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Chinese President Xi Jinping Meets Taiwan's KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun in Beijing

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Xi-KMT Meeting Marks Highest-Level Cross-Strait Talks in Nearly a Decade

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun in Beijing on Friday, marking the highest-level meeting between the two parties in nearly a decade. The meeting occurred during a six-day visit by a KMT delegation to mainland China.

Meeting Details

The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People. A luncheon was served that included sea clams in chicken broth—a dish also served during U.S. President Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China. No formal agreement or communiqué was announced following the meeting.

Statements from Participants

President Xi Jinping stated during the meeting:

"The general trend of compatriots on both sides of the strait getting closer, edging nearer and becoming united will not change."

"Compatriots on both sides of the strait are all Chinese – people of one family who want peace, development, exchange and co-operation."

He emphasized that "Taiwan independence" is the primary threat destabilizing the Taiwan Strait and that China "absolutely will not tolerate it or allow it." He expressed willingness to work with all political parties in Taiwan to foster peaceful relations.

According to Cheng Li-wun's recollection, Xi noted that the two parties once had "a very good opportunity, but did not firmly grasp it."

Cheng Li-wun described her trip as a "Peace Journey" and a "journey for peace." She stated:

"The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the shared rejuvenation of people on both sides of the strait."

She said both sides should work to "avoid war" and that the Taiwan Strait should not become "a chessboard for outside forces to intervene in." She expressed hope to "consolidate a stable relationship" with China, adding that this must be done "step-by-step."

During the visit, Cheng referred to Taiwan using its official name, the "Republic of China." Multiple reports indicated there was no visible pushback from Chinese officials on this point. Xi's official remarks emphasized shared cultural identity.

Subsequent Policy Announcements

Within six days of the meeting, Chinese authorities announced a package of 10 measures aimed at expanding economic and cultural exchanges with Taiwan. The measures include:

  • Restoring flights
  • Reopening tourism channels
  • Easing agricultural trade
  • Widening cultural access

Background Context

Cross-Strait Relations

Official communication channels between Beijing and Taipei have been frozen since 2016. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force for what it calls "reunification." Chinese military activity around Taiwan has increased in recent years, including nearly daily warplane and naval vessel movements and major military exercises.

Political Landscape in Taiwan

  • The KMT holds the largest bloc in Taiwan's parliament and has historically supported engagement with Beijing.
  • The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), under President Lai Ching-te, rejects the political framework that has historically underpinned cross-strait dialogue.
  • Beijing does not engage with the DPP-led government, labeling President Lai a "separatist."

Defense Budget

Taiwan's legislature is debating a proposed $40 billion special defense budget. The KMT has opposed this proposal and put forward a smaller $12 billion alternative. The defense budget includes funding for U.S. weapons systems, including medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones. KMT Chairperson Cheng stated the original proposal lacked transparency and violated legislative principles.

Public Opinion

Long-running surveys from National Chengchi University indicate:

  • A rise in Taiwanese identity among voters over the past decade
  • In 2025, 87.8% of voters supported maintaining the status quo regarding Taiwan's relationship with China
  • Support for unification remains marginal

Reactions and Response

Taiwan Government

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council stated that Cheng lacked authorization to negotiate on behalf of Taiwan's elected government. President Lai Ching-te stated that "compromising with authoritarian powers only sacrifices sovereignty and democracy" and urged the KMT to back his defense spending plans. The DPP expressed doubt that the meeting would improve cross-strait ties, with lawmakers stating that Cheng misrepresented Taiwanese public opinion.

Public Opinion in Taiwan

Voters expressed mixed views on the trip. Supporters of Cheng gathered at Taipei Songshan Airport ahead of her departure, while opponents protested against the trip.

Diplomatic Context

The meeting occurred ahead of a scheduled visit to China by U.S. President Donald Trump in May, where Taiwan issues are expected to be discussed. The U.S. serves as Taiwan's primary informal ally and arms supplier. Beijing has stated that the U.S. "must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence" and designated the "Taiwan question" as the most crucial matter in China-U.S. relations.

A KMT representative stated that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan did not come up in the meeting.