TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun is traveling to China on Tuesday at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, framing the visit as a “journey for peace” amid Beijing’s efforts to gain control over the self-ruled island.
Taiwan Opposition Leader Begins China Visit
The visit marks the first by a Taiwanese opposition leader in a decade and precedes a scheduled meeting in Beijing between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump in May.
Before departing Taipei, Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng told reporters that Taiwan must prioritize preventing war and actively seek opportunities to promote peace.
China views Taiwan as its territory and has not excluded the possibility of using force to achieve unification.
“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,” Cheng said. “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,” she added, referring to the Communist Party of China.
A small gathering of supporters and detractors met Cheng at Taipei’s airport, expressing their views through chants and signs.
The Trump administration announced a substantial package of arms sales to Taiwan in December, valued at over $10 billion and including medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones, which drew criticism from Beijing. More on the arms sales
Beijing maintains that its diplomatic partners, including the U.S., should not have formal ties with Taipei. The U.S. remains Taiwan’s strongest informal ally and arms provider, and the arms sale is anticipated to be a topic of discussion during the Xi-Trump summit.
During a February call, Xi informed Trump that “Taiwan will never be allowed to separate from China,” according to a Chinese government statement. He also urged the U.S. to exercise caution regarding arms sales to Taiwan.
Beijing considers the “Taiwan question” to be the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.
China has increased military activity near Taiwan, with near-daily deployments of warplanes and naval vessels. A major military exercise was conducted around the island in December, following the U.S. announcement of arms sales, involving a joint live-fire drill utilizing air, naval, and missile units.
The U.S. State Department has stated that these activities “increase tensions unnecessarily” and called on Beijing to halt military pressure against Taiwan.
China refrains from engaging with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, labeling him a separatist.
Cheng’s visit occurs while the opposition-controlled parliament has stalled Taiwan’s government’s efforts to pass a $40 billion special defense budget.
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