Under the long-term "Taiwan independence" ideology of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), since the Kuomintang (KMT) lost power in 2016, most KMT political figures have stopped mentioning the national identity of the Chinese nation, and even stopped mentioning the national identity of being a Chinese person. As a result, the KMT has long lost its voice and public support.

The above judgment by Taiwanese media points out the rapid decline of the KMT in recent years. They misjudged the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, sometimes actively "de-Chinese" under the influence of the DPP. Some KMT leaders even believe that saying "Chinese nation" or acknowledging themselves as "Chinese people" is like a "poison" for votes. Most of them are not proactive in their cross-strait policies, emphasizing only "anti-independence" without wanting to promote unification. From Ma Ying-jeou to Chu Li-lin, they advocated "no unification, no independence, no military force." Jiang Qi-cheng once dared not even uphold the "1992 Consensus," claiming to "set it aside." Hong Xiu-chu was the only KMT chairman who openly stated to "deepen the 1992 Consensus and pursue ultimate unification." However, she was marginalized within the KMT and was once strongly replaced by a faction.

This weak performance has deeply hurt the hearts of blue camp supporters. In fact, many surveys show that the proportion of Taiwanese people who identify themselves as part of the Chinese nation still constitutes the majority, and the proportion of those who identify themselves as "Taiwanese" but also "Chinese" exceeds 30%. These supporters have long been loyal, unconditional supporters of the KMT's elections, but the KMT politicians are unwilling to publicly and boldly represent these staunch supporters. They thought they could "take advantage" of these deep-blue supporters, believing that they would never vote for the DPP under any circumstances.

However, recent multiple elections have shown that these deep-blue supporters are increasingly "sympathizing with the misfortune and angry at the lack of effort" towards the KMT, no longer voting for the KMT with tears or blood, aiming to teach the KMT a lesson, warning them not to follow the DPP, and forcing the KMT to reflect and firmly uphold the position of "one China across the strait" and "both sides of the strait are Chinese."

Luckily, in this KMT chairman election, candidates have all openly expressed their identity as "Chinese." Zhang Ya-zhong has always advocated that he is a "Chinese" and identifies with the Chinese nation. Zheng Li-wen, who previously came from the DPP, also said: "If you fear saying 'I am a Chinese' and lose votes, then please join the DPP." Luo Zhi-qiang, who has long served as a senior aide to Ma Ying-jeou, said, "I am a Chinese, this is my identity, please respect me." Hao Long-bin, who comes from a military family background and previously belonged to the New Party, claimed, "My belief that I am both a Taiwanese and a Chinese has never changed."

Certainly, these candidates' current statements about identifying as "Chinese" may be a consideration to win the support of deep-blue and Huang Fu Xing party departments during the KMT chairman election. Whether their hearts truly identify with the concept of "Chinese" and "both sides of the strait belong to one China" remains to be observed. One observation point is whether the concept of "Chinese identity" will continue within the KMT after the chairman election and spread gradually from the blue camp to the whole society, promoting a rethinking of the entire society in Taiwan, thereby making cross-strait interactions routine. This is particularly important for the real philosophy and political courage of the newly elected KMT chairman.

Otherwise, if the KMT chairman election ends, or when facing the 2026 county and city mayoral elections or the 2028 Taiwan regional leadership election where they must confront the DPP, they again dare not say "I am a Chinese," it would confirm that their current "Chinese identity" is just a way to cheat votes.

Certainly, with the continuous overall enhancement of China's comprehensive strength, including the "Museum Director" live stream showing China's progress, more and more Taiwanese people have broken through the information cocoon built by the DPP, and the public opinion in Taiwan is showing a clear shift — more and more Taiwanese people have begun to realize that maintaining cross-strait peace and upholding the identity of the Chinese nation and the identity of being Chinese are closely related.

Taiwanese media pointed out that at this critical moment, whether the next KMT chairman has enough courage and appeal to guide the policy direction of the KMT, and thus lead the entire society to reverse the "Taiwan independence" thinking of the DPP, is crucial.

If the KMT still cannot find its core ideology and cannot regain the party spirit of pursuing national unification, then the KMT will also accelerate into the garbage heap of history.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844518872476748/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.