TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council on Wednesday criticized KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun’s (鄭麗文) remarks regarding Taiwan independence, accusing her of echoing Chinese propaganda.
During a recent interview with a Japanese news outlet, Cheng said that if US President Donald Trump were to voice support for the “one China” policy and opposition to Taiwan independence, such a position would align with the KMT’s stance, per UDN. She argued that as cross-strait tensions continue to worsen, avoiding war with China should remain the top priority.
In response, the MAC said Cheng’s remarks aided Chinese propaganda efforts ahead of a possible meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, per Liberty Times. The council expressed regret over what it described as Cheng misleading the international community about Taiwan’s determination to defend its democratic way of life.
The DPP legislative caucus also criticized Cheng’s comments. DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) said Cheng’s remarks could create misunderstandings among Taiwanese citizens and the international community by appearing to speak on behalf of China’s position, per Newtalk.
Chuang added that Cheng risked creating the impression that the KMT and China shared the same political outlook. He emphasized that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its 23 million people and not unilaterally determined by China.
Sun Yat-sen School President Chang Ya-chung (張亞中) also commented on the controversy. Chang criticized Cheng for appearing to rely on the US to oppose Taiwan independence instead of presenting the KMT’s own vision for cross-strait peace and stability, per ETtoday. He argued that such an approach would surrender Taiwan’s strategic autonomy to the US.
Addressing the distinction between “not supporting” and “opposing” Taiwan independence, Chang said the practical difference was minimal because either position would still involve maintaining the status quo, which he said aligns with longstanding US policy. He added that the DPP had shifted from advocating formal Taiwanese independence toward redefining the Republic of China as politically separate from China.
However, Chang argued China would likely see little distinction between the DPP’s current and past positions because China broadly opposes what it considers separatist movements. He added that any potential US involvement in cross-strait affairs would ultimately depend on the US’s strategic interests and the balance of power with China.
John Delury, a senior fellow at the Asia Society’s Center on US-China Relations, said China would likely place limited trust in any statement by Trump opposing Taiwan independence, per BBC. Delury noted that Trump could easily reverse such comments “with a Truth Social post a week later.”
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) also addressed the issue, saying that while officials from the Trump administration have repeatedly expressed support for Taiwan, the government would remain vigilant regarding unexpected developments, per China Times. Lin added that US-Taiwan relations continue to be guided by the Six Assurances, which he said align with US strategic interests.
