Taiwan Opposition Leader Advocates for Peace Amid Rising Tensions with China

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), embarked on a "peace" mission to China on April 9, 2026, aiming to reduce tensions between Taiwan and Beijing. Speaking in Shanghai, Cheng emphasized the need for peace, stating, "What should fly in the sky are birds, not missiles. What should swim in the water are fish, not warships." Her remarks were made against a backdrop of escalating military activities by China around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. Despite Cheng's visit, Taiwan's Defence Ministry reported the detection of six Chinese military aircraft and eight warships in the vicinity of the island during the previous 24 hours.

The Straits TimesReuters

Cheng's trip comes at a time when the Chinese government has refused to engage with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, labeling him a "separatist." The KMT leader's visit is seen as an attempt to open dialogue, although the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has criticized her for neglecting crucial defense budget discussions in Taiwan's parliament. DPP lawmaker Chen Kuan-ting condemned the KMT's decision to prioritize Cheng's meeting with Chinese officials over national defense, urging the party not to link defense issues to its interactions with Beijing.

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The DPP has called on Cheng to convey Taiwan's concerns to China, urging Beijing to cease its military threats and engage with the democratically elected government in Taipei. Lai has consistently expressed a willingness to talk with Beijing, despite rejecting its sovereignty claims over Taiwan. In response to Cheng's visit, DPP spokesperson Michelle Lin stated, "The facts prove that the Chinese communists' military threat against Taiwan is intensifying."

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Cheng's peace mission has faced criticism from within Taiwan, particularly from the DPP, which accuses the KMT of undermining national security by prioritizing diplomacy with China over defense readiness. Critics argue that the KMT's approach could embolden Beijing's military posture, further jeopardizing Taiwan's sovereignty.

Reuters

• “These words are spoken with such humility, and they are entirely right. What should fly in the sky are birds, not missiles. What should swim in the water are fish, not warships,” — Cheng Li-wun, Chairwoman of the Kuomintang

The Straits Times

• “The facts prove that the Chinese communists’ military threat against Taiwan is intensifying,” — Michelle Lin, DPP Spokesperson

The Straits Times

• “We may not have been able to give our ancestors peace, but we can certainly still give peace to the people of today and the people of the future,” — Cheng Li-wun, Chairwoman of the Kuomintang

The Straits Times

While Cheng's visit aims to foster dialogue, the ongoing military activities by China raise questions about the effectiveness of such diplomatic efforts. Neither the KMT nor Chinese officials have confirmed whether Cheng will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaving uncertainty regarding the outcomes of her peace mission. The DPP's concerns about defense spending and military readiness remain a contentious issue amid these developments.

Reuters