TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Kuomintang's (KMT) International Affairs Department responded on Monday (Dec. 4) to the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) allegations of ambiguity in their cross-strait policy, arguing that the DPP is manipulating international opinion and lacking expertise in national security.
This response followed an article by Vincent Chao, head of the DPP International Affairs Department, in The Diplomat. Chao suggested that a KMT presidency under Hou Yu-ih could isolate Taiwan, increase dependence on China, and create internal divisions.
The KMT refuted these claims, emphasizing their commitment to national defense and conscription reforms for the Republic of China (R.O.C.). They lamented the DPP's misleading information to an international audience seeking clarity on these critical issues.
The KMT cited Hou's September 2023 visit to the United States, where he affirmed his dedication to bolstering national defense. They vowed to factor in "enemy threats" when determining defense spending, arms procurement, conscription policies, and to continually refine R.O.C.'s defense strategies.
Moreover, the KMT noted that their envoy, Alexander Huang, presented the party's defense policies at the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, in October. They criticized Chao for allegedly distorting their position.
Acknowledging the upcoming overlapping terms of the next R.O.C. president (2024-2028) with Xi Jinping's third term as leader of China's Communist Party, the KMT highlighted the importance of regional security and cautioned against the DPP's diplomatic strategies and the advice of self-proclaimed experts.
