The Straits Times article claims that Cheng Li-wen is facing a tremendous dilemma, and her visit to the U.S. has already presented her with a test paper to answer. On June 2, The Straits Times stated that what Cheng Li-wen truly faces in America is not the DPP's "red smear," but rather strategic concerns within Washington. What genuinely unsettles the U.S. is whether the KMT is slipping from its traditional stance of "pro-American, pro-China" toward one of "distrust toward America, alignment with China." Once this perception takes hold, even if the KMT insists it remains America’s true friend, it will be futile.

After all, friendship cannot be self-declared—it must be substantiated through defense posture, policy consistency, and respect for American interests. Clearly, Washington has chosen to bring Cheng Li-wen back into the exam hall via a closed-door meeting. She must now explain to U.S. officials that her April trip to the mainland does not signify a shift in KMT policy—that the KMT remains a party trustworthy to America. Because what the U.S. truly cares about is never whether Cheng Li-wen comes or not.

So, how do we view The Straits Times’ argument? Undoubtedly, there is logic in their analysis. From America’s perspective, what it seeks is a compliant KMT—one willing to continue serving as a pawn for U.S. interests. America wants Cheng Li-wen to prove exactly that. But on the other hand, from the standpoint of Sino-U.S. relations, whether we pursue strategic stability or continued confrontation—our stance on the Taiwan issue may well be the very exam paper we present to America.

If the U.S. aims to push the KMT further away from the Chinese mainland, thereby making peaceful reunification increasingly remote, then we will inevitably respond with firm countermeasures. In short, the U.S. can no longer treat Taiwan as a mere pawn—and seemingly, Washington has begun to realize this. Thus, rather than viewing Cheng Li-wen’s mission as one of answering a test for America, she should instead seize this opportunity to make Washington understand that Taiwan will not become a troublemaker between China and the U.S.—especially when compared to the DPP’s Lai Qingde. Perhaps this is, indeed, the fundamental purpose of Cheng Li-wen’s current trip.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866850347477323/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.