Taipei: There is no need for Taiwan to “pick a side” between the United States and China, opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun stated, emphasizing that while the United States is considered a friend, China is regarded as “family.”

According to Focus Taiwan, Cheng made these remarks during a meeting of the KMT’s Central Standing Committee. She shared that a friend once conveyed to her that “the United States was our benefactor, but the Mainland is our family.” Cheng reaffirmed that the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) would not forget the friendship extended by the United States after World War II, highlighting the nation’s gratitude.

Cheng further explained that despite this friendship, Taiwan views the Mainland as family and is not interested in engaging in an internal conflict. She expressed that Taiwan does not need to choose between the United States and China, proposing that reconciliation across the strait could lead to cooperation between the two major powers.

The comments from Cheng came shortly after the KMT announced it would send a delegation to Beijing from February 2-4. The purpose of the visit is to participate in an official think tank exchange with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), aiming to foster constructive cross-strait interaction.

The delegation, led by Deputy KMT Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen, will include Lee Hong-yuan, deputy chair of the KMT’s National Policy Foundation think tank, along with around 40 experts and scholars. The party aims to use this opportunity to strengthen ties and understanding between the two sides.

When asked about the possibility of a meeting between the KMT chair and Chinese leader Xi Jinping within the year, Cheng advised against speculation. She assured that a public announcement would be made immediately if such a meeting were confirmed. Cheng also referenced British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent remarks upon his arrival in Beijing for a state visit, where he stated that there is no need for the U.K. to choose between the U.S. and China.