Taiwan’s opposition KMT plans US presence to build profile, win ‘more American friends’
- Observers say proposal was part of discussions within the mainland-friendly party on its 2020 presidential election strategy
- Ruling DPP has maintained an office in the US for many years and has had the backing of US-based groups supporting Taiwan independence
Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang may set up an official presence in the United States, possibly a foundation, in a bid to rally support ahead of the self-ruled island’s presidential elections next year.
Party officials last week said the proposal was part of discussions within the mainland-friendly KMT on the 2020 strategy following its landslide victory in November’s local government polls that saw it take control of 15 of Taiwan’s 22 cities and counties.
According to observers, the move is needed to boost the party’s visibility in America and it could also help its election candidates test the water in the US, amid Taipei’s complicated triangular relations with Washington and Beijing.
With the ruling Democratic Progressive Party planning to send a group of lawmakers to Washington to meet members of Congress and other officials next month, they said it had become more urgent for the KMT to have a presence in the country.
During the local elections, Washington voiced support for the independence-leaning DPP, echoing its accusation that Beijing had used disinformation and other means to try to sabotage the polls.