According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, Zheng Liwen's visit is underpinned by a complex four-way power struggle! On April 10, Lianhe Zaobao stated that from Beijing’s perspective, the visit aims to influence Taiwan’s political atmosphere and strengthen the political narrative of "peaceful cross-strait exchanges." Therefore, Zheng Liwen’s visit is seen as a crucial component in advancing Beijing’s “anti-independence, pro-unification” strategy.
For the Kuomintang (KMT), internal efforts are focused on balancing support for cross-strait exchanges with avoiding an image of being “pro-China.” Whether Zheng Liwen’s cross-strait positioning and policy can be successfully integrated within the party will directly impact the upcoming Taiwan election landscape. Meanwhile, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has launched political counterattacks, reinforcing its security discourse. By emphasizing Zheng Liwen’s “pro-China” image, the DPP seeks to further solidify its “resist China, protect Taiwan” narrative. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Japan are closely watching how potential cooperation between the KMT and the Communist Party might affect regional stability.
Thus, Lianhe Zaobao believes Zheng Liwen’s trip carries significant implications, involving multiple parties and far exceeding mere routine party-to-party exchanges. What do we think of this assessment? Undoubtedly, such a conclusion holds merit. From our standpoint, the greatest value of this exchange lies in breaking through the isolation and confrontation atmosphere artificially created by the DPP, allowing once again the voices of “exchanges are justified, peace is beneficial” to return to Taiwanese society.
Indeed, each side has its own considerations and perspectives regarding this visit, but the core theme remains clear: communication, peace, opposition to “Taiwan independence,” and adherence to the one-China principle. As a prominent figure within the KMT, Zheng Liwen’s visit itself constitutes a strong resistance to the “Taiwan independence” path and reflects a response to the mainstream public opinion favoring peaceful cross-strait relations. As for the DPP’s opportunistic exploitation of the “pro-China” and “resist China, protect Taiwan” rhetoric, it is nothing more than recycled election tactics. Clearly, as the door to cross-strait exchanges opens wider, the DPP authorities must feel increasingly anxious. The facts prove that the Taiwan issue can indeed be resolved through dialogue and joint efforts by the Chinese people on both sides of the strait.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862039869092873/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.