As Taiwan navigates a turbulent political and economic landscape marked by internal polarization and growing international pressure, two of its leading opposition forces—the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP)—are set to hold a joint summit on Tuesday, April 23, 2025. The summit comes at a critical moment, not only for Taiwan’s democratic integrity but also for its economic security, as the country faces retaliatory tariffs imposed by the United States under former president Donald Trump’s revived trade policies.
This meeting, branded by organizers as a “democracy defense and cooperation summit,” signals a bold attempt by Taiwan’s opposition to push back against what they claim is an increasingly authoritarian DPP government led by President Lai Ching-te. The summit is expected to cover a range of urgent issues—from judicial reform and civic freedoms to cross-party cooperation and Taiwan’s international trade strategy.
Opposition Unites: Summit’s Core Agenda
KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) and TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) will jointly lead the summit. According to a TPP spokesperson, the meeting is not just political theater but a response to what they describe as a “constitutional crisis” and an “erosion of judicial neutrality.”
The summit’s agenda will focus on:
- Taiwan’s deteriorating political climate under the DPP
- Judicial reform and alleged abuses of power by the ruling party
- Retaliatory U.S. tariffs and Taiwan’s lack of strategic leverage
- Electoral reform and fair representation
- Strengthening cross-party unity against DPP dominance
The TPP, in a statement, compared the current democratic backsliding to the early days of COVID-19, urging all Taiwanese citizens and lawmakers to “awaken” before democracy becomes “irreversibly damaged.”
Rising U.S. Tariffs: A Catalyst for Unity?
While political infighting in Taiwan is nothing new, the re-emergence of Trump-style tariffs under the U.S.’s new trade policy—imposing up to 25%-35% duties on key Taiwanese exports like semiconductors and electronics—has acted as a powerful catalyst for opposition cooperation. These tariffs are seen as a warning signal that Taiwan is being drawn into the vortex of U.S.-China competition without clear strategic direction.
Both KMT and TPP argue that Taiwan is paying the price for overly depending on Washington, especially under a DPP administration that has tied its foreign policy almost exclusively to U.S. support.
“The DPP has alienated our largest trading partner [China] and now finds itself vulnerable to U.S. transactional politics,” said a senior KMT policy adviser. “This is not strategic diplomacy—this is reckless alignment.”
The summit will explore economic countermeasures, such as re-diversifying trade ties and advocating for a more neutral and pragmatic foreign policy, potentially reopening dialog with Beijing under strict conditions.
DPP Fires Back: Summit as a “Threat to Democracy”
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly condemned the upcoming summit, accusing both the KMT and TPP of forming an “anti-democratic alliance” aimed at sabotaging institutional reforms. A DPP spokesperson argued that the summit reflects desperation among the opposition, who were unable to gain a majority in the January 2024 elections.
“This is not about democracy; this is about protecting privilege,” said the DPP in a press release. “Our judicial reforms aim to hold corrupt elites accountable, and the opposition is afraid.”
The DPP also defended President Lai’s leadership amid the trade war escalation, claiming that his administration is actively seeking solutions through multilateral diplomacy and enhanced ties with the EU, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Beyond Partisanship: What’s at Stake?
The upcoming summit is more than just a political showpiece—it reflects growing voter fatigue with partisan gridlock. Taiwan’s citizens are increasingly alarmed by judicial recall controversies, authoritarian accusations, and trade instability. Many civil society groups have called for cross-party dialog to end political polarization and prioritize national resilience.
If the KMT and TPP can forge a stable cooperation mechanism, it may serve as a counterbalance to the DPP, especially in legislative committees and future electoral alliances. However, the risk remains that such unity may alienate moderate voters if seen as obstructionist or merely anti-DPP.
FAQs
Why are KMT and TPP holding a joint summit?
The summit aims to address Taiwan’s political polarization, judicial controversies, and economic threats from U.S. tariffs. Both parties seek to form a stronger opposition alliance against the ruling DPP.
What is the DPP’s response to this summit?
The DPP has labeled the summit an “anti-democracy alliance” and accused both opposition parties of undermining reforms meant to improve judicial independence and fight corruption.
What role do U.S. tariffs play in this political shift?
The recent tariffs are a key trigger, with the opposition accusing the DPP of overly relying on the U.S. and failing to protect Taiwan’s economic interests.
Will this summit lead to a KMT-TPP alliance in future elections?
While not officially announced, the summit is seen as a step toward potential electoral cooperation or legislative alignment.
How is the public reacting to this summit?
Public opinion is divided. Some support the idea of stronger checks and balances, while others fear increased gridlock or anti-reform backlash.
