Downgraded Reception During US Visit? Cheng Li-chun: Baseless Rumors, No Announcement by Convention

By Central News Agency reporter Liu Kuan-ting, Taipei, June 17

KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-chun recently led a delegation to the United States. In response to media reports claiming that meetings with U.S. officials were canceled or downgraded, she stated today that these claims are entirely baseless. According to convention, the level of meetings is not publicly disclosed. She also extended her best wishes to Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu, whose upcoming U.S. visit she hopes will yield substantial results.

Cheng departed on June 1 for a two-week visit to the United States, returning to Taiwan in the early hours of June 16. She held a press conference at the KMT headquarters this afternoon to brief on the outcomes of her visit.

Regarding a physical altercation incident during her speech in Los Angeles, Cheng said the protester did not raise questions rationally and used aggressive physical gestures that disrupted the event. As a result, security personnel and the organizers removed the individual, taking necessary measures to maintain order.

In response to media reports alleging that her meeting with the U.S. National Security Council was canceled and her reception downgraded, Cheng firmly denied the claims, calling them "fabricated stories" and stating that reports by Liberty Times are entirely false.

She emphasized that the relevant U.S. administrative departments continue to respect the established conventions regarding visits by Taiwanese political figures, and therefore do not disclose any related information. Regarding her Washington, D.C. visit, she stated that everything proceeded normally and as originally planned.

Cheng stressed that cross-strait relations require a significant breakthrough. Taiwan does not wish to become the next Ukraine, and the majority of public opinion opposes any military conflict. Therefore, it is essential to engage in open and comprehensive communication with Taiwan’s most important ally, the United States. She personally traveled to the U.S. to clarify misunderstandings and allow American counterparts to better understand who she is.

Asked whether she is concerned about comparisons in reception levels with Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu, who will visit the U.S. on June 21, Cheng said such comparisons are unnecessary. As Speaker of the Legislative Yuan, she expressed hope that Han would receive high-level treatment and wished him a highly successful visit.

On the issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, Cheng said the details of the second batch of purchases remain to be observed, and she cannot speak on behalf of the U.S. government. From the KMT’s standpoint, the party will carefully monitor future developments and places great importance on military cooperation with the United States.

Regarding domestic defense industry production, especially drones—a topic of recent discussion—she noted that U.S. think tank experts have offered sincere recommendations. The KMT is seriously considering formulating its own version of a drone development plan.

Prior to the press conference, Chen Chun-han, chairman of the pro-independence group 'Taiwan Nation,' abruptly entered the venue holding a sign reading 'Cheng Li-chun, don’t be Xi Jinping’s lapdog,' shouting protests before being escorted out by security personnel. (Edited by Lin Ko-lun, Lin Hsing-meng)