Taichung: Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) announced her upcoming 11-day visit to the United States, scheduled to commence late Wednesday. The visit is designed to enhance city-to-city exchanges and engage with Taiwanese expatriates, according to Lu's statement at a City Hall news conference on Monday.

According to Focus Taiwan, the trip, spanning March 11-21, will include stops in five U.S. states, primarily on the East Coast, with planned visits to cities such as Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. Mayor Lu's itinerary includes meetings with members of the U.S. House of Representatives, interactions with Taiwanese expatriate communities, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America.

Lu emphasized that most of her schedule was arranged at the invitation of U.S. officials. She expressed her intentions to advocate for Taiwan and protect the interests of the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) during her visit. The discussions are set to cover topics such as energy stability, regional security, and global trade, with opportunities to gain insights into U.S. perspectives on international affairs.

In response to inquiries about the level of U.S. officials she will meet, Lu mentioned that her itinerary includes numerous meetings, many organized by the U.S. side, with details to be disclosed as appropriate. She addressed criticism regarding the necessity of her trip by asserting that all citizens should work towards increasing Taiwan's international visibility.

When questioned about consultations with KMT leadership, Lu stated that she had sought opinions from various sources and believed that the exchanges with American partners would foster mutual understanding and cooperation. She also refuted speculation about internal divisions within the KMT, describing the party as a democratic organization that accommodates diverse views while maintaining a unified commitment to national interests.

Lu, who is seen as a potential KMT candidate for Taiwan's 2028 presidential election, has attracted attention from political analysts who view the trip as a strategic move to enhance her international standing.