KMT Delegation Heads to Beijing Amidst Controversy

The Kuomintang (KMT) party of Taiwan is set to send a delegation led by Deputy Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen (???) to Beijing from February 2 to February 4, 2026. The delegation, which includes National Policy Foundation Deputy Chairman Lee Hong-yuan (???) and approximately 40 experts and scholars, will participate in a think tank exchange with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The discussions are expected to cover topics such as tourism, industrial cooperation, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and disaster prevention.

KMT deputy chair to lead KMT-CPP exchange delegation to Beijing MondayKMT to hold conference with CCP in BeijingKMT Chair Cheng Li-wun hopes to visit China before US tripTaiwan Diplomacy Power Rankings: November 2025 to January 2026KMT chair urges Taiwan not to choose between China, US

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (???) has emphasized that Taiwan should avoid aligning itself exclusively with either the United States or China. She argues that Taiwan should view China as a "relative" rather than an adversary, a sentiment that has drawn criticism from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Cheng's remarks suggest a desire for a balanced approach to cross-strait relations, reflecting her belief that Taiwan's security can be maintained without choosing sides.

KMT chair urges Taiwan not to choose between China, USKMT Chair Cheng Li-wun hopes to visit China before US tripKMT to hold conference with CCP in BeijingTaiwan Diplomacy Power Rankings: November 2025 to January 2026KMT deputy chair to lead KMT-CPP exchange delegation to Beijing Monday

The DPP has sharply criticized Cheng's characterization of China, arguing that it reflects a dangerous misunderstanding of Taiwan's security needs. DPP officials contend that China's military actions and stated goals of unification pose a significant threat to Taiwan's sovereignty. DPP Legislative Caucus Director Chung Chia-pin (???) stated that such views could only be held if military pressure from China ceased, while DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu (???) warned that Cheng's perspective could undermine Taiwan's position.

KMT chair urges Taiwan not to choose between China, USKMT Chair Cheng Li-wun hopes to visit China before US tripKMT to hold conference with CCP in BeijingTaiwan Diplomacy Power Rankings: November 2025 to January 2026KMT deputy chair to lead KMT-CPP exchange delegation to Beijing Monday

Internally, the KMT has also faced dissent. Chang Ya-chung (???), president of the Sun Yat-sen School, condemned Cheng's description of the US as a benefactor, arguing that US policy has historically prioritized its interests over Taiwan's. He called for Cheng to retract her statements, asserting that Taiwan has often been treated as a pawn in US-China relations.

KMT chair urges Taiwan not to choose between China, USKMT Chair Cheng Li-wun hopes to visit China before US tripTaiwan Diplomacy Power Rankings: November 2025 to January 2026KMT to hold conference with CCP in BeijingKMT deputy chair to lead KMT-CPP exchange delegation to Beijing Monday

The KMT maintains that the upcoming Beijing forum will be free of political content, with Hsiao asserting that past dialogues with China have yielded benefits for Taiwan. However, the DPP and government officials have expressed skepticism, suggesting that the KMT's engagement with the CCP could be part of a broader strategy to isolate Taiwan. The Mainland Affairs Council warned against any political negotiations with the CCP, emphasizing that the party's objectives regarding Taiwan remain unchanged.

KMT to hold conference with CCP in BeijingKMT chair urges Taiwan not to choose between China, USKMT Chair Cheng Li-wun hopes to visit China before US tripKMT deputy chair to lead KMT-CPP exchange delegation to Beijing MondayTaiwan Diplomacy Power Rankings: November 2025 to January 2026

While the KMT claims that public support for cross-strait engagement is robust, with surveys indicating that about 80% of respondents favor maintaining communication channels with China, the DPP challenges this narrative. The DPP argues that the KMT's approach risks undermining Taiwan's defense capabilities and international alliances, particularly with the US.

KMT to hold conference with CCP in Beijing

As the KMT prepares for its delegation to Beijing, the implications of this engagement will likely continue to be a contentious topic in Taiwanese politics, especially with local elections approaching on November 28, 2026. The outcome of the discussions in Beijing may influence the KMT's strategy and public perception in the lead-up to these elections.

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun hopes to visit China before US trip

• “The new KMT leader raised eyebrows by saying Taiwan should not choose sides between Beijing and Washington.” — Cheng Li-wun, KMT Chair

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun hopes to visit China before US trip

• “DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu (???) went further, saying that if Cheng viewed China as a “relative,” then she might also view Taiwan as her “enemy,” per Liberty Times.” — Wang Ting-yu, DPP Legislator

KMT chair urges Taiwan not to choose between China, US