Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), has arrived in China on what she calls a “peace mission”. Her visit began on April 7 and is expected to last several days. It is the first visit by a Taiwanese opposition leader to China in more than a decade.
Cheng said the trip is a historic journey for peace, aimed at easing tensions across the Taiwan Strait and opening dialogue. She may meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior Communist Party officials during her stay.
The visit comes amid rising military pressure from China around Taiwan, including increased warplane and naval activity. Cheng’s approach contrasts with the stance of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which emphasizes national sovereignty and has pushed for a large defense budget.
The trip takes place ahead of a planned summit between Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Beijing in May, where Taiwan’s status is expected to be a major issue.
China asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory under the “one China” principle, while Taiwan insists on its right to self-determination. Cheng’s visit has sparked mixed reactions at home in Taiwan — some support dialogue and peace efforts, while others warn against giving Beijing political leverage.
