Taipei: Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun announced her upcoming 15-day trip to the United States, emphasizing its purpose in helping prevent the U.S. from entering what she described as an "avoidable war." She also expressed her openness to meeting U.S. President Donald Trump, should the opportunity present itself.

According to Focus Taiwan, Cheng addressed a press conference in Taipei before her departure, highlighting her willingness to engage with Trump, despite noting that such a meeting would be unprecedented due to the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei. As the leader of an opposition party, Cheng stated that she does not rule out any possibilities for dialogue.

Cheng outlined that one of the primary objectives of her visit is to counteract the "misinformation" allegedly propagated by Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which she claims has led to misunderstandings about the KMT among some American circles. She underscored the KMT's historical role as a loyal ally in maintaining cross-strait peace and its potential to prevent the U.S. from becoming entangled in conflicts contrary to its national interests.

Cheng also expressed hopes that the U.S. will acknowledge the KMT's strategic role in fostering peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and play a more significant leadership role in promoting regional technology integration. Her itinerary includes stops in several U.S. cities such as San Francisco, Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, where she plans to meet with overseas Taiwanese communities, business representatives, academics, and think tank experts.

American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene remarked on the American interest in Cheng's visit, driven by questions about the KMT's political orientation under her leadership. Recent media portrayals suggested the KMT's alignment with Chinese Communist Party positions, raising concerns about its stance on diplomatic and security issues pertinent to the U.S. and Japan.

Cheng's visit to the U.S. marks her first since assuming the leadership of the KMT in November 2025. She plans to engage with Congress members and U.S. government officials from the State Department and the Department of War, though she withheld specific details about these meetings, citing protocol considerations.