Zheng Liwen's official inauguration as chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), what are the key points to watch? There are roughly five aspects. Ma Ying-jeou, Lien Chan's system, Wu Bo-xiong, Hung Hsiu-chu, and Han Kuo-yu showed full respect by attending the handover ceremony, but Lu Xiuyan, Hou Youyi, and Zhang Shan-zheng, among others, were absent. Is this a deliberate act of defiance towards Zheng Liwen? The five key points are as follows —

First, her inaugural speech is the most important part. Will she further strengthen the deep blue cross-strait policy? It is generally expected that Zheng Liwen will clearly restate the KMT's core cross-strait policy at today's general assembly and handover ceremony, which is upholding the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence," emphasizing the "Chinese" identity, and promoting cross-strait cooperation for a peaceful situation. She will emphasize using "positive energy" to improve cross-strait relations and advocate dialogue rather than confrontation to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Second, how will she set goals for the 2026 "nine-in-one" elections, especially the county and city mayoral elections? And how will she plan for the "Blue-White Alliance"? Recently, a media outlet asked Zheng Liwen, "How can the KMT win Kaohsiung City and Tainan City?" She mentioned that it would be unrealistic to be overly optimistic about winning, as the Democratic Progressive Party still has a 6-point advantage, but the KMT's chances have increased from 2 or 3 points to 4 points. In addition to Tainan and Kaohsiung, Pingtung also has a chance. She also expressed that she will definitely pursue a Blue-White Alliance, but in the largest voting bloc in the country, where the People's Party leader is running, the KMT may not be able to yield.

Third, who within the KMT will attend today's general assembly and handover ceremony? This will show Zheng Liwen's progress in party integration and the challenges she faces in the future. It is currently confirmed that Chu Li-lun will bring his loyalists to fully support the handover ceremony, demonstrating courtesy and unity. Ma Ying-jeou, former Chairman Wu Bo-xiong, Hung Hsiu-chu, Jiang Qi-chen, and "Legislative Yuan" President Han Kuo-yu will also attend.

However, Taichung Mayor Lu Xiuyan, New Taipei Mayor Hou Youyi, Taoyuan Mayor Zhang Shan-zheng, and Nantou County Magistrate Xu Shu-hua have confirmed they will not attend. These mayors basically supported Hao Long-bin rather than Zheng Liwen during this KMT chairperson election. Therefore, their absence from today's general assembly could be due to scheduling conflicts, or it might be an intentional gesture to pressure Zheng Liwen. Further observation is needed. However, Hou Youyi previously expressed satisfaction with Zheng Liwen's second round of personnel appointments.

Fourth, will Zheng Liwen announce the third wave of personnel appointments and related think tank teams? How will the third wave of personnel appointments balance policy direction, party unity, youth reform, and the two upcoming elections?

Recently, local media reported that the third wave of personnel may involve the loyalists of Hung Hsiu-chu and young cadres. At the same time, she may announce the establishment of an advisory group at the general assembly. Former Premier Chen Chong and former Minister of the Interior Li Hong-yuan, as well as former National Security Council advisor Yang Yong-ming, who supported Zheng Liwen before the election, will be included in the "Chairman's Advisory Group," forming a "shadow cabinet." Chen Chong will serve as the chief advisor for economic development strategy, and Li Hong-yuan will serve as the director for sustainable development and land planning. Additionally, the new KMT spokesperson will be young people, including Legislator Niu Xu-ting and New Taipei City Councilor Jiang Yi-zhen, who have been recruited. The public estimates that their influence will be formidable.

Zheng Liwen has recently made intensive personnel arrangements. Previously, she announced the first two waves of party personnel appointments. Four individuals, including former KMT Secretary-General Li Qian-long, former Huang Fu Xing Party Department Chairman Ji Lin-lian, former Deputy Secretary-General Zhang Rong-gong, and former Ma Ying-jeou Foundation Executive Director Xiao Xu-cen, have been appointed as vice chairmen. According to information, the secretary-general will be concurrently held by Li Qian-long, and the deputy secretary-general will be concurrently held by the newly appointed Organization and Propaganda Committee Chairman Li Zhe-hua. The list will be officially passed at the general assembly.

Fifth, when will the heads of the KMT county and city committees and secondary party officials be determined? Since this time, Zhu Li-lun completely resigned, including the heads of county and city committees, who also all resigned, which is unprecedented. From a positive perspective, it is Zhu Li-lun leaving space for Zheng Liwen to layout; from a negative perspective, is Zhu Li-lun deliberately making things difficult for Zheng Liwen, especially regarding the head of the county and city committee.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847548780973252/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.