KMT chief advocates balanced cross-strait approach amid Taiwan budget crisis

Cheng Li-wun, leader of the Kuomintang (KMT), is pursuing a diplomatic outreach to mainland China, contrasting with President William Lai's confrontational stance. The Legislative Yuan, controlled by the KMT and its ally Taiwan People's Party (TPP), has blocked budgets including arms purchases from the US, paralyzing the constitutional court due to lack of quorum. Lai's attempt to appoint ideologically aligned justices failed. His government frames cross-strait tensions as an emergency to justify defense spending, while critics argue a balanced approach toward Washington and Beijing could reduce costs and tensions. The article notes Washington's growing imperialism against allies and foes alike.