The Taiwanese opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, came to power officially on Saturday and warned of the looming danger of war with China and promised to bring about a new era of peace across the Taiwan Strait. Former lawmaker Cheng is the current head of the Kuomintang (KMT) – the largest opposition party in Taiwan- at the time when the tensions between Taipei and Beijing are the worst in years.
“This is the worst of times. The Taiwan strait is under serious military threat and the regime is under observation by the world and Cheng responded through the first address she made at a full house indoor stadium at Taipei. The security of Taiwan is in a constant threat and we have to play prudently to maintain peace.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), though holding a very strong position on the issue of sovereignty of Taiwan by China, has been historically of the view that there should be increased engagement with Beijing. Cheng, 55, already indicated a closer relationship with China, suggesting that she would be able to be more conciliatory than her predecessor, Eric Chu, who never made direct visits to the mainland in his tenure since 2021.
After the election of Cheng last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated him via a message urging to continue with the pursuit of reunification. Cheng, who has gained attention in Chinese national and online media, with some labeling her the reunification goddess, denied these, saying, People refer to me as many things on the Internet. In case they are false or untrue, then laugh it off.
This was preceded by the visit of the new KMT Deputy Chairman; Hsiao Hsu-tsen to China earlier this week where he both held talks with the China Taiwan Affairs Office leader, Song Tao, and also signaled that the party is now more willing to engage.
Though Cheng did not spell out any particular policy with regards to Beijing or even indicate any intentions of visiting China, she emphasized that her administration would focus on dialogue and peace.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News