Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun arrived in China on Tuesday for a visit she terms a 'journey for peace.' This marks the first visit by a Taiwanese opposition leader in a decade, occurring as Beijing intensifies its efforts to assert control over the self-ruled island.
Cheng, chairperson of the Kuomintang party (KMT), stated before her departure from Taipei that Taiwan must prioritize preventing war and pursue peace opportunities. Supporters and detractors gathered at Taipei's airport, with Cheng asserting the visit aims to demonstrate Taiwan's commitment to peace. She expressed belief that the trip will highlight the Chinese Communist Party's sincerity in resolving differences through dialogue.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated that relations with Taiwan are an internal affair and voiced opposition to military ties between the US and Taiwan. Beijing has consistently criticized Washington's arms sales to Taipei, notably a significant deal including medium-range missiles and drones.
Taiwan has been governed separately from China since 1949. The KMT officially recognizes one China, the Republic of China, which historically encompassed the mainland. This visit contrasts with Beijing's stance on Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, whom China labels a 'separatist.'