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China · Cross-Strait Relations · Geopolitics · Taiwan
Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) leader, Cheng Li-wun, accepted an invitation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit China from April 7-12, 2026, aiming to advance peaceful cross-Strait relations and promote exchanges despite internal and external criticism regarding her pro-China stance.
Cheng, who assumed her role in November, insisted on meeting Xi before a US trip, drawing accusations from President Lai Ching-te's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of stalling government defense spending plans. The KMT advocates closer ties with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.
Cheng's party confirmed her acceptance of the invitation, as reported by Xinhua, stating she "looks forward to joint efforts" for peace and well-being. While the KMT supports stronger defenses, Cheng believes political efforts are key to peace, not just military spending.
Taiwan's parliament is debating defense spending proposals, with Lai's government proposing NT$1.25 trillion ($39 billion) and the KMT suggesting NT$380 billion for US weapons. High-level communications between China and Taiwan ceased in 2016 after DPP's Tsai Ing-wen took power.
