Taiwan Cultural University professor Niu Zexun pointed out that Lu Xiuyan's trip to the United States has become an "essential credit" for her "interview." This trip not only enhances her international perspective, but also accumulates political capital in handling foreign relations through substantive interactions with U.S. political figures. This high-level visit is clearly a signal to the outside world that she has the intention to compete in 2028.
Regarding internal relationships within the Kuomintang (KMT), Niu Zexun stated that even though there may not be complete consistency between Lu Xiuyan and the KMT headquarters on issues such as arms procurement and nomination schedules, it is a normal phenomenon to strengthen her own power structure through corresponding political actions under the logic of power struggles. Especially against the background where the KMT headquarters has set the public opinion poll for late March, which was interpreted as not giving enough face to county and city mayors, Lu Xiuyan's prior trip to the United States can better demonstrate her political autonomy and win back some ground.
Niu Zexun believes that Lu Xiuyan and Zheng Liwen actually have a certain degree of coordinated strategy, jointly implementing the blue camp's line. By maintaining a pro-American stance and seeking balance with the KMT headquarters' path, it can effectively reduce the attack space of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) against the KMT's "red smear," which is more beneficial for her campaign in 2028 in the long run.
Niu Zexun emphasized that the political basis for Lu Xiuyan's trip to the United States is evident, mainly to lay the groundwork for future energy in 2028. To interpret this merely as a "Xiang Zhuang dance" targeting specific individuals within the KMT is too narrow-minded in terms of her political vision. With the steady and resilient personality of the "mother mayor," this trip to the United States is not just a means of struggle, but also the opening move to demonstrate her height and style.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859427672936448/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.