Key facts
- Taiwan's opposition leader Cheng Li-wun met with US Representatives Steve Daines, John Rose, Chuck Fleischmann, and Thomas Suozzi in Washington.
- Cheng Li-wun discussed defense cooperation and the KMT's support for a NT$780 billion special defense budget.
- The KMT leader stated her party did not oppose American arms sales to Taiwan.
- Cheng Li-wun's visit is part of a multi-city US tour.
- President Donald Trump has suggested he may speak directly with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te.
Cheng Li-wun, the leader of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, met with several US lawmakers in Washington, including Representatives Steve Daines, John Rose, Chuck Fleischmann, and Thomas Suozzi. Cheng, who supports peaceful reunification with Beijing, outlined the KMT's stance on defense and energy, indicating her party's non-opposition to American arms sales to the island.
During the talks, Cheng emphasized the KMT's commitment to military cooperation with Washington, stressing that defense acquisitions must be financially sound and adhere to legislative procedures. She noted the KMT's legislative support for a NT$780 billion (US$26 billion) special defense budget, which was lower than the NT$1.25 trillion requested by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party but significantly higher than previous KMT proposals.
Cheng's visit to Washington is a key stop on her multi-city US tour. The meetings occur amid ongoing scrutiny of the US approach to Taiwan by China, which considers the island a breakaway province. Separately, President Donald Trump has indicated a potential direct conversation with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, a move that would be a significant diplomatic development.