News
China · Geopolitics · KMT · Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in Beijing, signaling China's incremental advance toward Taiwan's subjugation without military conflict, while the US was preoccupied with Middle East hostilities.
The meeting, held in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, starkly contrasted with a 2015 meeting between Xi and former KMT leader Ma Ying-jeou, which occurred on neutral ground with an appearance of parity. This time, Cheng's visit resembled a pilgrimage, with Beijing offering a "10-point gift package" of resumed tourism and eased trade bans, perceived as leverage rather than mutual agreement.
China strategically timed this engagement while Washington's diplomatic and military resources were stretched by conflicts with Iran, aiming to portray Taiwan as a "divided polity" rather than a unified democracy resisting coercion, according to former Taiwanese legislator Jason Hsu. This move strengthens Beijing's bargaining posture ahead of a potential Trump visit, even as Chinese military pressure, including 16 warplanes crossing the Taiwan Strait median line, continues.
The visit highlights internal divisions within the KMT and raises US anxiety, especially as the KMT-led legislature stalls a $US40 billion defense boost for Taiwan.
China Leverages KMT, Tests Taiwan Resolve(current)
