Taipei, Taiwan – Opposition leader Cheng Li-wun met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both leaders expressing a desire for a “peaceful” resolution to the dispute over Taiwan’s future and stating their opposition to Taiwan independence.
A Rare Meeting
The leaders exchanged public remarks and posed for photos at the Great Hall of the People following a closed-door meeting. This marks the first time a Taiwanese opposition leader has met with Xi Jinping in a decade, since President Ma Ying-jeou held talks with the Chinese leader in Singapore in 2015. Ma, also a member of the Kuomintang, met with Xi again in China two years ago as a private citizen.
Both Cheng and Ma are affiliated with the Kuomintang (KMT), a Taiwanese political party that advocates for increased engagement with China. During her public remarks, Cheng called for both sides to “transcend political confrontation and mutual hostility.”
Shared History and Diverging Views
Xi Jinping emphasized the shared history and culture of Taiwan and China, stating that “people of all ethnic groups, including Taiwanese compatriots,” had “jointly written the glorious history of China.” He added that Beijing is ready to “work for peace” across the Taiwan Strait alongside the KMT and other Taiwanese groups. Cheng echoed themes from the Chinese Communist Party, praising China’s success in poverty eradication and its pursuit of national “rejuvenation.”
Both leaders voiced opposition to “foreign meddling” in Taiwan-China relations, a reference to US involvement. Cheng indicated a potential shift in Taiwan’s defense strategy, suggesting she would sluggish military buildup, a position supported by the KMT’s months-long blocking of a $40 billion US weapons budget in the legislature.
Reactions from Taiwan
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), stated his government supports peace but cautioned against “unrealistic fantasies.” He criticized the KMT for delaying the defense budget and avoiding cross-party negotiations. Despite Xi’s promises of peace, China has increased its military activity near Taiwan, conducting six rounds of live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait since 2022.
The DPP accuses China of pursuing a “separatist” agenda and has sought to raise Taiwan’s international profile, provoking anger in Beijing. Formal contact between the Chinese leadership and Taipei was cut off after the DPP came to power in 2016, though communication continues through parties like the KMT.
Cheng sidestepped questions about unification, stating her goal was to seek “reconciliation” based on shared history and culture. However, the historical relationship between the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party has been marked by conflict, including a civil war from the 1920s to the 1940s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KMT’s position on relations with China?
The Kuomintang advocates for greater engagement with China by Taiwan’s self-ruled democratic government.
What has been China’s recent military activity near Taiwan?
Since 2022, China’s armed forces have had six rounds of multi-day live-fire military drills in the Taiwan Strait.
How has Taiwanese identity evolved in recent decades?
A 2025 survey found that 62 percent of respondents identified as “Taiwanese,” up from 17.6 percent in 1992.
Given the differing perspectives on Taiwan’s future and the ongoing military presence in the region, what steps could be taken to de-escalate tensions and foster more constructive dialogue?
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