IMO there are multiple reasons for why she might be doing this:
1. Consolidate her support and image as a KMT contender. By sitting down with both Xi and Trump, she paints herself as a vital link between China and the US, thereby making her essential as a leader able to navigate diplomacy between the two countries. Although, it should be noted that she has stated that she currently has no plans for being a presidential candidate for 2028.
2. Clamp down on the idea of her simply being pro-China and show that she is instead trying for more proactive diplomacy and balanced relations. If she succeeds it would be a great contrast to President Lai Ching-te, who has yet to personally meet Trump.
3. Attempt to reduce tensions between China and the US in order to ensure stability between the two countries, because Taiwan will be a point of contention if tensions rise again. Such an action will prove especially popular amongst the isolationist faction led by JD Vance.
What will be interesting is how Cheng will react if Trump turns down this request. Given her actions so far, I doubt she will be passive about a denied meeting.
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IMO there are multiple reasons for why she might be doing this:
1. Consolidate her support and image as a KMT contender. By sitting down with both Xi and Trump, she paints herself as a vital link between China and the US, thereby making her essential as a leader able to navigate diplomacy between the two countries. Although, it should be noted that she has stated that she currently has no plans for being a presidential candidate for 2028.
2. Clamp down on the idea of her simply being pro-China and show that she is instead trying for more proactive diplomacy and balanced relations. If she succeeds it would be a great contrast to President Lai Ching-te, who has yet to personally meet Trump.
3. Attempt to reduce tensions between China and the US in order to ensure stability between the two countries, because Taiwan will be a point of contention if tensions rise again. Such an action will prove especially popular amongst the isolationist faction led by JD Vance.
What will be interesting is how Cheng will react if Trump turns down this request. Given her actions so far, I doubt she will be passive about a denied meeting.