Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) recently visited the United States following her high-profile meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing. During a public discussion at the Asia Society in New York, she faced tough questions about Taiwan's future, cross-strait relations, the 1992 Consensus (九二共識), and whether engagement with Beijing can coexist with Taiwan's democracy and autonomy.
In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we examine key moments from Cheng Li-wun's US visit, including her exchanges with Asia Society fellows Danny Russel and Orville Schell, her views on Taiwan-China relations, and the reaction from Washington policymakers.
We also explore:
• Cheng Li-wun's meeting with Xi Jinping
• The future of the 1992 Consensus
• Taiwan public opinion on cross-strait dialogue
• US concerns about Taiwan's security and defence policy
• The legacy of Hong Kong and "One Country, Two Systems"
• Whether dialogue with Beijing reduces or increases risks for Taiwan
Featuring edited audio excerpts from Cheng Li-wun's June 8 discussion at the Asia Society in New York (see link below).
Date of Recording: June 18th, 2026
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| KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun addresses a U.S. audience during her June 2026 visit. Photo courtesy of KMT official website |
DIVE DEEPER
Additional information on the topics covered in this episode:
- Taiwan's Two-Party Problem: KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun on Cross-Strait Relations - Asia Society via YouTube (June 8th, 2026)
- 'Charismatic but naive': Taiwanese Opposition KMT chief's peacemaker pitch leaves US unimpressed - Bhagyashree Garekar and Yip Wai Yee, The Straits Times (June 13th, 2026)
- Cheng discusses security, defense policies in the US - Taipei Times (June 13th, 2026)
- Cheng Li-wun's meeting with NSC in US reportedly canceled - Lai Jyun-tang, Taiwan News (June 12th, 2026)
- Cheng says US trip faced pressure but exceeded expectations - Lai Jyun-tang, Taiwan News (June 12th, 2026)
- KMT's Cheng talks defense, energy with US lawmakers - Taipei Times (June 11th, 2026)
- Former Chinese Enemies Increasingly Aligned on Taiwan - Chris Horton, ChinaFile (March 18th, 2025)
- TVBS poll: Taiwanese want talks, just not opposition-led - Dimitri Bruyas, TVBS World Taiwan (April 24th, 2026)
- Cross-strait talks losing appeal: poll - Chen Yu-fu, Taipei Times (June 16th, 2026)
- Will Taiwanese accept Xi Jinping's version of 'One China'? - Lev Nachman and Wei-Ting Yen, Brookings Institution (May 19th, 2026)
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