Taiwan's Opposition Leader Meets Xi Jinping Amid Calls for Peace

Taiwan's opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, marking the first such meeting in over a decade. Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait.

Xi welcomed Cheng and her delegation, stating, "The larger trend of compatriots on both sides of the strait walking nearer, closer, and together will not change. This is a historical necessity. We have full confidence in this."

Cheng responded by highlighting the need for mutual respect despite differing systems, saying, "Although people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait live under different systems, we will respect each other and move towards each other." She added, "We will seek systemic solutions to prevent and avoid war."

The meeting comes amid heightened military activities by China around Taiwan and ongoing debates within Taiwan regarding defense spending and relations with Beijing. Cheng's visit, described as a "journey for peace," aims to promote dialogue and reduce tensions between the two sides.