Speaking on Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s highly secretive trip to Eswatini, opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson Cheng Li-wen said that although Lai successfully made the trip, the process is worth deep reflection, and, ultimately, Taiwan must seriously face its diplomatic predicament.
On Monday, Cheng Li-wen, in an interview on Broadcasting Corporation of China’s “Qianqiu Wanshi” program, said that since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) refused to accept the "1992 Consensus," Taiwan has lost several diplomatic allies. “There used to be several diplomatic allies in Africa—why is there only one left, Eswatini, and even then the president’s overseas visit is so difficult?”
She questioned, although Lai Ching-te went, the whole process is certainly worth deep reflection. “Who put themselves in such an awkward position, forced into a corner?”
Cheng Li-wen said Taiwan needs diplomatic relations, not just because of "sovereignty" issues, but also because participating internationally requires certain formalities, exchanges, and it guarantees the rights and interests of Taiwanese people around the world. “It’s not just for the president’s prestige.” She questioned, “After such a big effort, what has really been gained? Has it just made us a laughingstock in the eyes of the world?”
Cheng Li-wen said she sincerely hopes President Lai returns to Taiwan safely soon, but hopes everyone will genuinely face Taiwan’s diplomatic predicament and consider how Taiwan’s diplomacy can make real, substantive breakthroughs, and expand its international participation.
Cheng Li-wen said she knows the DPP government probably won’t listen; it doesn’t matter, in 2028 there will be a change of party in power. “Let’s not have the Republic of China continue facing this predicament. This kind of president should be replaced sooner, so Taiwan can attain peace and the Republic of China can regain its dignity.”