Taiwan’s Opposition Leader Says Talking to China Is the Island’s Best Defense
KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun is betting that closer ties with Beijing can help preserve peace across the Taiwan Strait.
Cheng Li-wun, a former Taiwanese independence advocate, now leads the opposition Kuomintang party in Taiwan. Her transformation is marked by a framed copy of the China Daily newspaper from her April meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. This marked the first trip by a KMT leader to China in a decade. The meeting came amid escalating tensions, with frequent Chinese military incursions near Taiwan.
Cheng's visit received positive reception from Beijing, signaling a possible shift in relations. While some criticize the move, Cheng remains optimistic, stating that she wants to deconstruct the notion of the Taiwan Strait as a military frontline, advocating for peace instead. This approach comes with the understanding that Beijing may have conditions attached to their peace offering.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
