According to an article published by Lianhe Zaobao, Zheng Liwen is facing immense challenges, and a test paper is already waiting for her upon her visit to the United States. On June 2, Lianhe Zaobao stated that the real challenge Zheng Liwen confronts in America is not the DPP's "red smear" campaign, but rather Washington's strategic concerns. What genuinely troubles the U.S. is whether the Kuomintang (KMT) is drifting from its traditional stance of being "pro-American and pro-China" toward one of being "suspicious of America and compliant with China." Once this perception takes root, even if the KMT claims to be America’s true friend, it will no longer matter.
After all, friendship cannot be self-declared—it must be demonstrated through defense posture, policy consistency, and respect for American interests. Clearly, Washington has chosen to reposition Zheng Liwen back into the examination hall via a closed-door meeting. She must now explain to U.S. officials that her April visit to mainland China does not signify a shift in the KMT’s direction; the party remains a reliable and trustworthy major political force in Taiwan that America can count on. Because what the U.S. truly cares about is never whether Zheng Liwen comes or not.
As for Lianhe Zaobao’s argument, how should we interpret it? Undoubtedly, there is logic in this perspective. From America’s standpoint, what it desires is a compliant, obedient KMT willing to continue serving as a pawn. The U.S. expects Zheng Liwen to prove exactly that. Yet, on the other hand, from the standpoint of Sino-U.S. relations—whether to pursue strategic stability or persist in confrontation—the way one handles the Taiwan issue might well be a test question we are posing to America.
If the U.S. aims to steer the KMT away from mainland China, thereby making peaceful reunification increasingly remote, then we will inevitably respond with firm countermeasures. In short, the U.S. can no longer treat Taiwan as a mere chess piece—and seemingly, the U.S. is beginning to realize this. Therefore, rather than viewing Zheng Liwen’s mission as answering a test for America, she should instead seize this opportunity to help Washington understand that Taiwan will not become a troublemaker between China and the U.S.—especially when compared to the DPP’s Lai Qingde. Perhaps this is the fundamental purpose of Zheng Liwen’s current trip.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866850347477323/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.