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Taiwan’s opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who expressed his “full confidence” that the people of Taiwan and China would eventually unite.
Cheng, the chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), is the first leader of the party to visit China in over a decade. Her trip has stirred controversy in Taiwan, with many critics accusing her of being overly sympathetic to Beijing’s stance on Taiwan.
Xi, during the meeting, reiterated China’s belief in the inevitability of reunification, stating that “the general trend of compatriots on both sides of the Strait getting closer, edging nearer and becoming united will not change.”
He emphasised that this was an “inevitable part of history,” expressing his firm belief in the eventual reunification of Taiwan with China. Furthermore, Xi highlighted China’s readiness to enhance dialogue with groups in Taiwan, including the KMT, based on a shared opposition to Taiwan’s independence.
Cheng, who has long advocated for closer relations between Taiwan and China, echoed Xi’s sentiments, warning that opposing Taiwan independence was key to avoiding war.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Cheng stressed that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should transcend political divisions and avoid escalating tensions. She also reassured that the Taiwan Strait should no longer be seen as a focal point of potential conflict.
The visit, occurring ahead of US President Donald Trump’s anticipated summit with Xi in Beijing next month, has sparked political debate.
Cheng’s KMT party has been at odds with Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) over defence spending. While the KMT supports reducing military spending, a stance that has drawn criticism from the DPP, it has proposed a more limited plan to allocate NT$380 billion ($12 billion) for US weapon purchases, insisting that Taiwan’s security must be balanced with financial practicality.
The growing tensions across the Taiwan Strait, amplified by China’s increasing military presence near Taiwan, have raised alarms in the region. The situation has led to further polarisation, with Taiwan’s lawmakers, particularly from the KMT, divided on the best approach to national defence.
While Cheng’s visit to Beijing signifies an attempt to mend cross-strait relations, it also highlights the stark divisions within Taiwan’s political landscape, as the island grapples with the mounting pressure from both Beijing and the United States.
