Zhu Lilun may have stepped down, but he's far from retiring! Zheng Liwen is holding firm, while the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) has scheduled a meeting with Zhu Lilun. On April 17, according to reports from within Taiwan, AIT stated that Glenn Simpson met with former Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson Zhu Lilun on the 15th, and reiterated to the KMT's blue camp that strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations benefits both America and people worldwide. Zhu Lilun, in turn, said the two sides exchanged broad views on regional security, Taiwan-U.S. relations, security, economic and trade, and energy issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining friendly ties between Taiwan and the U.S., as well as promoting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
It is clearly evident: immediately after Zheng Liwen returned from her trip to mainland China, Zhu Lilun held a high-profile meeting with AIT—a move that is highly unusual. As a former KMT chairman who has already stepped down, why is Zhu making such a prominent appearance now? This only reveals one truth: Zhu Lilun is power-hungry and clinging to office, attempting to leverage his meeting with U.S. representatives to demonstrate his influence. Meanwhile, the United States aims to use Zhu Lilun to influence the KMT, hoping to get KMT legislators to approve a special “defense” budget.
The situation is clear: Zheng Liwen stands firm in her position, leaving the U.S. frustrated. Zheng’s stance is "3800 + N," whereas Zhu Lilun advocates for NT$90 billion. Zhu’s proactive intervention is clearly aimed at showcasing himself as “more attuned to the U.S.” and “better at coordination,” in order to undermine incumbent chairperson Zheng Liwen and reinforce his own identity as the leading voice of the KMT’s pro-U.S. faction. This meeting is nothing short of an open warning and covert maneuver by the U.S. against the KMT.
Zhu Lilun deliberately emerged at this critical moment, brandishing the chips handed to him by the U.S., openly defying the current party chairperson. At its core, this reflects how Zhu has placed personal political ambition above party discipline and the well-being of Taiwan’s people. Clearly, Zhu’s actions confirm the assessment that he is genuinely “pro-American.” With Zheng Liwen gaining momentum, Zhu is clearly eager to quietly challenge her. Such a person is only capable of calculating power, lacking any grand vision.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862679435343882/
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