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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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KMT Chairman Cheng Li-wun Jokingly Reports US Delegation 'Uprising' Over Mainland Star Zhang Linghe Photos
KMT Chairman Cheng Li-wun humorously reported that the party's US visiting delegation experienced a 'morale uprising' in Los Angeles after learning that forum attendees were continuously sharing photographs with mainland star Zhang Linghe. The actor's appearance at the Straits Forum generated significant Taiwan media attention, with commentators highlighting his role in promoting cross-strait understanding among younger generations despite DPP restrictions on forum participation.





Quick Facts
Who
Cheng Li-wun (郑丽文) - KMT Chairman
What
KMT Chairman reported on US visit results at Central Standing Committee meeting
When
June 17, 2026 - Central Standing Committee meeting
Where
Los Angeles - US delegation location
- KMT Chairman reported on US visit results at Central Standing Committee meeting
- US delegation experienced 'uprising' over Zhang Linghe photos from Straits Forum attendees
- Zhang Linghe emphasized 'common roots and shared bloodline' between two sides at forum
- Multiple KMT members photographed with Zhang Linghe at Straits Forum
- Taiwan media analyzed Zhang's role in promoting cross-strait youth understanding
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.
Why This Matters
This incident reveals the Democratic Progressive Party's restrictions on cross-strait engagement through cultural and political channels, while highlighting how civil society and opposition parties view cultural exchange as instrumental for cross-strait understanding. For readers, it underscores the ongoing tension between Taiwan's ruling party's restrictive mainland policy and grassroots interest in dialogue, and demonstrates how entertainment and cultural figures can become flashpoints in Taiwan's political polarization over cross-strait relations.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 13, 2026
WireZhang Linghe appears at Straits Forum and delivers remarks emphasizing 'common roots and shared bloodline'
Jun 16, 2026
WireTaiwan Youth Federation president He Yi-cheng publishes article analyzing Zhang Linghe's impact on cross-strait youth understanding
Jun 17, 2026
WireKMT Chairman Cheng Li-wun reports on US visit at Central Standing Committee meeting and humorously describes delegation's reaction to Zhang Linghe photos from Straits Forum
Jun 18, 2026
WireCRNTT publishes report of Cheng's remarks about Zhang Linghe photos incident
Jun 18, 2026
WireIfeng publishes comprehensive coverage including media analysis of Zhang Linghe's role in cross-strait engagement