Taipei: Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced on Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping's forthcoming meeting with Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun is primarily aimed at thwarting Taiwan's military procurement from the United States.

According to Focus Taiwan, MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh stated in a regular news briefing that the meeting, scheduled to occur in Beijing during Cheng's April 7-12 visit to China, is also intended to internalize cross-Taiwan Strait issues. Liang asserted that the Chinese leadership intends to disrupt Taiwan's collaboration with other countries, emphasizing the strategic significance of the meeting in this context.

Cheng's upcoming trip to China was publicized on Monday, following her acceptance of an invitation from Xi Jinping. The KMT chair expressed that the visit aims to demonstrate the potential for peaceful relations between Taiwan and China, countering the narrative of inevitable military conflict.

Liang highlighted the Chinese authorities' clear intention to obstruct an arms sales bill, which the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government has proposed, amounting to NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.06 billion). In contrast, the KMT and the Taiwan People's Party have proposed smaller-scale versions of the bill, all currently under legislative review.

The MAC spokesperson underscored the potential impact of Cheng aligning with China's stance, suggesting it could significantly hinder the arms procurement bill. He emphasized the implications of the chair of Taiwan's largest opposition party, representing a substantial segment of public opinion, supporting China's position.

On Thursday, Cheng characterized Xi's invitation as a gesture of goodwill necessary for cross-strait relations. She referenced comments from U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who endorsed dialogue during a recent visit to Taiwan, as evidence of international support for the meeting. Cheng expressed openness to meeting with President Lai Ching-te to promote reconciliation between Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties.

Cheng further indicated plans for significant overseas visits within the year, including a trip to the United States, anticipated to occur no later than June.