TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文), the newly elected chair of Taiwan’s Kuomintang, has argued that acknowledging “one China” could ease tensions with Beijing.
Speaking to Nikkei Asia, Cheng emphasized the cultural and historical ties between Taiwan and China, which she said are often overlooked in current policy debates. She criticized the Democratic Progressive Party for promoting what she described as a “de-Sinicization” agenda, arguing that it has caused public confusion and distress.
Cheng also opposed the administration’s plan to increase defense spending, even as President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has been outspoken about defending Taiwan’s sovereignty and warning of threats from China.
Cheng framed her leadership as an opportunity to shift public perception toward the KMT’s perspective, encouraging pride in shared Chinese heritage. However, her position contrasts with prevailing public sentiment.
Surveys from Pew Research and National Chengchi University indicate that over 60% of respondents identify as Taiwanese rather than Chinese, with only 3% claiming a Chinese identity.
For KMT supporters, Cheng represents a departure from her predecessors, Eric Chu (朱立倫) and Hou You-ih (侯友宜). US lawyer and veteran Taiwan commentator Michael Fahey noted that both Chu and Hou struggled to unite the party base around defense spending and broader policy initiatives.
He added that Cheng’s eloquence and adept use of social media could strengthen her public appeal, enabling her to address sensitive issues boldly while engaging a wider audience. Cheng's election may also open the door to high-level cross-strait engagement.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping congratulated her on her victory, raising the possibility of a meeting between party leaders for the first time in nearly a decade. Cheng stressed that any dialogue with China would prioritize peace and avoid confrontation.
At the same time, Cheng contended that policies under the DPP, including the refusal to accept the “1992 consensus” — a framework defined as “both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China”— during the presidency of Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), have contributed to worsening cross-strait relations.
She further accused the Lai administration of advancing a “pro-independence historical perspective and ideology” and of creating a climate of political intimidation.
Since Lai took office in May last year, his administration has been locked in persistent gridlock over security, foreign policy, and economic bills. The special defense budget vote is expected to meet resistance, potentially straining ties with Washington.
Cheng cited former President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) eight-year term as an example, saying active engagement demonstrated that cross-strait tensions can be mitigated. “This,” she told Nikkei Asia, “is a better solution than simply engaging in an arms race or increasing military spending.”
Peter Mattis, president of the Jamestown Foundation and a former CIA analyst, told Nikkei that Cheng’s reliance on the “1992 consensus” is a concerning approach. He suggested that her stance could risk failing to unify the KMT while potentially alienating many Taiwanese.
