Arabic version: زعيم المعارضة في تايوان يشارك في محادثات تاريخية مع شي جين بينغ

Cheng Li-wun, the leader of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday. This meeting marks the first visit by a sitting KMT leader to China in a decade, highlighting a shift towards dialogue between the two sides. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to cross-strait peace during the discussions.

According to BBC News, Xi stated that the meeting aimed to safeguard peace and stability, promote peaceful development, and secure a bright future for both sides. He reiterated China’s stance that both Taiwan and mainland China are part of the same nation and expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with various parties, including the KMT.

In her remarks, Cheng highlighted the shared aspirations of the Chinese people across the strait and framed her visit as a contribution to global peace and progress. This approach contrasts with her predecessors, who adopted a more cautious stance towards relations with China. The KMT has historically maintained closer ties with Beijing, which may explain Cheng’s eagerness to engage in this dialogue.

The meeting occurs against a backdrop of rising tensions between Taiwan and China, particularly following the election of Taiwan’s current president, Lai Ching-te, from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Beijing has cut off high-level communications with Taiwan since 2016, and officials have labeled Lai a “separatist,” complicating the prospect of formal dialogue with the Taiwanese government. Many in Taiwan prefer to maintain the status quo, avoiding both unification with China and a formal declaration of independence.