Taiwan’s opposition leader Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), has called for renewed cross-strait dialogue during a visit to mainland China, amid heightened tensions in 2026.
Speaking in Nanjing, Cheng invoked the legacy of Sun Yat-sen, emphasising “equality, inclusiveness, and unity” as principles for improving relations between Taiwan and Beijing. She described the trip as an effort to promote reconciliation and regional stability.
“The core values of Sun Yat-sen’s ideal that ‘all under heaven are equal’ have always been equality, inclusiveness, and unity,” Cheng said, in remarks broadcast live on Taiwanese television.
“We should work together to promote reconciliation and unity across the [Taiwan] Strait and create regional prosperity and peace.”
The visit—the first by a KMT leader in a decade—comes as China continues to assert sovereignty over Taiwan while refusing to engage with President William Lai Ching-te. Cheng also acknowledged Taiwan’s democratic development while noting China’s economic progress.
In Taipei, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticised the visit, linking it to stalled defence spending and raising concerns over national security.
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