Xi Jinping Meets Taiwan's KMT Leader in Beijing Amid Strained Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Cheng Li-wun, the chairperson of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, in Beijing on Friday, April 10, 2024. The meeting, the first between a Chinese president and a sitting KMT leader in nearly a decade, occurred amid heightened military activity near Taiwan and frozen official cross-strait communications. Following the visit, Chinese authorities announced a package of measures aimed at expanding economic and cultural exchanges.

The Meeting and Key Statements

The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a six-day visit by a KMT delegation. Cheng Li-wun described her trip as a "Peace Journey," stating its purpose was to demonstrate a desire for dialogue and to avoid conflict.

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

• Xi reiterated that "'Taiwan independence' is the primary threat undermining stability across the Taiwan Strait" and called for opposition to "separatism and foreign interference."
• He emphasized a shared ethnic and cultural identity, referring to compatriots on both sides as "one family."
• According to Cheng's recollection, Xi noted that the two parties once had "a very good opportunity, but did not firmly grasp it."

• Cheng stated that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to "one China" and expressed opposition to Taiwan independence, while acknowledging that interpretations of "one China" differ.
• She urged leaders to "transcend political confrontation and mutual hostility" and said the Taiwan Strait should become a "symbol of peace" rather than a "chessboard for external powers."
• Cheng expressed that if the KMT returns to power in Taiwan's 2028 presidential election, she would seek to resume broad cross-strait exchanges and invite Xi to visit Taiwan.

No formal agreement or joint communiqué was issued following the meeting. A luncheon served included sea clams in chicken broth, a dish also served during U.S. President Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China.

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 between certain locations.
• Reopening tourism channels.
• Easing restrictions on agricultural trade.
• Widening cultural and educational access.

Political and Historical Context

• Cross-Strait Status: China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve what it calls "reunification." Taiwan has governed itself with a democratic system since 1949. Most countries do not formally recognize Taiwan as an independent state due to pressure from Beijing.
• Party Positions: The KMT, which ruled mainland China before retreating to Taiwan in 1949, historically supports closer engagement with Beijing and accepts the principle that both sides belong to one China. Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rejects this political framework; Beijing considers the DPP and current Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te as "separatists" and has severed official communication since 2016.
• Legislative Dispute: In Taiwan's parliament, the KMT-led opposition has delayed approval of a $40 billion special defense budget proposed by the DPP government, which is partly intended for U.S. weapons acquisitions. The KMT has proposed a smaller $12 billion alternative.

Reactions and Analysis

• Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council stated that Cheng Li-wun was not authorized to negotiate on behalf of Taiwan's government. It also stated that her "one family" remark mischaracterizes the sovereignty dispute.
• President Lai Ching-te affirmed his government's support for peace but cautioned against "unrealistic fantasies," noting China's increased military presence. He urged the KMT to back his defense spending plans, stating that "compromising with authoritarian regimes only sacrifices sovereignty and democracy."

• Some analysts suggested Beijing may use the visit to demonstrate the presence of Beijing-friendly voices in Taiwan and signal an openness to dialogue as an alternative to military pressure.
• Others noted the visit occurs ahead of a scheduled meeting between Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in May, where Taiwan and U.S. arms sales are expected topics.
• A political scientist at Soochow University in Taipei expressed concern the visit might align with Beijing's "United Front" strategy to frame Taiwan as an internal matter.

• Surveys from National Chengchi University indicate a rise in Taiwanese identity over the past decade. A 2025 survey found 62% of respondents identified as "Taiwanese," while support for maintaining the current status quo in cross-strait relations remains high.
• Public reaction to the visit appeared mixed, with some expressing skepticism and others viewing it as a potential step toward easing tensions.

Broader Regional Dynamics

• Military Activity: China has increased the frequency of its military drills and patrols near Taiwan in recent years. The U.S. State Department has described these activities as increasing tensions "unnecessarily."
• U.S. Role: The United States is Taiwan's primary informal ally and arms supplier. A U.S. arms sales package to Taiwan announced in December prompted criticism from Beijing. The KMT representative stated that U.S. arms sales did not come up in the meeting between Xi and Cheng.