KMT Chair Chiang Chi-chen to Visit US on June 1, Emphasizing Peace Message

Kaohsiung, May 31 (CNA) - KMT Chair Chiang Chi-chen, who will depart for the US tomorrow, stated today that the purpose of this trip is to clearly convey a message of peace. She emphasized that peace is essential to protecting Taiwan and aligns with the national interests of the United States. She welcomed US-China cooperation, urging both sides to avoid confrontation and war, noting that Taiwan will play a key role in this dynamic.

The KMT held a "115th Anniversary Grassroots Group Leader Symposium and Candidate Introduction Meeting" in Fengshan District, Kaohsiung, attended by Chair Chiang and Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en.

In her speech, Chiang stated that irresponsible pro-independence rhetoric and the "two-state theory" have pushed cross-strait relations into a dangerous position. She argued that the KMT must build a bridge for peace, and therefore, following the "Chiang-Xi meeting," she will visit the US tomorrow. "I will visit both the West and East Coasts to clearly convey the message of peace. Peace is the only way to protect Taiwan and truly serves the national interests of the United States," she said.

Chiang noted that she welcomes US-China cooperation to maintain peace and avoid conflict, asserting that establishing peace in East Asia is the only path to prosperity and progress, with Taiwan playing a critical role. She emphasized that only the KMT can truly defend the Republic of China and protect Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. She recalled the KMT's role in creating Taiwan's "protective mountain" (semiconductor industry) and promised to create a new wave of such industries in the future.

Chiang also pointed out that if the KMT can flip the local elections in southern Taiwan, especially in Kaohsiung, by the end of the year, a KMT victory in the 2028 presidential election would be within reach. She called on all group leaders to bring positive energy and hope to Kaohsiung and the whole of Taiwan, urging them to unite as representatives of herself, Ko Chih-en, and the KMT to win the election.

Ko Chih-en remarked that four years ago, she came to Kaohsiung to run for mayor with "just a suitcase." She recalled the large crowds at her speeches in Fengshan, saying, "I knew then that regardless of the outcome, I had to stay. Even 'cannon fodder' can become 'artillery shells.' I promised the citizens I would stay and stand with them, and I still do."

Ko stated that unity leads to victory, asking the people of Fengshan to help mobilize voters, including those who did not vote previously and young people who have moved north. "Kaohsiung needs to follow new global trends, but it does not need the 'New Tide' (DPP faction)," she said.

Ko emphasized that under her administration, there would be zero tolerance for school bullying, aiming to create a friendly environment. She acknowledged that incumbent Mayor Chen Chi-mai has done a good job, but argued that his successor does not necessarily have to be from the DPP. She asserted that Taiwan is not the patent of the DPP and belongs to everyone, and that change in Kaohsiung must start in Fengshan.

When asked by the media if she was worried that Chiang's campaigning might have a negative effect, Ko replied that today was a KMT group leader meeting, and it is natural for the chair to come and motivate everyone, following standard procedures.