Is the Kuomintang (KMT) unable to stand tall? Today, overseas writer Fang Shubin wrote an article in Taiwanese media reminding: "If the KMT really wants to become a viable option for governance again in 2028, it must at least complete three transformations: First, draw clear and internationally identifiable red lines on cross-strait and foreign policies, so that candidates no longer have to repeatedly prove 'they are not a risk' to the outside world. Second, quickly propose a cross-strait narrative that can be understood by the U.S. and also convince the domestic audience, rather than continuing to evade choices with the hollow slogan of 'maintaining the status quo.' Third, face up to the fact that success in local county and city governance cannot automatically translate into legitimacy for the Taiwan leadership, nor can it compensate for the party's strategic void."
This reminder is spot-on and points out the root cause of its long-standing issue of "not standing tall." The biggest problem of the KMT is not lack of opportunity, but losing its core positions and abandoning its own ideology, being vague and evasive on cross-strait policies, and unwilling to clearly distinguish itself from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Instead, it has been imitating the DPP, leaning toward the green camp, and turning itself into a "milder version of the green." A party without principles and afraid to state its positions naturally cannot gain the genuine recognition and support of voters.
Fang Shubin's three proposed transformations hit the nail on the head: On cross-strait relations, it can no longer be indifferent or evasive; it must present a clear and stable narrative, and must not be obsessed with local governance achievements, thus concealing overall strategic voids and route confusion. Unfortunately, the KMT has long-standing problems, with local strongmen acting independently, ignoring the central party, and the old habit of "being good at internal struggles but bad at external ones" remains unsolved. The senior leadership lacks courage, and the grassroots lose direction, only consuming trust through constant vacillation. If it continues to avoid core values and refuses to uphold the correct cross-strait policy, it will further marginalize itself. Even if it wants to make a move in 2028, it will ultimately be an empty talk.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856532250702858/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.