The KMT responds to the pre-consultation report on the content of Cheng Lai-wen’s remarks during her visit to China: Emphasizing normal staff work

The Wall Street Journal revealed that in the months before KMT Chairwoman Cheng Lai-wen met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese officials negotiated with KMT negotiators about the content of her speech during her visit to China; Cheng even provided a transcript of her speech in advance, in which it was clear that her "opposition to Taiwan independence" was endorsed by Xi. Chen Yixin, chairman of the Kuomintang Cultural Communication Committee, responded today (27th) with a stern refutation. He pointed out that the contact before political party exchanges, the collection of topics, the coordination of itineraries and the advance communication of important content of the talks are all normal staff operations.

Chen Yixin emphasized that the Kuomintang always adheres to the principles of equality and respect in all foreign exchanges. Normal staff work should not be deliberately exaggerated, nor should it be used as a tool for political offense and defense.

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Chen cited the 2015 Singapore-Malaysia-Xi meeting as an example. At that time, he was the spokesperson of the Presidential Palace. Before the meeting, the two sides could not reach consensus on the key points of the leaders' talk. The two sides were even arguing at noon that day. President Ma Ying-jeou even made harsh words and did not hesitate to let Ma and Xi break the situation and return home immediately. Chen Yixin criticized the DPP not only for not understanding cross-strait relations, but also for not knowing how to conduct cross-strait exchanges.

Chen Yixin emphasized that in the face of the current complex cross-strait and international situation, what is really important is not that the DPP government continues to attack the opposition parties through political manipulation, but the government's ability to manage risks and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. When the United States and other major countries continue to maintain communication and manage differences through various channels, Taiwan has no reason to take the initiative to close the door to dialogue.

Chen Yixin called on the Lai government that instead of spending time on political manipulation of normal exchanges, it should clearly explain to the people: In the face of rising cross-strait situations and risks, what specific and effective risk control mechanisms has the government proposed? How to avoid misjudgment and reduce the risk of conflict?

He emphasized that the KMT's position has always been clear: to strengthen Taiwan's own security while reducing the risk of miscalculation and conflict through communication. As long as it is reciprocal, respectful and in line with the interests of the Republic of China, normal exchanges that help reduce risks and maintain peace should not be stigmatized or politicized.