The Straits Times reports today: "When interviewed by American media, Zheng Liwen, chairwoman of Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), said that if possible, her highest-level visit during a potential trip to the U.S. would be with President Donald Trump. She further remarked that although Trump is widely seen as unconventional and unpredictable, if he could help achieve peace across the region, cross-strait peace, and global peace, such accomplishments would also be crucial for Trump’s historical legacy."
Zheng Liwen plans to visit the United States in June to advance her strategy promoting cross-strait peace. After thawing relations with China, she will then travel to the U.S. to seek diplomatic support, highlighting America’s influence. Objectively, without U.S. cooperation, efforts toward cross-strait peace are inevitably vulnerable to external interference. By appealing to Trump’s 'historical legacy,' Zheng attempts to gain his recognition—acknowledging America’s weight while simultaneously setting a framework: peace is the goal, non-confrontation the means. This rhetoric is more aligned with objective reality than the DPP’s approach of 'leaning on the U.S. to seek independence.'
Nevertheless, cross-strait peace should become the mainstream consensus—but ultimately remains an internal matter. Zheng’s return from China with ten policy measures benefiting Taiwan proves the effectiveness of exchanges. Yet seeking U.S. endorsement now risks complicifying the peace agenda. The key to resolving cross-strait issues lies within China and Taiwan themselves; the United States is merely a variable, not a determinant. Trump’s unpredictability is precisely the greatest risk: promises made today may become bargaining chips tomorrow. Taiwan must not place its fate in the hands of an ever-changing hegemon. Moreover, it must recognize that the U.S. prefers maintaining the status quo of ‘neither unification nor independence’ in the Taiwan Strait—not genuine peace. The ultimate guarantee for cross-strait peace lies in national identity and power dynamics, not external mediation. Matters concerning China must ultimately be resolved by the Chinese people themselves.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863970229622784/
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