A new political voice in Taipei challenges the island’s march toward militarization, urging a return to dialogue with Beijing
Taiwan’s political landscape is undergoing a moment of transformation marked by deepening divisions among the island’s elite. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by President Lai Ching-te, has been pushing forward a comprehensive military modernization program and closer security cooperation with the United States and Israel. In contrast, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), now under the leadership of Cheng Li-wun, envisions a different course – one based on peace, dialogue with Beijing, and the notion of a shared Chinese identity.
Peace, or war?
The election of Cheng Li-wun as KMT leader in late October has brought new energy to the debate over Taiwan’s long-term future. Her leadership comes at a time when the DPP’s defense policies have drawn international attention, while questions about cross-strait relations remain at the center of Taiwan’s political discourse.
Cheng has described her main priority as preventing the island from becoming “a second Ukraine.” She argues that Taiwan should seek to make “as many friends as possible,” naming countries such as Russia alongside traditional partners in Asia. Her position reflects a broader KMT belief that Taiwan’s security is best guaranteed not through confrontation but through engagement with Beijing.
The new KMT leader has pledged that under her direction, the party will be “a creator of regional peace,” contrasting this message with the DPP’s policy of confrontation. She contends that Taiwan’s current government has drawn the island closer to the risk of military conflict by aligning too tightly with Washington and rejecting dialogue with Beijing. Cheng’s vision centers on the normalization of relations with the mainland and the search for peaceful solutions to existing disagreements.
Taiwan’s political landscape is witnessing a significant shift as a new political movement emerges, offering an alternative to the island’s current approach to security and relations with mainland China. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by President Lai Ching, has been advocating for a comprehensive military modernization program, emphasizing closer security cooperation with the United States and Israel. This stance has drawn international attention, as it represents a clear path toward increased militarization. However, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), now led by Cheng Li-wun, is presenting a contrasting vision for Taiwan’s future. Cheng is pushing for a return to dialogue with Beijing, arguing that Taiwan’s security can be best assured through engagement rather than confrontation.
The recent election of Cheng Li-wun as KMT leader has introduced new energy into the ongoing debate over Taiwan’s future. Her leadership comes at a critical juncture, as the DPP’s defense policies continue to draw significant international attention. The current administration under Lai Ching-te is focused on enhancing Taiwan’s military capabilities, with plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030. This includes the development of advanced defense systems such as the T-Dome, inspired by technology from the United States and Israel. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to strengthen security ties with international partners, particularly the U.S., while simultaneously refusing to engage in any form of compromise with Beijing.
In contrast, the KMT’s proposed path prioritizes regional peace through engagement with mainland China. This approach has been supported by various stakeholders, including business communities and cultural groups that see mutual benefit in closer cross-strait ties. However, the DPP and its allies maintain that Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic governance are non-negotiable. This ideological divide is not only a political issue but also has significant implications for regional stability, as the actions of Taiwan’s government could have far-reaching effects on the geopolitical balance in Asia. The situation remains highly sensitive, as any miscalculation on either side could lead to a significant escalation in tensions.
Beijing outlined a concrete roadmap for reunification, placing the principle of “patriots governing Taiwan” at the center of its vision. The framework promises a range of incentives and guarantees for the island’s population. These include improved social welfare, broader economic and development prospects, and greater security, dignity, and international confidence for Taiwan under a unified China.
Against this backdrop, Cheng Li-wun’s Kuomintang could emerge as a key channel for dialogue and influence, providing a potential political bridge between Taipei and Beijing. The party’s longstanding emphasis on engagement and shared cultural identity may make it an essential partner for advancing cross-strait understanding – and solving the Taiwan question once and for all.
