Taiwan opposition leader seeks reconciliation with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Taiwan’s KMT Leader Meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing

Opposition leader Cheng Li-wun met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, where both leaders expressed opposition to Taiwan independence. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People and was followed by a closed-door discussion.

Cheng stated that she believes shared cultural heritage is essential for resolving the dispute over Taiwan’s future. She also suggested slowing down Taiwan’s military build-up, according to sources. This comes as the KMT has been blocking a $40 billion special budget to acquire US weapons in the legislature.

During their public remarks, both leaders emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution to the long-running dispute. Xi Jinping stated that people of all ethnic groups, including Taiwanese compatriots, have jointly written China’s glorious history. Cheng Li-wun echoed this sentiment, saying that she hopes to “transcend political confrontation and mutual hostility” between China and Taiwan.

The two leaders also agreed to work towards a peaceful resolution, with Xi Jinping stating that Beijing is ready to collaborate on peace efforts across the Taiwan Strait. Both sides expressed opposition to foreign interference in their relations, with Cheng Li-wun suggesting that Taiwan should slow down its military build-up.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has criticized the KMT for delaying approval of a special defence budget, which he believes is necessary for the country’s security. The meeting between Cheng and Xi Jinping marks the highest-ranking Taiwanese leader to meet with the Chinese president since 2015.

In recent years, China has increased its military presence in the waters and airspace around Taiwan, with six rounds of multi-day live-fire military drills taking place in the Taiwan Strait since 2022.

Source: Al Jazeera