Taiwan’s main opposition leader will travel to China on Tuesday in a rare move. The visit comes weeks before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the region. Cheng Li-wun, chair of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, aims to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. She hopes to build lasting peace across the Taiwan Strait. Yet many Taiwanese officials and experts worry that Beijing may use the trip to boost her influence. They also fear it could block further US weapons sales to the island. The KMT has long pushed for closer ties with China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and threatens force to take it.
Beijing’s Calculated Move
Cheng rose quickly to lead the KMT. Xi even sent her congratulations last October. Critics inside and outside the party accuse her of leaning too far toward China. Albert Tzeng, a former KMT adviser, told reporters that Beijing sees a chance to rescue Cheng from a power struggle at home. Xi’s public support could make her opponents think twice before challenging her. At the same time, the visit lets Xi show that China still holds sway over Taiwan despite stronger US ties. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warned that Beijing summoned Cheng to treat the strait issue as China’s internal affair. They also urged her to stop seeking foreign help. Cheng pushed back firmly. She said the trip focuses only on peace and stability, not arms deals.
Mixed Feelings Among Taiwanese
Meanwhile, ordinary people in Taiwan hold mixed views about the journey. Mac Peng, a 47-year-old resident, called talks with the Chinese Communist Party risky. He said it could even be suicidal if Taiwan ignores its democratic allies. Yet Glen Ger, 60, felt hopeful. He believes the KMT could show that many citizens still crave peace. The timing matters because the United States is pressing Taiwan lawmakers to approve billions in new weapons. Cheng backed a smaller defense budget.
However, senior party members want much higher spending to counter China’s threats. Analysts note the meeting could weaken arguments for deeper US-Taiwan defense links before Trump’s May summit. Cheng insists Taiwan can stay strong without choosing sides between Beijing and Washington. She now faces extra pressure to convince America that she remains a reliable partner.
