Straits Times: Chiu Lien-hsin's US visit met with cold shoulder in Washington; 'peace maker' narrative on cross-strait issues questioned

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Chiu Lien-hsin's two-week visit to the United States, which began on June 1, has been characterized by a notably subdued response from Washington's influential Taiwan policy circles. Despite the attention her trip garnered, she did not receive a red-carpet welcome, and her key policy proposals have faced considerable scrutiny and skepticism.

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Ambitious, energetic and perhaps a bit naive.

A central point of contention is Chiu's assertion that the first island chain, a long-standing strategic defense line against China's Pacific expansion, should be transformed into a "chain of peace and prosperity." This idea has been widely criticized as undermining a decades-old US defense strategy and aligning closely with Beijing's geopolitical narrative. Her previous meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April also drew caution from Washington.

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sacrificing Taiwan's defense to bow to the CCP, and sternly warned that this move is 'playing with fire.'

Furthermore, Chiu's planned meetings with White House and National Security Council officials reportedly fell through, shifting to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and eventually being canceled. While the KMT maintains "confidential talks" occurred, the lack of high-level engagement, coupled with some congressional members' disapproval of the KMT's alleged reduction of Taiwan's defense budget, signals a preference in Washington for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Experts like Dennis Wilder and Bonnie Glaser have voiced doubts about Chiu's strategy, with Wilder suggesting she might be a pawn for Beijing and Glaser emphasizing that the US prioritizes Taiwan's defense spending and resolve over negotiated deals with China.

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Your goals are admirable, your optimism is impressive.