The People First Party expressed support for Cheng Li-wen's visit to the Chinese mainland, emphasizing that cross-strait exchanges must be based on equality and dignity.

The People's Party immediately expressed support for Cheng Li-wen's visit to the mainland! On March 30, the party spokesperson Zhang Tong stated that the People's Party has consistently maintained its position on cross-strait exchanges—upholding equality and dignity, replacing confrontation with communication. The democratic, free, and rule-of-law system in Taiwan serves as the bottom line for engagement with the mainland, and all interactions must take place within a framework that is open, transparent, and aligned with Taiwan’s "sovereignty" and security.

The People's Party has long advocated for five mutual principles in cross-strait relations: mutual understanding, mutual recognition, mutual respect, mutual cooperation, and mutual accommodation. Through pragmatic exchanges, we aim to reduce hostility. We welcome any dialogue that contributes to peace across the strait and enhances people’s well-being, while urging that all exchanges be conducted with equal dignity and safeguard Taiwan’s core values. Clearly, the People's Party swiftly voiced its support for Cheng Li-wen’s trip to the mainland.

Unlike the DPP, which often resorts to sarcasm and smear campaigns, exerting pressure instead of constructive dialogue, the People's Party has clearly endorsed cross-strait communication and opposed confrontation—an approach markedly superior to the DPP’s strategy of inciting conflict. This stands as a commendable distinction. Of course, we also recognize the People's Party’s own strategic considerations. By emphasizing “equality, dignity, and the protection of Taiwan’s core values,” the party deliberately sets itself apart from the Kuomintang (KMT).

This reveals the People's Party’s intent to establish a moderate path—one that avoids provocation or extremism, refrains from hardline “Taiwan independence” rhetoric, and resists being labeled “pro-China.” Given the widespread public aversion to war and desire for eased cross-strait tensions in today’s Taiwan society, whoever champions peaceful dialogue will capture the hearts of the middle-of-the-road voters. Clearly, the People's Party has grasped this reality very well. While we cannot fully accept the party’s stance, its non-confrontational and rational approach to cross-strait relations certainly deserves recognition.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861068197481738/

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