TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) said Friday the party wants to set up a direct communication channel with the US to discuss defense-related issues, CNA reported.
Speaking after meeting lawmakers and policy experts in Washington, Cheng said the KMT supports strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. She said the party is reviewing whether to propose its own policies to support Taiwan’s defense industry.
Cheng said many people are concerned about the future of Taiwan’s domestic defense sector, especially drone production. She said the KMT supports defense self-reliance, meaning Taiwan should be able to make more of the weapons and equipment it needs.
However, Cheng said some defense proposals from the ruling DPP contain problems the KMT cannot support. In response, she said, some policy experts suggested that the KMT prepare its own defense industry plan instead.
Cheng said the party would study the issue carefully after she returns to Taiwan. She also said she used her US visit to seek more chances for direct communication with American officials.
Most of the lawmakers she met supported Taiwan and showed strong interest in its defense policies, Cheng said. She said she told them that seeking stable cross-strait relations does not mean Taiwan should weaken its partnership with the US.
Asked about China’s gray-zone activities near Taiwan, Cheng said such incidents show the need for cross-strait dialogue. Gray-zone activities refer to military, coast guard, and other pressure tactics that stop short of open conflict.
Cheng pointed to a recent Chinese official vessel entering prohibited waters near Taiping Island in the South China Sea as one example of the risks facing Taiwan. She said talks are especially important on sensitive military and security issues.
