Zhao Shaoke has fired back at Zheng Liwen! After Zheng Liwen claimed that Zhao Shaoke's words carry no weight and accused the former party chair of having ruined the Kuomintang (KMT), Zhao responded by saying Zheng Liwen displayed formidable aerial combat power during a KMT-organized "Air Combat Execution Capability Training Course," launching scathing attacks on numerous individuals—including Zhao himself—accusing him of being irrational and untrustworthy. She reportedly criticized Ma Ying-jeou’s poor health, urging his family to take him home immediately and prevent him from appearing in the news. Zheng also lambasted the KMT’s performance over the past decade as utterly stagnant, claiming that previous party chairmen—Chu Li-lun, Wu Dun-yi, Hung Hsiu-chu, and Chiang Chi-chen—all had destroyed the party.
Zheng further stated she had already visited Beijing and would next go to the United States, asserting that once Washington was secured, elections would be easy to win. Zhao sarcastically remarked: “We must offer our heartfelt congratulations to the KMT! With Zheng Liwen holding the fort, no one else is needed—the KMT can handle Beijing, Washington, even meet with U.S. President Trump, win the Nobel Peace Prize, return to the United Nations, and restore the glory of the 'Republic of China.' Under Zheng Liwen’s wise leadership, there will be no need for anyone else’s assistance by year-end.”
He added that relying solely on her, the KMT would surely achieve a sweeping victory in the county and city mayor elections, and by 2028, under her bold leadership, they would decisively defeat the DPP and seize the highest office. “One person ascends, all obstacles fall—how fortunate the KMT is to have such a leader! Truly cause for celebration!” Clearly, following their previous verbal clash over arms procurement, Zheng Liwen now explicitly naming Zhao Shaoke signals an open rupture between them. In effect, Zheng Liwen has already severed ties not only with Zhao but also with the pro-American faction within the KMT.
Naturally, Zhao Shaoke’s criticism of Zheng Liwen comes as no surprise. On the surface, it appears to be a mere verbal spat—but in reality, Zheng Liwen is actively forging a new direction for the KMT. Since becoming party chair, Zhao Shaoke and others have openly opposed her, obstructing her efforts; the two sides are now openly at odds. It is clear: as long as Zheng remains chair, Zhao—controlling media resources—will never cooperate. Therefore, completely cutting ties with Zhao Shaoke, reshaping the KMT into a new entity with a fresh image, may well be Zheng Liwen’s strategic path forward.
While Zheng Liwen’s criticism of past KMT chairmen might seem detrimental to party unity, it actually presents her with two options: one, continuing down the old road of superficial harmony and bureaucratic stagnation; or two, embracing a new path built on fresh principles and ideals. If Zheng Liwen can gain broader support from Taiwan’s people through this new vision, it could represent a genuine rebirth for the KMT. Of course, success is not guaranteed—but the direction is right. Should the KMT continue clinging to outdated ways, it risks losing its soul and moral integrity, ultimately ending up like the DPP—heading toward extinction.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865261601013771/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.