LettersWhy KMT leader’s planned visit to mainland China is significant
Readers discuss the chairwoman of Taiwan’s largest opposition party’s trip to the mainland, and the approach to treating drug abuse in Hong Kong
On November 1, 2025, Cheng was inaugurated as the KMT’s new chairwoman, after defeating former Taipei mayor Hau Lung‑bin. The result attracted considerable attention and raises several questions, including whether the KMT can restore its influence, whether Taiwan’s ruling party will be replaced and whether cross‑strait relations will improve.
Cheng has not confirmed she will run for Taiwan’s top office. Taichung mayor Lu Shiow‑yen is viewed as most likely to represent the KMT in that election. If the KMT can maintain cooperation with the Taiwan People’s Party, the second largest opposition party, it stands a realistic chance of returning to power.
In recent years, there have been several concrete examples of people-to-people exchanges across the strait, showing that interaction is not limited to official channels. Students visit the mainland under the Da Jiu Academy initiated by former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying‑jeou. This year, the Taipei-Shanghai “Twin Cities Forum” will mark its 16th iteration, showing that exchanges can yield tangible results.
The United States has been making every effort to acquire Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing’s technology and talent. Taiwanese people should reflect on how much strategic value Taiwan still holds for the US and what the consequences of aligning too closely with Washington might be.
The public in Taiwan should more strongly support cross-strait exchanges. When official interactions are constrained, civil and local-level exchanges become important channels for avoiding misjudgments and maintaining mutual trust. Cultural, academic, urban governance and youth exchanges can work.