Counting gains from Beijing, Taiwanese opposition leader Cheng Li-wun eyes US trip in June

In Beijing on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang party, for the first high-level talks between the two parties in nearly a decade. During the meeting, Xi Jinping emphasized a patient approach to Taiwan reunification, referencing Chinese fables about perseverance. According to Cheng, Xi acknowledged the differing social systems and lifestyles between Taiwan and mainland China, suggesting mutual respect for each side's development. The meeting signals a continued focus on cross-strait relations, with Xi indicating that resolving long-standing issues will require time and dedication. The talks took place at the Great Hall of the People.

Following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang party, China announced it will resume some previously suspended ties with Taiwan. These include direct flights and imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products. The announcement, made by China's Taiwan Work Office, also mentioned exploring a communication mechanism between the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council criticized the move as a "political transaction" circumventing the Taiwanese government. Tensions between China and Taiwan have been high since the 2016 election of Taiwan's pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen, leading to China cutting off official dialogue and increasing military activity near the island.

Following Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun's visit to mainland China, Beijing pledged to improve air and travel links with Taiwan. The 10-point measures, announced on Sunday, include easing travel restrictions for individuals visiting the island. Cheng's trip, which began on Tuesday, featured a meeting with President Xi Jinping, the first such meeting between leaders of the Communist Party and KMT in nine years. Xi promised improved communication and exchanges with Taiwan, aiming to allow Taiwanese residents to benefit from mainland economic development. Both leaders emphasized the importance of cross-strait peace amid rising tensions since the Democratic Progressive Party came to power in Taiwan.

Following a visit by Kuomintang (KMT) party leader Cheng Li-wun, China announced it will resume some ties with Taiwan that were previously suspended. These include direct flights and imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products. The announcement came after a meeting between Cheng and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they discussed peace. China's Taiwan Work Office stated it would explore a communication mechanism between the Communist Party and the KMT. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council criticized the move, calling it a "political transaction" that bypasses the Taiwanese government. Relations between China and Taiwan have been strained since 2016, with China increasing military activity near the island.

In a rare meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese and desire peace. This marks the first meeting between a Chinese president and a Taiwanese opposition leader in a decade. Cheng's visit has drawn criticism in Taiwan due to her perceived pro-China stance, particularly as China increases military pressure around the island. Cheng stated that Taiwan should become a symbol of peace safeguarded by Chinese people on both sides. The KMT, which fled to Taiwan after being defeated by the Chinese Communist Party in 1949, hopes to invite Xi to visit Taiwan if they regain power in the 2028 elections. Xi views reunification with Taiwan as a key part of his legacy, while Taiwan's current ruling party, the DPP, favors sovereignty.

Communist Party leader Xi Jinping met with Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in Beijing on Friday, marking the first high-level meeting between the two parties' leaders in almost a decade. The talks between the leaders of the Communist Party and the KMT, Taiwan's opposition party, are viewed by observers as a step toward cross-strait stability. Analysts in both mainland China and Taiwan believe the meeting signals a potential revival of engagement mechanisms between the two sides. The meeting's significance and implications are subject to differing interpretations among analysts.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, in Beijing on Friday, marking the first such meeting in nearly a decade. Xi reiterated China's claim that Taiwan is an "inalienable" part of Chinese territory, while Cheng echoed some of Xi's phrasing. The meeting occurs amidst rising tensions, as Taiwan's opposition coalition blocks President Lai Ching-te's proposed $40 billion defense budget. President Lai warned against compromising Taiwan's sovereignty with an authoritarian regime. The meeting and defense budget dispute raise concerns about Taiwan's ability to invest in its defense and the potential impact on future arms sales. China refuses to speak to the democratically elected government of Taiwan, led by President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Taiwanese opposition leader Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Kuomintang (KMT), met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on April 10, 2026. Both leaders expressed opposition to Taiwan independence and a desire for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute over Taiwan's future. Cheng emphasized shared cultural heritage and suggested slowing Taiwan's military buildup, advocating for greater engagement with China. Xi highlighted the shared history and culture between Taiwan and China. Cheng's visit marks the highest-level meeting between Taiwanese and Chinese leaders since 2015, signaling a potential shift towards reconciliation. The KMT, Taiwan's largest opposition party, generally favors closer ties with mainland China.

Kuomintang (KMT) leader Cheng Li-wun met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday, marking the first visit by a sitting KMT leader in a decade. The meeting aimed to promote cross-strait peace and stability amid strained relations, as Beijing cut off high-level communications with Taiwan in 2016. Xi emphasized that both sides are Chinese and desire peace, while Cheng stated that opposing Taiwan independence and maintaining the 1992 Consensus would help avoid war. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticized Cheng's visit, accusing her of being subservient to Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. The KMT traditionally maintains warmer ties with China, though Cheng's visit is seen as more eager than her predecessors.

Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first meeting between a KMT chairperson and the Communist Party leadership since 2016. Cheng's six-day trip, which began in Shanghai, is described as a "journey of peace," with repeated emphasis on cross-strait peace during her visits to Shanghai and Nanjing. The meeting occurs amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait, with frequent military maneuvers by the People's Liberation Army. China views Taiwan as part of China and prefers peaceful reunification, though it hasn't ruled out force. While most countries, including the US, do not recognize Taiwan as independent, the US opposes forceful reunification and supplies Taiwan with weapons.