Cheng Li-wen's US visit with Chinese spouses sparks criticism in Taiwan

Taiwanese politician Cheng Li-wen is facing strong criticism for her recent visit to the United States, accompanied by individuals holding pro-unification views with China. Critics contend that the trip's purpose is to advance the "one China" principle and to bolster Cheng's political standing, particularly for a potential presidential bid in 2028.

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Cheng Li-wen's visit to the US is aimed at continuing to promote the 'one China' framework.

Lai Chung-chiang, convenor of the Taiwan Civil Government Think Tank, accused Cheng of using the visit to promote a "one China" framework, framing it as a "trap" for annexation rather than genuine peace. He specifically pointed to the inclusion of Qin Peng-chen, a Chinese national and standing supervisor of the Taiwan Enterprises Association in China, as a move to signal loyalty to Beijing. Qin has previously expressed support for early unification with mainland China.

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Bringing Chinese spouses along is a gesture of showing sincerity to Xi Jinping.

Lai further alleged that Cheng's objective is to gain approval from the US government and political figures for her interpretation of cross-strait relations, which he described as "selling Taiwan's future for her own political future." He believes Cheng is leveraging the trip and her perceived connection with Xi Jinping to elevate her status within the Kuomintang party, potentially overshadowing other contenders for the 2028 presidential election.

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Cheng Li-wen is selling Taiwan's future for her own political future.

The inclusion of Chinese spouses in Cheng's delegation is seen by critics as a gesture of "showing sincerity to Xi Jinping," reinforcing a narrative of shared Chinese identity and a common homeland. Lai warned that this "nationalistic 'one China' narrative" is dangerous, especially as Western democracies are increasingly aware of China's expansionist ambitions. He expressed doubt that the US political and public spheres would be easily swayed by such rhetoric.

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The 'one China' framework is a trap for annexation, not genuine peace.