Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun has made a bold appeal for cross-strait dialogue, telling Nikkei Asia that adherence to the 1992 Consensus could defuse tensions in the Taiwan Strait. 🔥 Her comments come amid heated debates about regional security strategies.
In her first major interview since taking office on November 1, Cheng criticized Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's plan to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030: 🚨 "This increase is too high and too fast. True security comes from communication, not missiles."
The KMT leader instead proposed reviving the cross-strait Economic, Trade and Culture Forum – last held in 2016 – arguing that "dialogue can replace confrontation." 💬 She pointed to former KMT Chair Ma Ying-jeou's 2008-2016 tenure as proof that engagement works better than arms races.
"The two sides can resolve differences peacefully," Cheng emphasized, framing the 1992 Consensus – which acknowledges there's only one China while allowing differing interpretations – as the key to stability. 🔑 The proposal arrives as young professionals across Asia increasingly seek pragmatic solutions to geopolitical flashpoints.
