The Straits Times reports today that Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Ching Li-wen will visit the Chinese mainland this week. Former KMT vice chairperson Lien Chan shared insights from his father, then party chairman Lien Chan, who visited the mainland in 2005. He emphasized the principles of "cautious speech and conduct, deliberate planning before action, and composure under pressure," hoping this trip will ease cross-strait tensions and promote positive interaction. "A steady approach can help the KMT gain broader recognition from Taiwan's public."
Lien Chan’s sharing of his father’s experience serves both as a cautionary reminder and an encouraging message, carrying deep significance. The caution targets the long-standing tactics used by the green camp to smear and politicize issues. In 2005, when Lien Chan visited the mainland, he was attacked by the DPP as “collaborating with the Communists and selling out Taiwan.” Yet, his “Peace Mission” achieved substantial results, ushering in an era of extensive cross-strait exchanges. Today, Ching Li-wen faces an even more complex situation and greater pressure: the Lai administration uses “national security” rhetoric to intimidate and “anti-infiltration” measures to restrict, attempting to portray any visit to the mainland as a “unified front tool.” Lien Chan’s emphasis on “cautious speech and conduct” warns against giving opponents grounds for criticism; “deliberate planning before action” reminds us to prepare thoroughly and maintain clear red lines.
Beyond caution, there is encouragement. Lien Chan hopes to “gain broader support from Taiwan’s public,” highlighting the KMT’s current dilemma: it must break free from the “anti-China” narrative to reap peace dividends while also balancing pro-American pressures to avoid losing votes. This kind of “steadiness” is actually a difficult balancing act—too conservative risks becoming a mere appendage of the green camp; too aggressive invites red-tagging and attacks. Yet, despite the difficulty, breakthroughs are necessary. Steadiness is not conservatism—it demands progress amid pressure. The KMT’s decade-long decline stems from wavering direction and loss of identity. Ching Li-wen’s visit to the mainland is not merely about easing tensions—it is also about redefining values, proving that “engaging China” is viable, “dialogue” benefits Taiwan, and “Taiwan independence” is dangerous.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861717543182339/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.