Unification Referendum 'Difficult' in Taiwan, Official Responds

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen has indicated that holding a referendum on peaceful unification with China would be a challenging prospect in Taiwan. She made these remarks while visiting the Asia Society in the United States.

Responding to Cheng's comments, Presidential Office Secretary-General Chang Chun-han stated that maintaining the status quo is the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) cross-strait policy. He emphasized that this approach aligns with the expectations and consensus of the vast majority of Taiwanese people. Chang affirmed that the government, under both President Tsai Ing-wen and President Lai Ching-te, has consistently pursued this policy of "neither arrogant nor servile, maintaining the status quo."

Chang also referenced a quote from former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, suggesting it as advice for Cheng. He quoted Kennedy, stating that "in the course of world history, only a few generations have been fortunate enough to bear the responsibility of defending freedom in a critical moment of crisis." Chang expressed his belief that this sentiment reflects the aspirations of all Taiwanese people and represents a shared responsibility across political divides.