Taiwan opposition leader visits China for expected meeting with Xi Jinping

Taiwan Opposition Leader’s Visit to China Sparks Regional Interest

Cheng Li-wun, the current head of Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT), has begun a trip to mainland China, with plans to meet President Xi Jinping. This visit, which spans six days across Shanghai, Nanjing, and Beijing, marks the first time an active KMT leader has crossed into mainland China in over ten years. Cheng expressed her willingness to engage with Beijing, aiming to act as a “bridge for peace” during her stay.

Historical Context and Tensions

Since 2016, when the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Tsai Ing-wen took office, Beijing has limited communication with Taiwan, citing her administration’s stance on a unified Chinese nation. The mainland views Taiwan as a province destined for reunification, though it has not dismissed the possibility of military action. Meanwhile, many Taiwanese identify as a separate sovereign state, yet most support the “status quo” — avoiding formal declarations of independence or unification.

“Beijing wants a cordial meeting with Taiwan’s opposition to undermine the argument for US-Taiwan defence cooperation,” says Wen-ti Sung, a political scientist with the Australian National University’s Taiwan Centre.

Cheng’s visit has drawn criticism from the ruling DPP, which called her “subservient” to Beijing and claimed her itinerary would be “completely controlled” by the Communist Party. The party also accused China of being the “main culprit in disrupting regional peace,” highlighting its recent military activities around Taiwan. Premier Cho Jung-tai confirmed the government would keep a close watch on the trip’s outcomes.

Strategic Motivations and Cross-Strait Dynamics

While the KMT has historically maintained strong ties with China, Cheng’s approach differs from her predecessors’ more restrained stance on cross-strait relations. Analysts suggest her trip reflects a desire to position herself as a leader capable of fostering dialogue and easing tensions between Taiwan and the mainland. This effort comes amid growing doubts about the US’s reliability in Taiwan’s defense, partly due to Trump’s inconsistent policies and his focus on the Middle East conflict.

“Cheng sees this as an opportunity for her to present herself as the political leader capable of maintaining cross-strait exchange and potentially reducing cross-strait tension,” Yang says.

The United States has long been Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, maintaining a decades-old defense pact despite its formal alliance with China. In recent years, Trump has pushed for Taiwan to compensate the US for its military support. A bipartisan US delegation recently visited Taipei to advocate for a $40bn special defense spending bill, which remains stalled in the opposition-led parliament. Cheng’s meeting with Xi occurs just weeks before Trump is set to visit Beijing, raising questions about China’s strategic goals.

Political Challenges and Public Perception

Although Cheng’s efforts to align with Beijing may benefit her party ahead of upcoming local elections, her accommodating stance has faced backlash in Taiwan. Political scientist Chong Ja-Ian of the National University of Singapore notes that many view her as a “fair-weather politician,” prioritizing self-interest over core principles. “Who this benefits, and how much, are the bigger questions,” Chong adds, emphasizing the uncertain impact of her actions on public trust.