KMT to serve as bridge for cross-strait peace: Chairwoman

Taipei, June 7 (CNA) The Kuomintang (KMT) aims to serve as a "bridge builder" in cross-strait relations and help chart a new path toward peace and regional stability, party Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) said during a visit to the United States, according to a KMT statement released Sunday.

Cheng told a banquet hosted by the Taiwanese community in Boston on Saturday (Taipei time) that the KMT remains committed to upholding the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and advancing what she described as its historic mission of promoting peace and prosperity, the statement said.

Amid growing geopolitical tensions, the KMT will work to build bridges and help identify a peaceful way forward for the Taiwan Strait and the broader region, she said.

According to the KMT, Taiwan's main opposition party, more than 300 overseas Taiwanese attended the event, waving Republic of China flags to welcome Cheng and her delegation during their ongoing U.S. visit.

Cheng said she was deeply moved by the enthusiastic reception and reflected on the democratic values shared by Taiwan and the U.S.

Addressing cross-strait relations, she said the KMT will not stand by while younger generations face the risk of military conflict.

There is an alternative to confrontation across the Taiwan Strait, she said, adding that Taiwan and China should pursue peace and mutually beneficial development.

Cheng also cited discussions during visits to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), saying many international scholars shared a desire for peace and stability.

Political leaders should build bridges rather than deepen divisions, she said, adding that greater international exchange and cooperation will create more opportunities for younger generations.

The remarks came during Cheng's two-week visit to the U.S., which started on June 1. She is scheduled to meet lawmakers, policy experts and think tank representatives to discuss cross-strait stability, regional security and Taiwan-U.S. relations.