The chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), stated on Friday that her recent diplomatic trip to the United States was designed to clarify “many misunderstandings” surrounding her party’s policy of engagement with Beijing, a strategy that has drawn intense scrutiny from Washington.
Cheng Li-wun, leader of the island’s largest opposition group, concluded a two-week U.S. tour shortly after her April visit to China, where she held high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During her American tour, Cheng met with nine members of Congress—representing committees on finance, defense, and foreign affairs—alongside academic experts and think-tank leaders.
The diplomatic mission comes amid heavy criticism of the KMT and its ally, the Taiwan People’s Party, for legislative maneuvers that cut a proposed $40 billion military spending package by one-third.
Pro-defense advocates in the U.S. argue that such spending is vital for Taiwan’s security, with Republican Senator Dan Sullivan previously warning that the KMT was “playing with fire.”
Reflecting on her meetings, Cheng noted that the discussions gave American officials an opportunity to see the party clearly.
“I was honest and candid … and they can tell it when they meet me in person.”
Cheng revealed that during discussions with U.S. experts, it was suggested that her party should take a more proactive role in drafting defense-related legislation, a proposal she indicated the KMT is currently evaluating.
Addressing worries that engaging with China compromises Taiwan’s security, she maintained her party’s core stance.
“Seeking peaceful dialogue across the Taiwan Strait does not mean we will give up Taiwan’s national defense capabilities, still less that we will give up Taiwan’s democracy and freedom.”
Beijing continues to claim sovereignty over the democratically governed island and has not ruled out using force to achieve reunification.
Although the United States maintains no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it remains the island’s primary arms supplier and is legally obligated to support its self-defense capabilities.
During the press briefing, Cheng spoke positively of the recent summit between President Donald Trump and President Xi, calling it a positive step for regional stability. However, she declined to comment on Trump’s recent remark describing a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan as a “very good negotiating chip.”
When sharing her impression of the Chinese leader following their high-profile meeting, Cheng noted that Xi had been “very gentle and very nice and very real,” which she interpreted as an indication of a genuine desire to seek a peaceful resolution to cross-strait tensions.