Cheng Li-wun's Landmark Visit to Mainland China

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), is set to visit mainland China from April 7 to April 12, 2023. This visit marks a significant moment in cross-strait relations, as Cheng plans to pay tribute at the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen in Nanjing, a figure emblematic of the shared history between Taiwan and the mainland. Cheng's itinerary includes arriving in Shanghai on April 7, traveling to Nanjing to honor Sun Yat-sen, and returning to Shanghai the following day. While the details of her remaining schedule are not disclosed, it is anticipated that she will meet with Xi Jinping, the leader of the Communist Party.

South China Morning Post

The tribute to Sun Yat-sen is particularly symbolic, as he is recognized as the founder of the Republic of China, which is Taiwan's formal name. Cheng has articulated that her visit aims to demonstrate the potential for peaceful dialogue and exchanges between Taiwan and mainland China. She emphasized the KMT's "inescapable historical mission" to foster stability and peace across the Taiwan Strait, which she believes is crucial for regional and global peace.

South China Morning Post

Cheng Li-wun has expressed her commitment to engaging in dialogue with the mainland, stating, "At critical moments, the two sides of the [Taiwan] Strait can absolutely engage in peaceful dialogue and exchanges." This sentiment reflects the KMT's long-standing position of advocating for closer ties with mainland China, contrasting with the current ruling party in Taiwan, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has taken a more cautious approach toward cross-strait relations.

South China Morning Post

Despite the KMT's intentions, there are dissenting views regarding Cheng's visit. Critics argue that engaging with the Communist Party could undermine Taiwan's sovereignty and embolden pro-unification sentiments. Some members of the DPP have voiced concerns that such visits may be perceived as legitimizing the Chinese government's stance on Taiwan, which they believe could jeopardize Taiwan's democratic values.

South China Morning Post

Cheng's visit is poised to be a pivotal moment in Taiwan's political landscape, potentially influencing future cross-strait relations. The outcomes of her meetings with Xi Jinping and other officials in Beijing will likely shape the discourse surrounding Taiwan's relationship with mainland China in the coming months.

South China Morning Post

• “an inescapable historical mission, to prove that at critical moments, the two sides of the [Taiwan] Strait can absolutely engage in peaceful dialogue and exchanges, thereby laying the foundation for creating peaceful and stable cross-strait relations, achieving regional stability, and promoting global peace” — Cheng Li-wun, Chairwoman of the Kuomintang.

South China Morning Post