KMT Chairwoman Koo's US Visit Sparks Controversy Over Xi Remarks, 2028 Election Focus

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cecilia Koo's recent visit to the United States has ignited controversy, particularly her statement at a San Francisco event that "If there were no meeting with Xi, I might be insignificant." This remark has drawn sharp criticism from within Taiwan, with legislator Lin Chun-hsien accusing Koo of excessive flattery towards the Chinese leader.

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If there were no meeting with Xi, I might be insignificant.

Lin further alleged that Koo's political ascent, especially her bid for KMT leadership, was bolstered by "external forces" and online campaigns, implying direct support from Beijing. He suggested that Koo herself is aware of this dependence, stating, "Without Xi Jinping, she doesn't exist." Lin characterized her current position not just as party chair, but as "the only party leader certified by Xi Jinping," a status he claims is unprecedented for a KMT leader.

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Without Xi Jinping, she doesn't exist.

The legislator also pointed to Koo's focus on the 2028 presidential election during her US trip, which he finds unusual given the upcoming local elections in Taiwan. Lin interprets this early focus as a sign of pressure from Beijing, suggesting that Koo's strategy involves leveraging cross-strait relations. He recalled Koo previously stating that "if she doesn't win in 2028, cross-strait exchanges will not resume," and that "Xi Jinping is the only one in China who is kind to Taiwan."

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the only party leader certified by Xi Jinping

Lin concluded that Koo's message to Taiwanese voters is one of fear: that Taiwan will face dire consequences if she is not elected in 2028. He believes this positions her as Beijing's "agent number one" for intervening in Taiwan's elections, marking the start of the 2028 presidential race from the moment she arrived in San Francisco.

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if she doesn't win in 2028, cross-strait exchanges will not resume