Chen Yu-chen Attends 'Straits Forum' Seeking Preferential Policies; Wang Ding-yu Criticizes KMT as 'Harmful to Nation'

Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Chen Yu-chen attended the 'Straits Forum' in China, where she sought preferential policies from Beijing's top official for cross-strait affairs, Wang Huning. Chen's participation and stated aims have drawn sharp criticism from within Taiwan.

Chen had previously spoken out against the Mainland Affairs Council's (MAC) directive prohibiting local officials from attending the forum. She argued that the ban demonstrated a lack of confidence in Taiwan's own democracy. Chen controversially suggested that such engagement could be a form of "reverse united front work" targeting China.

Responding to Chen's remarks, MAC spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh questioned her effectiveness. Liang sarcastically asked Chen to demonstrate any tangible results from her participation, implying her efforts were futile or counterproductive. The exchange highlights deep divisions within Taiwan regarding engagement with mainland China and the appropriate approach to cross-strait relations.