Cheng stressed that “Taiwan does not have to choose,” as while Beijing and Washington compete, Taiwan is strongest when it pursues its own needs, using its agency to reduce regional tension and prevent conflict. She also claimed that the KMT recognizes the importance of deterrence, but said that “defense spending alone cannot create peace,” while only “cooperation with Beijing” can. Cheng ignored that it is Beijing’s core and longstanding goal to annex Taiwan, and that it does not recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty nor accept Taiwan having the agency to choose its own path. Furthermore, the KMT’s stance risks sending the wrong message to Taiwan’s democratic allies that it is not determined to defend itself and is unwilling to play its part in the democratic alliance’s collective resilience and security buildup. At the same time, the KMT is weakening Taiwan’s capability and credibility to deter China’s annexation ambitions through its legislators’ actions.

Source: Taipei Times March 08, 2026 16:07 UTC