Rare Meeting Between Taiwan Opposition Leader and Xi Jinping
China's President Xi Jinping received Taiwan's main opposition party leader, Cheng Li-wun, on Friday in Beijing. This rare meeting highlighted a mutual emphasis on the desire for peace across the Taiwan Strait.
Cheng Li-wun is the first sitting leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) to visit China in ten years.
Background of Cross-Strait Relations
Since 2016, Beijing has suspended high-level communications with Taiwan following the election of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President Tsai Ing-wen. Beijing cited Tsai's refusal to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation as the reason for the cutoff. The DPP has criticized Cheng's visit, accusing her of being "subservient" to Beijing.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not excluded the use of force to achieve reunification.
Statements from Xi Jinping and Cheng Li-wun
During the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi Jinping stated:
"The leaders of our two parties are meeting today in order to safeguard the peace and stability of our shared homeland, to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and to allow future generations to share in a bright and beautiful future."
He further expressed China's willingness to strengthen exchanges and dialogue with various parties, including the KMT, based on the shared political foundation of opposing Taiwan independence.
"Those on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese, and they all want peace," Xi added.
In response, Cheng Li-wun remarked:
"The rejuvenation of the Chinese people is a shared aspiration of the people on both sides of the Strait."
"It would be a positive contribution to world peace and human progress."
KMT's Position and Cross-Strait Dynamics
The KMT has traditionally maintained warm relations with China. However, analysts note that Cheng's proactive approach to visiting Beijing contrasts with the more cautious stance of her predecessors regarding cross-strait relations.
Meanwhile, Beijing has refused to engage in formal dialogue with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, whom they have labeled a "separatist." Lai has consistently committed to maintaining the status quo in cross-strait relations.
Despite this, Chinese authorities and state media have criticized Lai harshly, calling him a "troublemaker" and "warmonger."
Public Opinion in Taiwan
Most people in Taiwan identify as a sovereign nation. However, many also support maintaining the status quo in cross-strait relations, avoiding both unification with China and a formal declaration of independence.
