Washington: Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun announced on Friday that her party aims to establish a direct communication channel with the United States specifically focused on defense issues. Cheng emphasized the KMT's commitment to strengthening Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and mentioned the party's ongoing assessment of developing its own defense policy initiatives.According to Focus Taiwan, Cheng addressed the media in Washington, expressing concern about the development of Taiwan's domestic defense industry, with a particular emphasis on drone manufacturing. She stated that the KMT supports the principle of defense self-reliance but noted that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) current proposals contain issues the KMT cannot endorse. This has led policy experts to suggest that the KMT should create its own comprehensive plan.Cheng reassured that the KMT would thoroughly examine the defense issue upon her return to Taiwan. She also highlighted her aspirations for increased co mmunication opportunities with U.S. officials during her visit. Her remarks followed a series of meetings in Washington with U.S. lawmakers and policy experts, as well as an upcoming meeting with representatives of the American Institute in Taiwan's Washington office.During her visit, Cheng engaged in discussions with several members of Congress, including Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, Republican House Representatives Don Bacon, Young Kim, and Brian Mast, along with Democrat House Representative Thomas Suozzi. She reported that the majority of the lawmakers expressed support for Taiwan and showed keen interest in its defense strategies.Cheng conveyed to the U.S. representatives that maintaining stable and peaceful relations across the Taiwan Strait does not compromise Taiwan's partnership with the United States. She emphasized that security cooperation and friendship with Washington are crucial to the Republic of China.When questioned about China's increasing gray-zone activities against Taiwan, incl uding a recent incident involving a Chinese official vessel near Taiping Island, Cheng highlighted the necessity for dialogue across the Taiwan Strait, particularly concerning sensitive military and security matters.Separately, Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund, commented on the significance of Cheng's explanation of her cross-strait relations vision during a meeting at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. In an email to CNA, Glaser remarked that Cheng's visit provided many in Washington with a clearer understanding of her perspectives.