Taichung: Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) confirmed on Saturday a local media report that she will embark on an 11-day visit to the United States starting March 11. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to mark 228 Peace Memorial Day in Taichung, Lu expressed her willingness to seize any opportunity to enhance Taiwan's diplomatic engagement as a citizen of the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lu emphasized the importance of Washington gaining a better understanding of Taiwan, advocating for deeper cooperation between both sides to ensure progress. Lu is considered a potential candidate for the KMT in Taiwan's 2028 presidential race, which adds significance to her diplomatic endeavors.

The United Daily News highlighted that Lu's visit is intended to convey to U.S. officials that the KMT does not distrust Washington and remains amicable towards the United States, while also striving to maintain stable relations with China. This comes amid concerns from young and middle-aged KMT members about the party's relationship with the U.S., particularly as opposition lawmakers from the KMT and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) have taken differing stances from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on a proposed NT$1.2 trillion (US$39.82 billion) draft special act on defense procurement.

Lu noted that the U.S. trip will provide an opportunity to clarify the KMT's position and discuss defense procurement issues with U.S. counterparts. Beyond defense-related topics, Lu plans to enhance mutual understanding of U.S. tariff policies following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the White House's "reciprocal" tariffs.