Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱)

Taipei, June 22 (CNA) Ruling Kuomintang (KMT) presidential hopeful Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) confirmed Monday that the probability of her visiting the United States before the election is not high, given her tight schedule.

Hung said this does not mean that she does not attach importance to the United States or that she does not understand the importance of the United States to her election bid.

When she is confirmed as the party's official candidate in July, there will be less than six months left before the election, she said, adding that she will not have time to spend seven to 10 days overseas.

However, Hung's stance on the issue of a U.S. visit is seen to be at odds with that of KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫).

Chu said Saturday that arrangements will be made for Hung to visit the United States after she is confirmed as the party's official presidential candidate at the party congress set for July 19.

Chu said the KMT will communicate with the U.S. side on the date of Hung's visit, with August and September both possible times.

Appearing disinclined to make the trip, however, Hung stressed that only statements coming directly from herself or her spokesperson can be considered to reflect her views on cross-Taiwan Strait relations and the issue of a U.S. visit.

When asked to comment on the issue, Chu said Monday that Hung has made things very clear and that she will make a public announcement on the matter.

He said the role of the party is to provide full support to the candidate and to do coordination work properly.

(By Tseng Ying-yu, Wang Hung-kuo and Y.F. Low)
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