Zheng Li-wen Leads Delegation to China; Fu Kun-chi: Paving the Way for Cross-Strait De-escalation

Kuomintang legislator Zheng Li-wen will lead a delegation to visit mainland China tomorrow. The KMT caucus issued a press release today, with Fu Kun-chi stating that before May 20, 2024, he led 17 legislators to visit mainland China, bravely breaking the ice, hoping to open multiple key breakthroughs for cross-strait relations through pragmatic communication. Fu Kun-chi said that the KMT at that time did its utmost to pave the way for cross-strait tourism and economic trade before President Lai Ching-te took office, using exchange to replace confrontation and allowing peace to alleviate conflict. He regretted that these hard-won achievements were completely overturned after President Lai's administration. He stated that cross-strait relations today have reached a crossroads: one path is continued confrontation and escalating conflict, pushing Taiwan towards danger; the other path is restarting dialogue and accumulating goodwill, allowing peace to once again become the main theme. The KMT chooses the latter, while the DPP chooses the former. Fu Kun-chi said that the DPP has long manipulated confrontation and escalated conflict, bringing the Taiwan Strait situation to the brink of danger. From military confrontation to economic decoupling, what is created is fear and unease, but the price is borne by the people and industries of Taiwan, resulting in stagnant tourism, obstructed agricultural products, industrial exodus, and youth anxiety. Fu Kun-chi stated that breaking the ice can break the deadlock, and the "Zheng-Xi meeting" is a turning point for cross-strait relations. Zheng Li-wen's trip is a commitment of responsibility and a demonstration of courage. He pointed out that in the face of complex cross-strait situations, some choose confrontation, while others choose dialogue. The KMT chooses a path most beneficial to the people, which is peace, stability, and prosperity. This is not only the KMT's stance, but when facing the choice between war and peace, "peace" and maintaining the status quo are the common aspirations of 23.5 million Taiwanese people. (Edited by Lin Ke-lun, Yang Kai-xiang) 1150406