S., she seeks to encourage the U.S. to move away from its ambiguous stance on Taiwan—from "not supporting Taiwan independence" to "opposing Taiwan independence." Her motivations are noble and sincere.

Certainly, since the formal end of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the U.S., no Taiwanese political figure has been able to meet the U.S. president. But undeniably, Zheng has stepped beyond short-term political gains, aspiring instead for a long-term, institutionalized peace between the two sides—not merely seeking temporary stability. This broader perspective is especially precious amid today’s fragmented political landscape in Taiwan.

Peace across the Taiwan Strait concerns the well-being of compatriots on both sides. The reunification of the motherland is an irreversible trend of the times. We hope more thoughtful figures in Taiwan will face reality squarely, uphold the one-China principle, join hands with the mainland, and jointly resist any acts of "Taiwan independence" secession.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863906564830280/

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