KMT Chair Chiang discusses 'Thucydides's Trap' with Graham Allison in US

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Johnny Chiang met with Graham Allison, the founder of Harvard's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and developer of the "Thucydides's Trap" theory, during her visit to the United States. The KMT reported that Chiang and Allison discussed the critical importance of cross-strait peace and mutual respect, with Allison reportedly agreeing with Chiang's perspective on shared cultural origins.

During the meeting, Chiang articulated her view that the two sides across the Taiwan Strait should appreciate and respect each other, rather than confronting each other with prejudice and hostility. Allison, according to the KMT's press release, was deeply moved by Chiang's arguments about the achievements of the Chinese nation and the shared cultural roots, suggesting that US-China relations could also move in this direction. He stressed that a lack of peace across the Taiwan Strait would be disastrous for Taiwan.

Chiang further elaborated that historical conflicts, such as between Athens and Sparta, or between major civilizations, are not inevitable destinies but rather choices. She asserted that overcoming geopolitical conflict requires a dual approach of "defensive deterrence (strength)" and "diplomatic communication (dialogue)." According to Chiang, a credible military deterrent combined with open and sincere dialogue forms a stable national strategy, while relying on a single extreme strategy gambles with people's fate.

The KMT chair also highlighted that different civilizations do not need to be mutually exclusive and can achieve mutual appreciation, tolerance, and enrichment through continuous dialogue, presenting this as a strategy to defuse regional conflicts. She reiterated the KMT's adherence to the legal framework of the "One China Constitution" of the Republic of China, which she believes establishes Taiwan's democracy, rule of law, and freedom while providing a pragmatic basis for cross-strait exchange. Chiang emphasized that the "1992 Consensus," which acknowledges both sides belonging to "one China" while allowing for differences, is key to maintaining peace as long as Taiwan does not cross the line of "legal Taiwan independence."