China’s Xi Jinping Hosts Taiwan Opposition Leader in Beijing

In a significant meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Cheng Li-wun, the chairwoman of Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. During their discussions, Xi expressed his unwavering belief that the people of Taiwan and China will ultimately find unity.

Cheng’s visit marks the first time a KMT leader has traveled to China in ten years, igniting debate within Taiwan. Critics argue that her trip leans too favorably toward Beijing as tensions continue to loom. The diplomatic relationship has soured since 2016 when Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) took office and rejected China’s claims of sovereignty over Taiwan.

Conversations on Unity and Dialogue

During the meeting, Xi conveyed to Cheng that “the general trend of compatriots on both sides of the Strait getting closer will remain unchanged.” He emphasized this notion as a pivotal aspect of shared history, stating, “We have full confidence in this.” Furthermore, Xi expressed China’s willingness to enhance communication with Taiwanese groups, including the KMT, based on their mutual opposition to Taiwan’s independence.

Cheng mirrored Xi’s sentiments in a subsequent press conference, asserting that by standing against Taiwan’s independence, conflict can be avoided. She remarked on the potential for the Taiwan Strait to transform from a contested zone into a peaceful avenue for dialogue, urging both sides to move past political polarization.

Military Tensions and Defense Spending Disputes

Beijing maintains a firm stance on Taiwan, continually claiming the island as part of its territory, and has threatened military action to assert its control. Recent years have seen a rise in military activities, including frequent deployments of jets and warships near Taiwan, complemented by extensive large-scale drills.

Amid these tensions, Taiwanese lawmakers are presently divided over a proposed defense budget of NT$1.25 trillion (about $39 billion), which has faced delays in parliament, currently controlled by the KMT. Critics of the plan, like Cheng, have voiced concerns; she has stated, “Taiwan isn’t an ATM,” advocating for a more conservative allocation of NT$380 billion (approximately $12 billion) for U.S. weapons while maintaining the option for further procurement.

The timing of Cheng’s visit comes just ahead of a scheduled summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Xi, as the U.S. has been pressing Taiwanese opposition legislators to support defense purchases aimed at deterring potential aggression from China.

Cross-strait relations have significantly deteriorated, particularly following the election of Tsai’s successor, Lai Ching-te, deemed a separatist by Beijing. In response to heightened military threats from China around the Taiwan Strait, Lai voiced his concerns, claiming these provocations seriously undermine regional peace.

Upon arriving in Shanghai, Cheng expressed optimism, stating, “The two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not doomed to war, as the international community has feared.” Her itinerary included a visit to Nanjing, where she paid respects at the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, a historical figure celebrated by both Beijing and Taipei.