KMT's Cheng Li-wun to Visit US in June; AIT's Greene Expects Questions on Party's Political Shift [Interview]

(CNA, Taipei, May 21, by reporter Yang Yao-ju) Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun is expected to visit the United States in June. In a written interview with CNA, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene stated that while he has no details to release, he believes various US institutions will ask if the KMT leadership is fundamentally changing the party's political orientation, and that Cheng's visit is an opportunity to "address those concerns." Cheng is expected to visit the U.S. in early June and is actively planning her itinerary. Greene stated today that the U.S. Congress, think tanks, and other institutions have always valued opportunities to exchange views with representatives from all of Taiwan's political parties. Greene specifically mentioned that, in this context, "I believe many will ask whether the KMT leadership is fundamentally changing the party's political orientation." Most Americans associate the KMT with Chiang Kai-shek's anti-communist stance. U.S. foreign policy experts generally view the modern KMT as a centrist party, striving for a balance between a strong national defense, cooperation with the U.S., and active engagement with Beijing to maintain the status quo. However, Greene said, those following international media reports recently might get the impression that the KMT is beginning to adopt or emulate the CCP's positions on key diplomatic and security issues, while ignoring the important roles and interests of Taiwan's traditional allies like the United States and Japan. Greene emphasized that Cheng Li-wun's visit offers an opportunity to "address those concerns" and to clarify the KMT's stance on pending issues, such as investment in the domestic defense industry. Cheng is expected to visit major cities on the East and West coasts of the U.S. in early June to engage with American political circles, think tanks, and overseas Taiwanese groups. In an interview with Bloomberg News in late April, she said she hopes to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump if possible. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150521