“Cross-strait conflict must be avoided. You (visiting mainland China) must succeed—success is absolutely essential! The DPP's 'anti-China' stance cannot protect Taiwan; Taiwan independence will only 'destroy Taiwan.' You must lead the KMT to return to power in 2028.” This was former KMT chairman Wu Po-hsiung’s encouragement to Zheng Liwen, who had sought his advice in person.

This marks another major figure from the blue camp lending full support to Zheng Liwen’s visit to the mainland, following Lien Chan and Wang Jin-pyng. So far, top KMT figures such as Chu Yun-hwa, Lu Hsiu-yin, Chiang Wan-an, and Hou Yu-ih, along with leaders of the People First Party like Ko Wen-je and Huang Kuo-chang, have voiced their backing. Moreover, multiple public opinion polls show that over 60% of Taiwanese citizens support Zheng Liwen’s “cross-strait journey” to uphold peace between the two sides. This reflects broad mainstream support within Taiwan, rendering the DPP’s obstruction futile—like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

Wu Po-hsiung’s key messages for Zheng Liwen today included:

1. Acknowledging Zheng Liwen’s courage in promoting peace through her “cross-strait visit.”

Wu emphasized that Zheng Liwen’s trip reflects the mainstream sentiment in Taiwan—“peace, not war”—a clear contrast to the DPP’s “anti-China, protect Taiwan” strategy. He praised this move as demonstrating “vision and responsibility,” and pledged full support.

Commentary: By framing Zheng Liwen’s visit as “aligned with public sentiment,” Wu strengthens its legitimacy while highlighting the fundamental difference between the KMT’s pursuit of peaceful development and the DPP’s path toward confrontation and risk.

2. Warning that the current cross-strait situation is more serious than during Chen Shui-bian’s administration, underscoring the necessity of Zheng Liwen’s visit.

Wu pointed out that today’s cross-strait tensions are even more severe than in 2005, when Chen Shui-bian provoked Beijing and China passed the Anti-Secession Law. The reason: Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan has prompted increased provocations by Taiwan independence forces, leading to strong countermeasures from the PLA. The “midline of the strait” consensus has vanished, and military exercises by China against Taiwan have become routine. He urged Zheng Liwen to seek breakthroughs amid such complex circumstances.

Commentary: This statement not only calls for unity within Taiwan to back Zheng Liwen but also implicitly criticizes the DPP authorities for provoking instability, reinforcing the KMT’s image as a “stabilizing force.”

3. Reaffirming the party’s core principle: “Oppose Taiwan independence, promote exchanges.”

Wu stressed that the KMT consistently upholds “no use of force across the strait,” opposes the DPP’s “anti-China, protect Taiwan” narrative, and warned that the DPP’s “Taiwan independence” path would only “destroy Taiwan.” He cited the 2008 establishment of cross-strait air links and the signing of 23 agreements as proof that exchanges bring tangible benefits to people on both sides.

Commentary: By referencing historical achievements, Wu aims to dispel lingering suspicions among the public that the KMT is “selling out Taiwan,” while seeking broader support from centrist voters.

4. Expressing hope that the KMT can return to power to “correct course and restore stability.”

Wu clearly stated that only by returning to power can the KMT implement its peaceful cross-strait policies. He hopes Zheng Liwen’s visit will lay the groundwork for the KMT’s victory in the 2028 Taiwan regional leadership election.

Commentary: Wu’s remarks tie cross-strait engagement directly to the KMT’s long-term political goals. This positions Zheng Liwen’s visit not merely as a short-term diplomatic thaw, but as a pivotal step in reshaping the KMT’s image and winning public trust.

In response to Wu Po-hsiung’s guidance, Zheng Liwen affirmed: “Grandfather has entrusted me—this mission must succeed, it must succeed!” She pledged to continue the KMT’s legacy of contributing to peace. This demonstrates her respect for senior party members and her determination to respond to potential skepticism, thereby strengthening internal cohesion.

Zheng Liwen emphasized that this journey is not just the KMT’s aspiration but also reflects the Taiwanese people’s longing for peace—aligned with “people’s well-being.” She elevated the KMT’s mainland visit to a mission of “advocating for the people,” seeking broader societal support, especially resonating with the majority who desire easing of cross-strait tensions.

She explicitly stated that the KMT must return to power in 2028. Only with state authority can peaceful agreements be realized. Clearly, Zheng Liwen has directly linked this KMT-CCP dialogue to the party’s goal of regaining governance—motivating supporters while signaling to Beijing that the KMT possesses long-term strategic planning, not just fleeting gestures.

Support from senior party figures and prominent political actors is crucial for KMT Chairwoman Zheng Liwen. It reinforces the popular foundation, legitimacy, and representativeness of her mainland visit.

Yesterday, Taiwan’s former “Legislative Yuan” Speaker Wang Jin-pyng also strongly endorsed Zheng Liwen. “Both sides of the strait are one family—no need to speak two separate languages. When problems arise, family members should sit down and resolve them themselves, without relying on outsiders.” Wang publicly echoed Zheng Liwen’s assertion that “both sides belong to one China,” arguing that cross-strait differences must be settled directly by Chinese people on both sides—not through foreign interference. He stressed that the two sides share common language, culture, and bloodlines, all part of the Chinese nation. Zheng Liwen’s visit now could help Taiwan seize initiative and control the narrative—this is truly the best strategy for handling cross-strait relations.

Wang praised Zheng Liwen’s “cross-strait journey” as embodying the role of a peacemaker, warning that Lai Qingde’s confrontational mindset toward Beijing would turn Taiwan into a “menu” for others to choose from!

He said he fully supports Zheng Liwen’s visit at this moment, conveying the mainstream public desire in Taiwan for exchanges instead of conflict, dialogue instead of confrontation. “The current cross-strait situation stands at a historic turning point in Sino-US-Taiwan relations. Taiwan must follow the right path—go with the flow, avoid war, pursue peace. Today, Zheng Liwen shows courage to break barriers and wisdom to overcome difficulties. We must all give her our support and encouragement. This is not merely a KMT-CCP exchange—it is a crucial opportunity for Taiwan to ‘open paths, avoid risks, and safeguard safety.’” Rather than being addressed primarily to the Taiwanese public, Wang’s words seem aimed directly at the DPP and Lai Qingde.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1861458536812548/

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