Taiwan's KMT Chair: Cross-Strait Changes Must Respect People's Will, Avoid War

Jaw Shaw-kong, the chairwoman of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, has articulated a clear stance on cross-strait relations, asserting that any major shifts must prioritize and respect the interests and wishes of the Taiwanese people.

“

Any significant changes in cross-strait relations must respect the interests and will of the Taiwanese people.

In an interview with TIME magazine, Jaw discussed Taiwan's security, defense policies, and its role in the current international landscape. She underscored the critical need to prevent a war in the Taiwan Strait, describing it as a conflict that 'no one can afford.' Instead, she advocates for building sustainable and institutionalized peaceful relations with mainland China, grounded in the '1992 Consensus.'

“

The most important thing at this stage is not to rush to decide the final outcome, but to avoid the Taiwan Strait heading towards a war that no one can afford.

Jaw argued that Taiwan should not be perpetually defined as a frontline in great power competition or treated as a pawn in geopolitical games. She believes Taiwan must actively carve out its own strategic space, rather than find its options increasingly limited. The concept of the 'first island chain,' she suggested, should evolve from a purely military designation to a 'frontline of peace and prosperity.'

“

The first island chain should not only be a military frontline, but should also be a 'frontline of peace and prosperity.'

Addressing defense, Jaw affirmed the KMT's support for strengthening self-defense and acquiring necessary arms from the United States. However, she stressed that all significant defense expenditures must undergo proper congressional review and adhere to fiscal discipline, ensuring taxpayer money effectively enhances Taiwan's defensive capabilities. She concluded that a robust security policy requires a balance of military strength, crisis management mechanisms, and political dialogue, all aimed at avoiding war and ultimately serving the safety and well-being of the Taiwanese people.

“

True stable security policy cannot rely solely on arms, nor solely on dialogue; it must possess sufficient defensive capabilities, crisis management mechanisms, and political communication channels.