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Former KMT Chair Chiang Criticizes Taiwan President, MAC

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Former KMT Chairman Johnny Chiang criticized Taiwan's current government, stating President Lai Ching-te is "unable to move forward."
  • Chiang also slammed the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) as a "roadblock council" for hindering cross-strait exchanges.
  • He argued that the KMT, as the largest party in Taiwan's legislature, should be encouraged to engage internationally.

Former Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Johnny Chiang criticized Taiwan's current administration during a speech at Tunghai University in Taichung, asserting that President Lai Ching-te is "unable to move forward." Chiang, who is also a distinguished professor at Soochow University, expressed his views before participating in a lecture on artificial intelligence and sustainability for specific factories.

Chiang's remarks targeted the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), which he labeled a "roadblock council." He accused the MAC of obstructing cross-strait exchanges, particularly after its investigation into Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling for attending the Straits Forum. Chiang argued that the council should instead encourage dialogue and exchanges that benefit the public, rather than creating obstacles.

The biggest predicament for Taiwan right now is that President Lai cannot move forward, and because President Lai cannot move forward himself, he prevents others from moving forward.

โ€” Johnny ChiangFormer KMT Chairman criticizing Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te.

He further contended that the KMT, as the largest party in Taiwan's legislature, should be supported in its international engagements. Chiang believes that visits by KMT leaders and county magistrates abroad are beneficial for increasing international understanding of the party's positions. He urged the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to adopt a more positive stance towards such outreach, rather than offering criticism.

The Mainland Affairs Council does this kind of thing, becoming a 'roadblock council,' specializing in creating roadblocks and hindering cross-strait exchanges. It should be that as long as it speaks for the public and there is no personal gain or political agreement, it should be encouraged.

โ€” Johnny ChiangFormer KMT Chairman criticizing the Mainland Affairs Council.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.