Kaohsiung, Taiwan – In a significant development, Xi Jinping, the supreme leader of China, recently met with Cheng Li-wun, the head of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), in Beijing. This marked the first meeting of its kind in nearly ten years.
Before their private discussion, the two leaders posed for photos. Xi reaffirmed China’s claim over Taiwan, describing it as an “inalienable” part of the nation. He emphasized that the revival of the Chinese nation is an ongoing trend, despite the fact that the Chinese communist government has not governed Taiwan since 1949.
Cheng and Xi engaged in talks as heads of their respective political parties, as the Chinese government refuses to interact with Taiwan’s democratically elected administration led by President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The DPP has won Taiwan’s presidential elections since 2016, though it recently lost control of the parliament to an opposition coalition that includes the KMT.
As tensions rise over defense funding in Taiwan, President Lai’s proposed $40 billion special defense budget has faced roadblocks from the opposition. Visiting U.S. Senator Jim Banks emphasized that approving this budget would signal Taiwan’s commitment to its own defense.
Before the meeting, Lai made a statement on social media stressing that yielding to an authoritarian regime would undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty. There is also concern that delays in approving the defense budget could affect U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, especially if former President Donald Trump decides to negotiate with Xi.
During her discussions, Cheng echoed Xi’s language about the revitalization of Chinese civilization, suggesting that both sides of the Taiwan Strait have a part to play in this. However, many in Taiwan have differing views. Rose Chou, an administrator in Kaohsiung, expressed a strong desire for Taiwan to establish its own identity, saying she is ready to fight for a Republic of Taiwan.
Chou noted that while many people in her circle support current policies, a small number desire unification. The historical backdrop since the 1949 civil war still defines Taiwan’s official name as the Republic of China, which indicates a complex relationship with mainland China.
The last meeting between KMT and Chinese Communist Party leaders occurred nearly a decade ago. In 2015, a KMT chair also met with Xi, and more recently, the Taiwanese president at the time met with Xi, where they referred to each other using respectful titles.
Officials from the American Institute in Taiwan, acting as the U.S. embassy, indicated support for dialogue across the strait, urging peaceful resolutions to differences without coercion.
Political analysts suggest the KMT’s approach, reflected in Cheng’s visit, may not resonate with many Taiwanese voters today. Elizabeth Freund Larus pointed out that Cheng’s trip attempts to mirror past approaches that may be outdated.
As the KMT navigates this visit, it is likely to face scrutiny at home. Political analyst Ross Feingold highlighted that the DPP has effectively shaped public opinion on relations with China over the years, which may cast the KMT’s actions in a negative light.
The ultimate outcome of Cheng’s meeting with Xi will likely hinge on the opinions of Taiwanese voters, regardless of outside influences. As the U.S. prioritizes arms sales to Taiwan, eyes will remain on the political dynamics within the island nation.
Eryk Michael Smith reports from Taiwan, focusing on cross-strait relations and local politics.
