Cheng Li-wen: No Discussion on Unification at 'Cheng-Xi Meeting', Hopes to Resume Cross-Strait Dialogue

(Central News Agency, reporter Wang Cheng-chung, Taipei, 12th) Kuomintang Chairperson Cheng Li-wen, in an exclusive interview with National Public Radio (NPR), stated that during her visit to mainland China, she did not discuss the unification issue with Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping. She emphasized that for Taiwan, the most important thing is to pragmatically resume cross-strait dialogue, hoping to reduce tensions and create greater peace and stability.

The Kuomintang's Department of Cultural and Communications issued a press release today stating that during Cheng Li-wen's visit to Washington, D.C., the NPR program "Here and Now" interviewed her on topics including the "Cheng-Xi Meeting," controversies during the review of the defense budget, and the Kuomintang's "anti-Taiwan independence" stance.

Cheng Li-wen stated that during her visit to mainland China, she did not discuss the unification issue with General Secretary Xi Jinping. Noting the increasing tension in the Taiwan Strait, she said the Kuomintang truly hopes to resume cross-strait dialogue and negotiations and create peace. When asked why the unification issue was not discussed, Cheng said it was impossible to discuss this topic.

Cheng Li-wen pointed out that over the past decade, cross-strait contact and dialogue have been completely interrupted, and cross-strait tensions have continued to escalate, nearly reaching the brink of war and conflict. She said, "For Taiwan, the most important thing is to pragmatically resume cross-strait dialogue, hoping to reduce tensions and create greater peace and stability."

Cheng Li-wen stated that if war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan would suffer extremely severe destruction, and countries like the United States would also be drawn in, potentially leading to World War III, causing harm to the entire world. She expressed her hope to explain to various sectors in the United States that the Kuomintang advocates for strengthening exchanges with Beijing and creating a path of peace.

Cheng Li-wen pointed out that the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party once experienced a tragic civil war, and she hopes such a tragedy will not happen again. This is why the Kuomintang is doing its utmost to pursue peaceful coexistence. If war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, the entire world will suffer. She quoted former U.S. President John F. Kennedy: "Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate."

Cheng Li-wen stated that she very much hopes to institutionalize cross-strait relations so they can be maintained long-term. She understands this is a very large undertaking, so she hopes to lay a solid foundation for cross-strait exchanges peacefully and build a bridge. Through this bridge, people can pursue their dreams and jointly pursue a shared future.

Cheng Li-wen pointed out that if the status quo changes in the future, the will of the people on both sides of the strait must be respected. The will of the Taiwanese people must be respected, and it must also be ensured that any change contributes to the well-being of the people on both sides of the strait. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150612