Taipei: The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, Cheng Li-wun of the Kuomintang (KMT), announced her intention to "lay a foundation for peace" across the Taiwan Strait and enhance regional stability during her upcoming visit to China. During her visit next week, Cheng is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to Focus Taiwan, Cheng addressed the KMT's Central Standing Committee, emphasizing that it has been a decade since a KMT chairperson visited China. She expressed concerns over the deteriorating cross-Taiwan Strait relations, which have become a major geopolitical issue. Cheng stated that the KMT has a historical responsibility to demonstrate that peaceful and stable relations across the strait are possible.
Cheng did not provide specific proposals or measures to achieve this goal and chose not to take questions during the committee meeting. She referred to the KMT's previous policies as potential guides for the future, should the party return to power in 2028. Cheng highlighted the KMT's adherence to the "1992 consensus" and opposition to Taiwan independence as key factors in past peaceful relations.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which leans towards independence, opposes this approach, arguing that it concedes too much to Beijing. Cheng argued that returning to the 1992 consensus would restart dialogue and build mutual trust, essential for peace.
Cheng's upcoming trip aims to communicate a message of reducing military tensions and promoting peace amidst global uncertainties. The 1992 consensus involves a mutual acknowledgment of "one China," with differing interpretations by each side. The DPP has rejected this consensus, citing Beijing's strict interpretation, which they believe undermines Taiwan's sovereignty.
Cheng's itinerary for her six-day visit, from April 7 to April 12, includes stops in Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing. She is scheduled to visit Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum in Nanjing on April 8. Further details about her visit have not been disclosed by either China or the KMT.