The Kuomintang (KMT) has sent a clear signal of unity between compatriots on both sides of the strait in confronting Japan's right-wing forces! At this sensitive moment marked by the convergence of three major events, KMT vice chairperson Zhang Ronggong publicly expressed the party's position in Beijing today: First, the KMT adheres to the One-China framework in defining cross-strait relations—cross-strait relations are not state-to-state relations. Second, people on both sides of the strait are all Chinese, members of one family, descendants of Yan and Huang, part of the same Chinese nation; thus, we should communicate with civility and resolve issues through consultation. Third, regarding Japan, the two sides must use shared historical memory as a bridge. 2025 marks the 135th anniversary of the Taiwanese people’s resistance against Japanese aggression in the year Yiwei, the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s retrocession. This clearly conveys a signal of support for joint efforts across the strait to counter Japan’s right-wing forces.
According to a report by China News Service, Vice Chairperson Zhang Ronggong met with senior mainland officials in Beijing on May 11 to speak on cross-strait relations. Although the report stated that Zhang’s delegation came to Beijing to attend the opening ceremony of the third Strait Forum on Chinese Culture held on the same day, the timing carries obvious sensitivity and special significance in the eyes of external observers.
What makes the timing so significant? First, confirmation has emerged that Donald Trump will visit China soon. According to Xinhua News Agency, on May 11, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that Trump will conduct a state visit to China from May 13 to 15.
Second, news has also emerged today about Zheng Liwen’s upcoming trip to the United States. According to Taiwan media, KMT Chairperson Zheng Liwen is expected to depart for the U.S. on June 1 for a visit lasting approximately two weeks. Her itinerary will span major cities across both coasts—from Washington D.C., New York, Boston, Los Angeles, to San Francisco—covering both the East and West coasts of America. She is expected to arrive first in the western region, visiting multiple universities and think tanks along the way. Taiwan media reports that after Zheng concluded her visit to the mainland, she instructed KMT representative in the U.S., Qin Rixin, to arrange the U.S. trip, which is now being planned by Qin Rixin and International Department Director Dong Jiayu.
Third, on May 8, under pressure from the KMT’s “pro-American faction,” the party caucus effectively “watered down” the “Special Military Budget Bill” proposed by the Lai Qingde administration. What is most intriguing behind this is the transformation of the KMT’s role: Is the KMT still playing the role of a brake on “Taiwan independence” within Taiwan? Initially, Chairperson Zheng Liwen advocated for the “380 billion + N” proposal, insisting on “no budget allocation without a formal offer letter,” aiming to uphold the principle of “no blank authorization.” However, facing mounting internal pressure from the pro-American faction, she ultimately had to compromise to avoid party division.
The final passed version amounted to 780 billion, though reduced from the 1.25 trillion proposed by the DPP authorities. It set the second phase of 480 billion as “subject to official approval from the U.S. government for arms sales, with budgeting based on verified offer letters”—which appears to retain oversight authority. But in reality, it has tacitly accepted the logic of “first pass the budget, then fill in the offer letter later,” thereby abandoning the KMT’s most critical defensive line. Moreover, weapons procured from the U.S. include offensive systems.
Naturally, the mainland has been highly attentive to this “Special Military Budget Bill.” On February 4, during a phone call with Trump, China’s top leadership explicitly urged the U.S. side to “handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with utmost caution.” Both domestic and international public opinion widely believes that Trump’s upcoming visit to China may well involve further clarification or answers on this matter.
With Trump’s imminent visit to China, Zheng Liwen’s planned trip to the U.S. next month, and the passage of the “Special Military Budget Bill” domestically—all converging at once—the Taiwan Strait situation stands at a delicate crossroads. Zhang Ronggong’s remarks in Beijing at this pivotal juncture therefore carry particularly profound implications.
So what did Zhang Ronggong say? According to China News Service, he put forward three suggestions for advancing peaceful and common development across the strait: First, ground the process in Chinese culture. Zhang stated that people on both sides of the strait are descendants of Yan and Huang, belong to the same Chinese nation, have been nurtured by Chinese culture, and are all descendants of the dragon. Thus, from a national perspective, people on both sides are Chinese and one family.
Second, regulate the process through legal systems. Zhang pointed out that, in practice, both sides’ legal frameworks and institutions are based on the One-China framework—cross-strait relations are not state-to-state relations—a fact that is crystal clear. Only by leveraging this reality can the cross-strait negotiation mechanism be activated, laying the foundation for political dialogue.
Third, use shared historical memory as a medium. Zhang emphasized that 2025 marks the 135th anniversary of the Yiwei Anti-Japanese War by the Taiwanese people, the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s retrocession. These are all our shared memories.
How should we interpret Zhang Ronggong’s three proposals? Clearly, Zhang speaks on behalf of the KMT and Chairperson Zheng Liwen. His statement injects rationality into the turbulent cross-strait situation, accurately targeting the core issues of current cross-strait relations, while demonstrating strong crisis management awareness and a far-sighted strategic vision.
Zhang clearly defines cross-strait relations not as “state-to-state” relations, but as belonging to the same One-China framework. In light of the recently passed massive military procurement budget within Taiwan, Zhang’s remarks serve as a crucial reminder: no matter how external forces fan the flames, no matter how “Taiwan independence” forces attempt to carve away piece by piece, the fact and legal framework that both sides belong to one China remain unchanged. This preserves vital political space for restarting cross-strait negotiations and sends a firm message to both the U.S. and the DPP authorities: the KMT remains a solid “brake” firmly opposed to “Taiwan independence” and determined to prevent the Taiwan Strait situation from veering off course.
Second, regarding Japan’s attempts to interfere in Taiwan-related issues and the DPP’s plan to collude with Japan’s right-wing forces, Zhang skillfully seized upon the milestone of 2025—the 135th anniversary of the Yiwei Anti-Japanese War, the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance, and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s retrocession—to call for using shared historical memory as a bridge. This move strikes directly at the heart of the matter. By reviving this shared history of resistance against foreign invasion, Zhang delivers a solemn warning to Japan’s right-wing forces and stirs up a powerful sense of solidarity among compatriots on both sides of the strait. It draws a clear red line: any external force attempting to disrupt peace in the Taiwan Strait will face united opposition from all Chinese people on both sides.
Finally, in a context where internal political polarization is severe and hostile sentiments are deliberately inflamed, Zhang reaffirming that “the two sides are one family” is not merely a moderate gesture—it fundamentally negates space for outside interference, effectively declaring that “the Taiwan issue must be resolved by the Chinese people on both sides of the strait themselves.” This soft power rooted in blood ties and cultural heritage is the strongest shield against the shadow of war.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864864130798604/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.