KMT chair Cheng Li-wun is rallying supporters behind a year-end referendum to restart nuclear power, framing it as a path back to governing Taiwan in 2028 — a mixed signal for Taiwan's energy debate and its relationship with China.

• Speaking at a military academy alumni event in Taichung on her one-year anniversary as party chair, Cheng said only the KMT can defend Taiwan's constitution and stand behind the armed forces.
• She tied energy policy directly to national security, arguing the ruling party's anti-nuclear stance has driven up costs, fueled inflation, and weakened Taiwan's competitiveness in the AI era.
• She's pushing voters to back a referendum this year to restart nuclear power plants, calling it key to Taiwan's resilience.
• She linked a KMT win in the November 28 elections to a bigger goal: retaking power nationally in 2028, which she says would stabilize relations across the Taiwan Strait.
• She emphasized troop morale and dignity, saying buying weapons means little if soldiers don't feel respected and backed.

Outlook: The nuclear referendum and the November 28 vote will serve as early tests of whether Cheng's energy and defense messaging can build momentum toward a 2028 KMT comeback.