Xi Jinping and KMT Leader Cheng Li-wun Hold Historic Meeting in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping and KMT leader Cheng Li-wun meet in Beijing, marking the first official talks between the parties in nearly a decade.
Key Facts
- —Xi Jinping and Cheng Li-wun met in Beijing on April 10, 2026.
- —This is the first official meeting between the CCP and KMT in nearly a decade.
- —Cheng's visit is described as a peace mission to ease tensions.
- —The KMT supports the 1992 Consensus and opposes Taiwanese independence.
- —Beijing has refused formal dialogue with Taiwan's DPP government.
- —Xi plans to discuss U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with President Trump.
- —Beijing has increased military drills around Taiwan in recent years.
On April 10, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Kuomintang (KMT) party leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing. This meeting marks the first official engagement between the sitting heads of the Chinese Communist Party and the KMT in almost a decade.
The meeting took place at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, where Xi and Cheng shook hands in front of journalists. Xi expressed his willingness to work with all political parties in Taiwan to foster peaceful relations, despite Beijing's refusal to engage with Taiwan's governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
"We firmly believe that more and more Taiwan compatriots … will recognize that Taiwan's development prospects hinge on a strong motherland, and that the interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots are closely linked to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Xi Jinping, Chinese President. (npr.org)
Cheng Li-wun is the first sitting leader of the KMT to visit China in a decade. Her visit comes in the context of Beijing's decision in 2016 to cut off high-level communications with Taiwan after the DPP's Tsai Ing-wen became president.
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During the meeting, Xi Jinping stated, "The leaders of our two parties are meeting today in order to safeguard the peace and stability of our shared homeland, to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and to allow future generations to share in a bright and beautiful future." (bbc.com)
Cheng described her trip as a peace mission, aiming to demonstrate that dialogue with Beijing is possible to ease tensions. She praised China's efforts in eradicating poverty and emphasized the importance of dialogue, saying, "For some KMT figures, it's important to talk to your friends, but it's even more important to talk to your enemies." (npr.org)
The KMT opposes Taiwanese independence and agrees with Beijing that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China. This position aligns with the 1992 Consensus, an understanding between the then-ruling KMT and the Chinese Communist Party about there being "one China," while leaving room for different interpretations. The DPP, however, has consistently rejected the 1992 Consensus, arguing that it undermines Taiwan's sovereignty.
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Cheng Li-wun emphasized the importance of the 1992 Consensus in avoiding conflict, stating, "Young people have to understand that opposing Taiwan independence and maintaining the 1992 Consensus is a way to avoid war, prevent tragedy, work together and create peace." (bbc.com)
The meeting between Xi and Cheng comes ahead of a planned summit in Beijing with U.S. President Donald Trump in May. Xi is expected to discuss his opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during the summit.
In recent years, Beijing has escalated military drills around Taiwan, a move that has heightened tensions in the region. Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, has requested $40 billion for an eight-year investment in advanced weapon systems, a proposal that the KMT has delayed, suggesting a much smaller amount instead.
Cheng Li-wun has been seeking a meeting with Xi since her election as chair of the KMT, arguing that Taiwan "doesn't have to choose" between China and the U.S. Her meeting with Xi is seen as a significant step in cross-strait relations, with both leaders expressing a desire for peace and cooperation.
