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KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun to Visit Chinese Mainland in April

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KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun Set for Historic Mainland Visit to Foster Cross-Strait Relations

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun is scheduled to visit the Chinese mainland from April 7 to 12 at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC). This visit aims to foster relations between the two parties and advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, marking the first high-level engagement by a sitting KMT leader in approximately a decade.

Invitation and Acceptance

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, including its General Secretary Xi Jinping, extended an invitation to Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, to visit the Chinese mainland. Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, announced the invitation, welcoming Cheng to lead a KMT delegation. Cheng Li-wun accepted the invitation on Monday, expressing gratitude for the gesture.

Visit Details and Itinerary

The visit is scheduled to take place from April 7 to 12. The KMT delegation plans to visit Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing. The proposed itinerary includes:

  • Nanjing, Jiangsu Province: Noted for its historical ties between the CPC and the KMT.
  • Shanghai: An economic center, intended for observing development and exploring business opportunities.
  • Beijing: Designated for high-level political discussions.

Context and Historical Background

This trip marks the first high-level engagement by a sitting KMT leader since 2016, making it the first such visit in approximately a decade. It occurs 21 years after former KMT chairman Lien Chan's visit to the mainland in 2005. Cheng Li-wun was part of Lien Chan's 2005 delegation, which re-established high-level dialogue between the two parties.

That visit led to a consensus on peaceful development, endorsement of the 1992 Consensus, opposition to "Taiwan independence," and the opening of "three direct links" (mail, transport, and trade).

General Secretary Xi Jinping had previously extended congratulations to Cheng upon her election as KMT chairperson.

Stated Objectives and Principles

The stated purpose of the current invitation is to foster relations between the CPC and the KMT and advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Cheng Li-wun expressed her hope that both parties would collaborate to promote peaceful development, enhance exchanges and cooperation, and contribute to peace in the Taiwan Straits and improved well-being for people.

She stated that such exchanges have historically been conducted on the political foundation of opposing "Taiwan independence" and upholding the 1992 Consensus, which she described as a basis for avoiding conflict and fostering peace. During a press conference, Cheng emphasized broad international support for the one-China policy and opposition to "Taiwan independence," stating these reflect mainstream aspirations in Taiwan.

Cheng Li-wun expressed hope that her visit would help initiate a constructive period in cross-Straits relations and demonstrate that conflict is not inevitable.

The visit, according to one perspective, conveys that dialogue remains open and cooperation can flourish if the 1992 Consensus and the one-China principle are maintained.

Reactions and Commentary

Analysts' Views

Analysts view the visit as a restoration of top-level engagement between the CPC and the KMT, offering an opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and political trust. They noted that the visit responds to a need for political figures to engage on cross-Straits topics amid increasing risks in the Taiwan Straits. The itinerary is seen as combining technology and economic visits with historical and political interactions.

Taiwanese Media Outlets

  • The China Times described the visit as a continuation of KMT-CPC engagement and a positive opportunity for peaceful development.
  • The Want Daily suggested the KMT acts as a communication bridge, demonstrating that people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits can resolve their issues without external intervention.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Authorities

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities commented on the visit, suggesting the mainland seeks to engage Taiwan's opposition parties to accept a "shared political foundation" and exert pressure on the island.

Other Perspectives

Conversely, Wang Wu-lang, secretary-general of the Labor Party in the Taiwan region, viewed the invitation as a step toward expanding cross-Straits exchanges and promoting peaceful reunification. Justin Lin Yifu, an economist at Peking University, called the visit a positive development for peace and further exchanges across the Taiwan Straits.

Impact on Cross-Strait Relations

Under the current Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leadership, Taiwan authorities have not recognized the 1992 Consensus. This position has been associated with a reported decline in mutual trust and a halt in official talks, leading to consequences such as reduced direct flights, fewer mainland tourists, and impacts on Taiwan's agriculture, fisheries, and retail sectors.

Amid global economic pressures, there is a stated increase in public desire for restored exchanges and stable development.

Cheng Li-wun's stance aligns with upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," and her current visit aims to generate new momentum for cross-Straits relations.