Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in a rare high-level exchange that has intensified political debate in Taiwan over relations with China, national identity, and defense policy.
The meeting, the first of its kind in a decade, featured public remarks and a closed-door discussion, with both leaders expressing opposition to Taiwan independence and calling for a “peaceful” resolution to cross-strait tensions.
Cheng, a senior figure in the Kuomintang (KMT), emphasized reconciliation and shared cultural heritage, while Xi reiterated longstanding claims about common identity and history.
Cheng called for leaders on both sides to “transcend political confrontation and mutual hostility” and said the Taiwan Strait should become “a symbol of peace jointly safeguarded by Chinese people on both sides.”
Xi echoed similar themes, stating that people across the strait share “the same Chinese roots and the same Chinese spirit.”
Both leaders also voiced opposition to “foreign meddling” in cross-strait relations.
Cheng suggested a shift away from military-focused deterrence, signaling that under KMT leadership Taiwan could slow its defense buildup.
Her remarks come amid legislative disputes, where the KMT has blocked a $40bn defense budget and proposed a reduced alternative.
The meeting has drawn criticism from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which argues that engagement with Beijing risks undermining sovereignty.
President Lai Ching-te said peace cannot rely on “unrealistic fantasies” and warned that compromise with authoritarian systems could endanger democracy.
China has increased military activity near Taiwan in recent years, including multiple rounds of large-scale drills since 2022.
Cheng’s visit has also sparked domestic controversy, with critics accusing her of aligning too closely with Beijing.
Polling trends show a growing sense of Taiwanese identity, complicating narratives of shared nationality.
Despite historical rivalry between the KMT and Chinese Communist Party, the two maintain communication channels, shaping ongoing debates about Taiwan’s future direction.