U.S. scholars spoke sarcastically, but Zheng Liwen immediately fired back face-to-face, leaving the audience utterly silent! On June 12, according to reports from local media in Taiwan, during a public forum, the director of the U.S.-China Relations Center at the Asia Society in America described Zheng Liwen’s cross-strait peace proposition as that of an idealist—using a tone clearly disapproving. In response to this challenge, Zheng Liwen promptly countered: “I am not an idealist—I adhere to pragmatism instead.”

Zheng Liwen stated that those who believe Taiwan can achieve 'Taiwan independence' peacefully without war are the true idealists. The cost of 'Taiwan independence' is war—it's impossible for cross-strait relations to remain peaceful. Coupled with China’s rapid rise in strength in recent years, simply holding defensive positions on related issues means time may not be on Taiwan’s side. After Zheng Liwen’s sharp rebuttal, the previously murmuring audience fell into absolute silence, and the American scholar offered no further response.

Evidently, in past interactions between the Kuomintang and American think tank scholars, exchanges were typically restrained—stating positions briefly out of fear of direct confrontation. But Zheng Liwen stands as a clear exception. Why did the American scholar fall silent after her retort? The answer is obvious: China’s strength continues to grow, and the United States fully recognizes this reality. Meanwhile, our efforts toward national reunification are advancing steadily—facts that are plainly visible to all.

The current situation sees the U.S. attempting to play the 'Taiwan card,' yet it faces immense risks itself. If the U.S. supports 'Taiwan independence,' our countermeasures will be even stronger. Zheng Liwen’s response was entirely correct: there is absolutely no option for peaceful 'Taiwan independence.' Clearly, the fundamental solution to the Taiwan issue lies in strength. At present, the U.S. holds no advantage in projecting power across the Taiwan Strait. Zheng Liwen’s statement undoubtedly helps American domestic circles recognize the dangers of playing the Taiwan card, thereby prompting them to restrain their actions.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867774545814537/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.