Taiwan opposition leader seeks to maintain US defence cooperation amid China concerns

Taiwan's main opposition party leader, Cheng Li-wun, expressed on Friday her desire to continue defense cooperation with the United States during her two-week visit to Washington. Cheng, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), stated that her party supports Taiwan's defense capabilities and aims to "continue maintaining and deepening our cooperation with the US in this regard."

Cheng's visit comes as the KMT faces scrutiny over its historically pro-engagement stance with China, contrasting with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's approach. The KMT recently blocked a government plan for significant weapons spending. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened force.

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to continue maintaining and deepening our cooperation with the US in this regard.

Responding to critics, Cheng asserted that "seeking peaceful dialogue across the Taiwan Strait does not mean abandoning Taiwan’s defense capabilities." She highlighted meetings with nine members of Congress, academics, and others as successful. Cheng also noted alignment with former President Donald Trump's warning against Taiwan declaring independence, recalling his statement about avoiding a distant war.

Cheng's itinerary included stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York. Her rise to party leadership last year has been marked by controversy, with some accusing her of being too pro-China. She previously visited Beijing in April, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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seeking peaceful dialogue across the Taiwan Strait does not mean abandoning Taiwan’s defense capabilities.