Cross-Strait Leaders Unlikely to Meet Soon, Says KMT Chairwoman Chang

As reported by Liberty Times, KMT Chairwoman Sylvia Chang has expressed a candid assessment of the current state of cross-strait relations, stating that a meeting between leaders from both sides of the Taiwan Strait is highly unlikely in the near future. Her remarks highlight the deep chill in relations, attributing it to a hostile atmosphere and a significant downturn in interactions, though she noted it has not yet escalated to the point of armed conflict.

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short time within the short time it is indeed very difficult

Chang specifically pointed to President Lai Ching-te's current disposition, suggesting he is "still in a fit of anger" and therefore unreceptive to any overtures for dialogue. She appealed to any clear-headed individuals within the ruling DPP to exercise restraint and recalibrate their approach, emphasizing that the nation does not belong to one individual or party. This perspective underscores a desire within certain political factions in Taiwan for a more pragmatic and less ideologically driven approach to managing relations with mainland China.

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President Lai is still in a fit of anger, and he may not be able to hear anything right now.

From our vantage point at Liberty Times, Chang's comments also serve as a reiteration of the KMT's long-standing position. Her visit to the mainland was framed as a concrete action intended to demonstrate to both the international community and the DPP that a return to the "1992 Consensus" and a rejection of "Taiwan independence" could reopen avenues for dialogue. She directly challenged the narrative that Beijing would immediately impose "one country, two systems" if Taiwan were to abandon its pursuit of independence, arguing that such fears are exaggerated and that a pragmatic approach based on the Republic of China's constitution is the true path forward.

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The nation does not belong to President Lai alone, nor does the DPP belong to Chairman Lai alone.

This viewpoint contrasts sharply with the prevailing sentiment in much of Western media, which often frames cross-strait issues through a lens of democratic self-determination versus authoritarianism. From a Taiwanese perspective, particularly for those who advocate for closer ties or at least stable relations with the mainland, the issue is far more nuanced. It involves navigating complex economic interdependencies, historical grievances, and the practical realities of geopolitical positioning. Chang's emphasis on dialogue, mutual understanding, and the potential for economic and technological exchange, rather than solely focusing on ideological divides, reflects a significant segment of Taiwanese public opinion that seeks stability and prosperity above all else.

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If we do not handle cross-strait relations, the issue of international space cannot be truly resolved.