Taiwan opposition leader says Xi meeting avoided ‘reunification’ talk

Taiwan Opposition Leader Says Xi Meeting Avoided 'Reunification' Talk

Taiwan opposition leader says Xi meeting - In a recent visit to Washington, D.C., Cheng Li-wun, head of Taiwan's major opposition party, stated that the topic of 'unification' was not addressed during her meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) emphasized that the conversation centered on other issues, leaving the question of Taiwan's future under Chinese rule unexplored. This came as tensions along the Taiwan Strait continued to rise, prompting calls for renewed dialogue between the island and mainland China.

Strained Cross-Strait Relations and Political Divides

Cheng's visit to the United States marks a pivotal moment in her party's strategy to align with Washington and advocate for a more cooperative stance toward Beijing. The KMT, historically a pro-unification force, seeks to counter the growing influence of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) by emphasizing the importance of stability and economic ties with China. However, recent legislative actions have highlighted the deepening political rift within Taiwan.

"As tensions escalated along the Taiwan Strait, the KMT expressed a strong desire to revive cross-strait discussions and pave the way for peace," Cheng told NPR during an interview. "At the moment, we do not have the conditions to talk about this issue."

The leader pointed to the fragmented state of cross-strait relations, noting that contact between the two sides had been cut for over a decade. This period of silence, she argued, has fueled mistrust and heightened the risk of conflict. Despite this, the KMT remains committed to engaging with Beijing, framing its approach as a pragmatic alternative to the DPP's more assertive policies.

Defense Spending and Strategic Priorities

Cheng's advocacy for greater engagement with China has been accompanied by criticism over her party's defense policies. Last month, the KMT passed a reduced defense spending bill, which sparked debate about Taiwan's preparedness for a potential Chinese military threat. President Lai Ching-te of the DPP had insisted that the budget needed to be significantly increased to ensure the island's security, but the KMT argued that the process had become inefficient and lacked transparency.

"Many people ask me this question, but I think they are misled because, for a long time, the KMT has been the strongest supporter of Taiwan's defense," Cheng explained. "Regarding the special defense budget, it has been operated in a black-box manner, and we haven't seen any concrete content as to what is included."

The KMT's decision to prioritize foreign military sales over domestic spending has drawn scrutiny from both supporters and detractors. Cheng defended the move, stating that the DPP's version of the bill violated key legislative principles and delayed necessary reforms. "We don't want to see this kind of prolonged delay; instead, we decided to approve the foreign military sales first," she added, highlighting her party's focus on maintaining stability through strategic diplomacy.

Meeting with Xi and the Reunification Narrative

Cheng's earlier meeting with Xi Jinping in early 2026 underscored her efforts to shift the narrative around Taiwan's future. During the summit, she and Xi discussed broader economic and cultural cooperation, but the issue of formal unification remained off the table. "In fact, during my trip to mainland China, we didn't talk about the issue of reunification," Cheng told Here and Now host Scott Tong. "Due to the rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, we really hoped that we'd be able to restart cross-strait dialogue and negotiation, and to create peace."

Cheng attributed the absence of reunification talks to the current climate of uncertainty. "At this moment, we do not have the conditions to talk about this issue," she reiterated, explaining that the prolonged separation between Taiwan and China had eroded confidence in the possibility of peaceful resolution. "Over the last 10 years, contact and dialogue across the Taiwan Strait have been completely severed. As a result, we have seen rising tensions to the point where we are almost on the brink of war and conflict."

A Vision for Peaceful Coexistence

Cheng's long-term vision for Taiwan-China relations centers on establishing a framework for sustainable coexistence. She argued that institutionalizing cross-strait interactions is essential to building trust and avoiding further escalation. "First of all, we really hope to institutionalize cross-strait relations to make them sustainable," she said. "I understand that this is a huge undertaking, but it is necessary to secure a shared future."

The leader emphasized that peace is not only a goal for Taiwan but also a priority for global stability. "If war happens across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan is going to face serious devastation. Then countries like the United States will inevitably get involved," Cheng warned. "And this may lead to the breaking out of World War III, with the whole world suffering."

Cheng acknowledged the challenges of balancing Taiwan's autonomy with its dependence on China, particularly in light of the island's growing polarization. "Taiwanese voters are increasingly divided over how to manage relations with China and whether they can trust Washington," she noted. This divide, she suggested, reflects a broader uncertainty about the future of the region and the role of external powers in shaping it.

Political Implications and Future Outlook

The KMT's approach to cross-strait relations has placed it at odds with the DPP, which has dominated Taiwan's political landscape in recent years. The DPP's emphasis on Taiwan's independence has led to a more confrontational stance toward Beijing, while the KMT seeks to foster collaboration. Cheng's recent actions, including the defense spending bill and her meeting with Xi, aim to bridge this gap and present a vision of mutual benefit.

Cheng's comments also highlight the strategic importance of the U.S. in Taiwan's foreign policy. "We need to make sure that these kinds of changes serve the interests of both sides," she said, underscoring the need for a consensus-driven approach. Her party's focus on pragmatism contrasts with the DPP's more ideological position, and Cheng believes that this difference in strategy will be critical in shaping Taiwan's path forward.

As the KMT continues its outreach efforts, the question remains whether its vision of peaceful coexistence can gain traction in a politically divided society. Cheng's emphasis on institutionalizing relations and respecting the will of the people suggests a long-term commitment to dialogue, even as the immediate risks of conflict loom large. For now, her party's actions and rhetoric aim to position itself as a key player in navigating the delicate balance between Taiwan's identity and its ties to China.