KMT Chairman Cheng Li-wun Jokingly Reports US Delegation 'Uprising' Over Mainland Star Zhang Linghe Photos

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Cheng Li-wun reported on the party's US visit results during a Central Standing Committee meeting on June 17, 2026, revealing that the delegation experienced a humorous 'uprising' in Los Angeles after party members attending the Straits Forum continuously shared photographs with mainland entertainment star Zhang Linghe. Cheng joked that the enthusiasm for the photos undermined the visiting delegation's morale at a critical time, playfully directing remarks at Vice Chairman Chang Jung-kung, who had attended the forum. She noted that visiting team members cast envious glances at those who had been photographed with the popular actor.

Zhang Linghe's appearance at the Straits Forum generated significant attention across Taiwan's political and media landscape. During his forum participation, the mainland actor emphasized the theme of 'common roots and shared bloodline between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait,' leading numerous KMT members to seek photographs with him, including blue-camp legislator Chen Yu-chen. Cheng Li-wun previously advocated that Zhang Linghe's participation could promote cross-strait peace and understanding.

Taiwanese media outlets and political commentators highlighted the cultural significance of Zhang Linghe's presence at the forum. The Taiwan Youth Federation president He Yi-cheng published an article arguing that Zhang conveyed the message of common roots and origins using an accessible approach, helping young Taiwanese directly understand the cultural, linguistic, and blood connections between the two sides. Critics of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) noted that some Taiwan youth face information bias regarding mainland China due to DPP influence, and that Zhang's role as a youth idol with an open perspective could help bridge understanding and break through information barriers.

The incident highlighted broader tensions over cross-strait engagement, with the DPP having expanded restrictions on Strait Forum participation, prohibiting local government officials from attending. However, Taiwanese civil society participation remained robust. Media analyst Chang Chun-kai characterized the forum atmosphere as 'pragmatic rather than hollow' and focused on 'bridging rather than decoupling,' with Zhang Linghe's unexpected appearance becoming a standout moment demonstrating the unique value of cultural soft power in cross-strait exchange.