Taiwan's Opposition Leader Engages in Historic Meeting with Xi Jinping

Fri Apr 10 2026 12:35:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's Kuomintang party, meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking a significant moment for cross-strait relations. Both leaders emphasize the importance of peace and stability in their discussions.

In a rare diplomatic encounter, Taiwan's opposition party leader, Cheng Li-wun, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. This historic meeting is the first of its kind in a decade, aimed at fostering peace and re-establishing dialogue between the two sides amid tensions over Taiwan's sovereignty. The discussions highlighted the need for cross-strait peace and cooperation, with both leaders expressing a desire to work towards a stable future.

China's President Xi Jinping welcomed Taiwan's main opposition party leader on Friday for a significant meeting emphasizing the desire for cross-strait peace. Cheng Li-wun, the first sitting leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) to visit China in a decade, framed her visit as one for peace amid heightened tensions.

Beijing's communication with Taiwan had been cut off since 2016, following the election of Tsai Ing-wen from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who rejected the notion of a single Chinese nation. Critics have accused Cheng's visit of being overly compliant with Beijing.

During the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi stated, The leaders of our two parties are meeting today in order to safeguard the peace and stability of our shared homeland... He reiterated China's willingness to strengthen exchanges with the KMT, provided they oppose Taiwan independence.

In her response, Cheng stated that the rejuvenation of the Chinese people is a shared aspiration and a positive contribution towards global peace. She emphasized the importance of the 1992 Consensus, an understanding advocating for 'one China' while allowing for differing interpretations. In conclusion, she highlighted the youthful generations' need to support peace and cooperation to prevent conflict.

The KMT has traditionally favored warmer relations with China, reflecting a shift from their predecessors' more cautious stance. Unlike Cheng, who emphasizes diplomacy, the current Taiwanese leadership under Lai Ching-te has been dismissed by Beijing, sparking ongoing tensions over Taiwan's sovereignty.