Taipei: Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun departed for China on Tuesday on a controversial "peace tour" that could include a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "Through this trip to mainland, we want to show the world that the desire for peace is not coming from Taiwan alone," Cheng said at a press conference at KMT headquarters in Taipei.
According to Focus Taiwan, Cheng expressed that people were eager to see "the sincerity and determination of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to engage in peaceful dialogue and exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and resolve any possible differences." The main opposition party leader also criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its wary stance on China, hoping to demonstrate through her six-day "peace tour" that peace across the Taiwan Strait is achievable.
Cheng questioned why Taiwan's blue (KMT) and green (DPP) camps could not reconcile if the KMT and the CCP could work together for peace. She noted her unsuccessful attempt to arrange a meeting with President Lai Ching-te to discuss the trip. Beijing, claiming Taiwan as part of its territory, continues to intimidate Taiwan militarily, with concerns about a potential blockade or attack to enforce reunification.
Cheng stressed the importance of preventing future conflict and highlighted the KMT's initiative to demonstrate peace possibilities to the international community. Invited by the CCP Central Committee, Cheng is leading a KMT delegation to Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing from Tuesday to Sunday, though it is unclear if she will meet Xi.
Cheng's departure from Taipei Songshan Airport was met with groups both supporting and opposing her trip. However, she reportedly bypassed the public areas, using a special clearance channel instead.
Taiwan's government, represented by Premier Cho Jung-tai, wished the KMT success in its activities but emphasized the need for scrutiny of any public contacts with the CCP. Current Taiwanese law lacks specific regulations for such interactions by party representatives or politically influential figures.
A correction was made on April 7, 2026: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that public contacts by government officials and lawmakers with the CCP are governed by clear legal rules. The reference to lawmakers has been removed, as a draft amendment to regulate such contacts for lawmakers has yet to be passed.