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Taiwan Opposition Leader Sees Trump's Stance on Independence as Positive Step
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China /Elections & Politics

Taiwan Opposition Leader Sees Trump's Stance on Independence as Positive Step

From South China Morning Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Taiwan's main opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, described Trump's stance against Taiwan's independence as a "positive first step."
  • Cheng, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), stated that the "one China" principle and opposition to independence are the KMT's long-standing positions.
  • She believes this political basis can maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan's main opposition leader has welcomed recent comments from US President Donald Trump regarding the island's independence, characterizing them as a "relatively positive first step" toward de-escalating tensions. Cheng Li-wun, the chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, shared her views in an exclusive interview.

Cheng emphasized that the "one China" principle and opposition to Taiwan's independence have consistently been the core tenets of the Kuomintang's political platform. She asserted that adherence to this political foundation is essential for maintaining the current status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

Her remarks suggest a potential alignment between the KMT's long-held positions and certain aspects of the Trump administration's approach to cross-strait relations. The KMT, historically the ruling party of Taiwan, often advocates for closer ties with mainland China while maintaining Taiwan's autonomy. Cheng's comments indicate a strategic effort to leverage perceived shifts in international discourse to bolster the KMT's standing and its approach to cross-strait policy.

The โ€˜one Chinaโ€™ principle and opposition to Taiwan independence have always been the Kuomintangโ€™s stance. โ€œOn this political basis, the status quo across the Taiwan Strait can be maintained, and...

โ€” Cheng Li-wunExplaining the KMT's long-standing position on cross-strait relations and Taiwan's status.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.