2026 Elections: Lin Chuo-shui Says KMT Is Now 'Utterly Disastrous'

Former legislator Lin Chuo-shui has sharply criticized the Kuomintang (KMT) party's current standing, particularly following a recent US visit by party chairwoman Jaw-ling Chang. Lin described the KMT's situation as "utterly disastrous" ahead of the 2026 elections.

Chang's trip to the United States was intended to project an image of the KMT being adept at navigating relations with both China and the US. However, a scheduled meeting with US National Security Council officials was unexpectedly canceled by the US side without any stated reason. Lin had previously predicted that this visit would be problematic for the KMT, but now believes the reality is far worse than anticipated.

According to Washington's foreign media circles, Chang's meeting was initially planned not at the White House, but at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) headquarters. Furthermore, the US officials involved were reportedly not at the same senior level as those who met with Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen during her visit in March. The cancellation is widely believed to stem from Chang's continued remarks during her US stay, which included criticism of arms sales to Taiwan and US-Taiwan relations, and characterizing security cooperation in the First Island Chain as "Cold War mentality." These statements apparently surprised and confused the US government.

Adding to the KMT's difficulties, the party significantly cut its special budget before the trip. This financial decision, coupled with Chang's statements, has led to a series of canceled meetings with various senators and representatives since the beginning of the visit. Lin suggests that the KMT must overcome the challenge of "Jaw-ling Chang's US visit" before the 2026 elections, a hurdle he now believes is almost insurmountable given the current circumstances.

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not 'likely to fail,' it's utterly disastrous.