CNN exclusive: Cheng Li-wen proposes transformation of the First Island Chain into a chain of peace and prosperity.
Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen, in a CNN interview, proposed transforming the 'First Island Chain' from military confrontation into a 'Chain of Peace and Prosperity,' connecting Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, coastal China, and Southeast Asia. She emphasized Taiwan's aim to avoid being a pawn in US-China rivalry, advocating for peace and stability.
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- 📰 Published: May 10, 2026 at 15:20
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Liu Kuan-Ting, Taipei, 10th) Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen, in an exclusive interview with CNN, stated that in the future, the "First Island Chain," which had military confrontation connotations during the Cold War, should be gradually transformed into an important economic and exchange hub connecting Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, coastal China, and Southeast Asia, creating a "Chain of Peace and Prosperity" that promotes cooperation and co-prosperity.
The KMT today issued a press release stating that Cheng Li-wen recently accepted an exclusive interview with CNN, proposing the concept of a "Chain of Peace and Prosperity."
Cheng Li-wen pointed out that the "First Island Chain," which had military confrontation connotations during the Cold War, should be gradually transformed into an important economic and exchange hub connecting Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, coastal China, and Southeast Asia, creating a "Chain of Peace and Prosperity" that promotes cooperation and co-prosperity. East Asia should not become a zero-sum game battlefield but should become an important force driving global peace and prosperity.
Cheng Li-wen said that Taiwan should not be forced to choose between the US and China, nor should it become a pawn in great power competition. The KMT will continue to follow a pragmatic and stable path to safeguard the security of the Republic of China, peace in the Taiwan Strait, and the well-being of its people.
Cheng Li-wen emphasized that the KMT supports concrete, clear, and Taiwan defense needs-compliant US arms purchase cases, especially for military procurement items that already have Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), advocating for their priority and prompt processing. As a supervisory force in the legislature, the KMT has a responsibility to guard the public purse, reject blank authorizations and opaque budgets, which is the spirit of responsible politics and oversight that a mature democratic system should possess.
Regarding cross-strait and international situations, Cheng Li-wen stated that Taiwan is in a critical Indo-Pacific location and maintains important relationships with both the United States and mainland China, therefore Taiwan should not be forced to choose between the US and China. She also mentioned that the KMT supports deepening cooperation with the United States and believes that stable communication and exchanges should be maintained across the strait to avoid misjudgment and escalation of conflict.
Speaking of her recent visit to mainland China for exchanges, Cheng Li-wen stated that both sides recognized the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, and the focus of the exchanges was on restoring interaction, reducing hostility, and expanding peace-building capacity. The people of Taiwan cherish democratic freedom and their existing way of life, and any exchanges must be built on a foundation of respect, peace, and pragmatism.
Regarding her personal political journey and future vision, Cheng Li-wen pointed out that she has long been concerned about Taiwan's future and regional peace, deeply understanding the enormous cost that war risks impose on the people. Therefore, she has always insisted on thinking about Taiwan's future path with a pragmatic and rational attitude. Facing the rapidly changing international situation, the KMT will continue to adhere to three major directions: "strengthening national defense, maintaining peace through continuous dialogue, and deepening international cooperation," leading Taiwan to maintain security, stability, and prosperity amidst global changes.
Cheng Li-wen finally stated that the KMT will continue to unite and work hard, actively preparing for the 2026 and 2028 elections, striving to regain governance, and creating longer-term peace and development for Taiwan, cross-strait relations, and the international community with a steady, rational, and responsible approach. (Edited by Tsai Su-Jung, Su Chih-Chung) 1150510
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(Central News Agency reporter Liu Kuan-Ting, Taipei, 10th) Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen, in an exclusive interview with CNN, stated that in the future, the "First Island Chain," which had military confrontation connotations during the Cold War, should be gradually transformed into an important economic and exchange hub connecting Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, coastal China, and Southeast Asia, creating a "Chain of Peace and Prosperity" that promotes cooperation and co-prosperity.
The KMT today issued a press release stating that Cheng Li-wen recently accepted an exclusive interview with CNN, proposing the concept of a "Chain of Peace and Prosperity."
Cheng Li-wen pointed out that the "First Island Chain," which had military confrontation connotations during the Cold War, should be gradually transformed into an important economic and exchange hub connecting Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, coastal China, and Southeast Asia, creating a "Chain of Peace and Prosperity" that promotes cooperation and co-prosperity. East Asia should not become a zero-sum game battlefield but should become an important force driving global peace and prosperity.
Cheng Li-wen said that Taiwan should not be forced to choose between the US and China, nor should it become a pawn in great power competition. The KMT will continue to follow a pragmatic and stable path to safeguard the security of the Republic of China, peace in the Taiwan Strait, and the well-being of its people.
Cheng Li-wen emphasized that the KMT supports concrete, clear, and Taiwan defense needs-compliant US arms purchase cases, especially for military procurement items that already have Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), advocating for their priority and prompt processing. As a supervisory force in the legislature, the KMT has a responsibility to guard the public purse, reject blank authorizations and opaque budgets, which is the spirit of responsible politics and oversight that a mature democratic system should possess.
Regarding cross-strait and international situations, Cheng Li-wen stated that Taiwan is in a critical Indo-Pacific location and maintains important relationships with both the United States and mainland China, therefore Taiwan should not be forced to choose between the US and China. She also mentioned that the KMT supports deepening cooperation with the United States and believes that stable communication and exchanges should be maintained across the strait to avoid misjudgment and escalation of conflict.
Speaking of her recent visit to mainland China for exchanges, Cheng Li-wen stated that both sides recognized the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, and the focus of the exchanges was on restoring interaction, reducing hostility, and expanding peace-building capacity. The people of Taiwan cherish democratic freedom and their existing way of life, and any exchanges must be built on a foundation of respect, peace, and pragmatism.
Regarding her personal political journey and future vision, Cheng Li-wen pointed out that she has long been concerned about Taiwan's future and regional peace, deeply understanding the enormous cost that war risks impose on the people. Therefore, she has always insisted on thinking about Taiwan's future path with a pragmatic and rational attitude. Facing the rapidly changing international situation, the KMT will continue to adhere to three major directions: "strengthening national defense, maintaining peace through continuous dialogue, and deepening international cooperation," leading Taiwan to maintain security, stability, and prosperity amidst global changes.
Cheng Li-wen finally stated that the KMT will continue to unite and work hard, actively preparing for the 2026 and 2028 elections, striving to regain governance, and creating longer-term peace and development for Taiwan, cross-strait relations, and the international community with a steady, rational, and responsible approach. (Edited by Tsai Su-Jung, Su Chih-Chung) 1150510
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship of yours is a force to protect press freedom.
Download CNA's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.