Taiwan opposition leader kicks off “peace tour” in mainland China
Beijing may have found a partner it can work with to stabilize cross-strait ties.
On April 7, Cheng Li-wun, Chairwoman of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, arrived in Shanghai, launching a five-day trip aimed at easing cross-strait tensions.
Both sides are heavily invested in the visit:
- Cheng has made reducing tensions and reviving cross-strait engagement the core of her policy platform.
- Xi Jinping reciprocated by personally extending an invitation to Cheng.
The visit got off to a positive start. Both sides struck a conciliatory tone at a reception hosted by Song Tao, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office (Zaobao):
- Cheng said both sides can demonstrate the resolve and capacity to resolve differences peacefully, contributing to regional stability.
- Song spoke highly of Cheng’s remarks, noting that – unlike previous KMT leaders – she was willing to take a clearer stance on cross-strait relations.
Cheng has raised expectations ahead of her planned meeting with Xi on Friday (Sing Tao Headline):
- Before departing, she told Taiwanese media she is confident Beijing will signal meaningful goodwill, with outcomes likely to exceed expectations.
Get smart: Beijing will look to deliver tangible “wins” for Cheng in the hopes of improving the KMT's prospects in the 2028 elections.
- Deliverables are likely to focus on expanding people-to-people exchanges and offering additional economic incentives for Taiwanese seeking opportunities on the mainland.
What to watch: Will Beijing restore tariff exemptions for select Taiwanese imports?