Cheng Li-wen's Visit to China: Kuan Bi-ling Says No Peace in 'Cage of Taiwan'

Regarding Cheng Li-wen's upcoming visit to China, Kuan Bi-ling today stated in an interview at the Legislative Yuan that she has witnessed China's harassment of Taiwan from the west coast, then encroachment on the median line, and then routine patrols around Kinmen during her three years at the Ocean Affairs Council. By October 2023, China began harassing the east coast, clearly encircling the entire island of Taiwan. Kuan Bi-ling explained that this encirclement of the island is now routine. She sarcastically noted that when China hosts visiting delegations, they see 'tamed rabbits from a cage.' She emphasized that Taiwan has done nothing wrong, only elected presidents China dislikes in 2016 and 2020, leading to continuous pressure. She also mentioned that former US House Speaker Pelosi's visit led to further Chinese aggression. Kuan Bi-ling stressed that Taiwan is a free and democratic country that contributes to the world. She noted that before Cheng Li-wen's departure, there was no sign of China retreating, implying that the visit, handshake, and talks would occur under the shadow of the 'cage of Taiwan' in the minds of the PLA and the Taiwan Affairs Office. She questioned whether Taiwan should be a 'fierce lion' harassed by the 'cage of Taiwan' or a 'tamed rabbit' lying flat. Kuan Bi-ling recalled that when former KMT Chairman Lien Chan visited China in 2005, the Lien-Hu Communiqué stated a priority to assist Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. However, China then signed a 2005 MOU with the WHO, where Hu Jintao's offer to Lien Chan was a 'poisoned candy,' as the WHO model for Taiwan became 'Taiwan, China Province.' She believes current KMT delegation members are unwilling to confront this 'peace' offered by the Lien-Hu Communiqué. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen, Chang Ruo-yao) 1150407