Taiwan's two main parties are trading blame over stalled cross-strait dialogue, a fight that matters because it shapes how much war risk the island carries.

• KMT chair Cheng Li-wun called on President Lai Ching-te to find a way to reopen talks with Beijing to lower the risk of war.
• She argued Taiwan does not have to choose between siding with the US or China, and should chart its own path based on its own interests.
• The ruling DPP shot back that Taiwan's door has never been closed — it is Beijing that refuses to talk as an equal while ramping up military pressure.
• The DPP noted Beijing will sit down with Washington despite deep differences, but meets Taiwan and its neighbors with hostility.
• The timing is pointed: the remarks landed as Trump and Xi met.

Outlook: Expect the blame exchange to continue with no real talks in sight, since Beijing shows no sign of accepting Taiwan as an equal partner.