China's President Xi Jinping received Taiwan's main opposition party leader on Friday, in a rare meeting where both sides expressed a commitment to cross-strait peace.
Cheng Li-wun is the Kuomintang's (KMT) first sitting leader to visit China in a decade.
Beijing severed high-level communications with Taiwan in 2016 following the victory of the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Tsai Ing-wen, who refused to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation. This trip has drawn criticism from the DPP, labeling it a sign of subservience to Beijing.
Beijing continues to assert Taiwan as a part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.
The leaders of our two parties are meeting today to safeguard the peace and stability of our shared homeland, to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and to allow future generations to share in a bright and beautiful future, Xi stated during the meeting at the Great Hall of the People.
He noted that China is willing to enhance exchanges and dialogue with various parties, including the KMT, on the condition that they oppose Taiwanese independence.
Xi reiterated that individuals on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a common identity and aspirations for peace.
In response, Cheng expressed the need for rejuvenation among the Chinese populace across the strait, framing their collaboration as beneficial to global peace.
Concluding the press conference, Cheng highlighted the importance of recognizing the 1992 Consensus as a means for avoiding war and maintaining cross-strait peace.
The KMT has historically fostered a cooperative relationship with Chinese authorities, contrasting with Cheng's more proactive approach compared to her predecessor's cautious strategy.
As tensions persist due to the DPP's firm stance on Taiwanese sovereignty, Cheng's visit may signal a shift towards increased engagement between the opposition party and Beijing.
