KMT chair hopes to take peace message to Beijing while on political tightrope
A plan by the chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition party to visit Beijing this year, hoping to meet President Xi Jinping, has fuelled hopes of better dialogue amid soaring cross-strait tensions. But while supporters have hailed Cheng Li-wun’s planned trip as a chance to ease frictions across the Taiwan Strait, critics warn that it risks…
A plan by the chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition party to visit Beijing this year, hoping to meet President Xi Jinping, has fuelled hopes of better dialogue amid soaring cross-strait tensions.
But while supporters have hailed Cheng Li-wun’s planned trip as a chance to ease frictions across the Taiwan Strait, critics warn that it risks signalling alignment with Beijing as it increases military pressure on the island.
Cheng, who was elected chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT) in October, has repeatedly voiced hopes for a Beijing visit and face-to-face meeting with Xi.
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People’s Liberation Army holds second day of live-fire exercises around Taiwan
People’s Liberation Army holds second day of live-fire exercises around Taiwan
In a radio interview on December 28, Cheng said she aimed to make the trip in early 2026, but did not specify when. KMT vice-chairman Lee Chien-lung, however, told reporters the visit was most likely to take place in March.
Cheng, who plans to visit the United States after Beijing, said that the first half of the year was her only realistic travel window.
With Taiwan’s local elections scheduled for the second half, Cheng said her role as party chair would demand full focus on campaigning and coordination, leaving no room for travel.
“Once the election season begins, the party chair has no choice but to stay on the front line,” Cheng said, adding that any overseas visits must be completed beforehand.
And a visit to Beijing would come first. Cheng said a face-to-face meeting with Xi would carry “major strategic significance” by sending a clear signal about the future direction of cross-strait relations.
