Taiwan Opposition Leader Cheng Li-wun Visits China Amid Rising Cross-Strait Tensions
Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun embarks on a six-day visit to China, aiming to promote peaceful cross-strait relations amid escalating military activities and diplomatic challenges.
Taipei, Taiwan — Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun commenced a six-day visit to China on Tuesday, marking the first trip by a Taiwanese opposition leader to the mainland in a decade. Invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Cheng describes her journey as a "peace mission" aimed at fostering dialogue and reducing tensions between Taiwan and China.
Before departing Taipei, Cheng emphasized the importance of preventing conflict and seizing opportunities to promote peace. "The purpose of this visit to mainland China is precisely to show the world that it is not just Taiwan that unilaterally hopes for peace," she stated. "I believe that through this journey for peace, everyone is even more eager to see the sincerity and determination of the CPC Central Committee to use peaceful dialogue and exchange to resolve all possible differences between the two sides."
The visit comes amid heightened military activities in the region. In December 2025, China's People's Liberation Army conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan, including live-fire exercises, as part of "Justice Mission 2025." These maneuvers were described by Chinese officials as a "stern warning" to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan's independence and to foreign interference.
Cheng's trip also precedes a scheduled meeting between President Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing next month. The U.S. recently announced a significant arms sale to Taiwan, valued at over $10 billion, which has drawn criticism from Beijing. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.
While in China, Cheng is expected to visit Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing. Discussions may include party-to-party cooperation agreements, though she does not have the authority to negotiate on behalf of Taiwan's government. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has expressed skepticism about the visit, with DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung suggesting that Cheng should convey Taiwan's status as a self-governing entity and question China's commitment to democratic processes.
Cheng's visit underscores the complex and evolving dynamics of cross-strait relations, as both sides navigate diplomatic, military, and political challenges in the region.