Full Breakdown
Cheng Li-wun Advocates for Peace and Technological Integration During Mainland Visit
4/9/2026, 9:25:19 PM
KMT Chairwoman's Six-Day Delegation to Mainland China
Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, is leading a 14-member delegation on a six-day visit to mainland China, which includes meetings with key figures such as Xi Jinping. The trip aims to foster dialogue and peace across the Taiwan Strait, which Cheng described as one of the world's most dangerous regions. She emphasized the importance of maintaining peace for the welfare of Taiwan's 23 million residents, stating, “Preserving peace is preserving Taiwan.”
Emphasis on Technological Integration
During her visit, Cheng highlighted the potential for Taiwan to learn from mainland China's advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. At the Meituan headquarters in Shanghai, she experienced a drone delivering milk tea, which she called a “good experience” for Taiwan. Cheng asserted that the future development of Taiwan's service industry must fully integrate with the internet and AI, suggesting that such technological advancements could help alleviate current bottlenecks in Taiwan's traditional manufacturing sectors.
Calls for Cross-Strait Cooperation
Cheng's visit included stops at significant sites such as Yangshan Deep Water Port and the Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute. She noted the complementary strengths of both Taiwan and the mainland, advocating for cooperation to unlock opportunities for progress. Cheng expressed hope that reconciliation and dialogue could flourish, stating, “We should not let unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings limit our potential for progress and development.”
Mixed Reactions and Political Context
The visit has elicited mixed reactions in Taiwan. While some view it as a pragmatic approach to reduce tensions, others express concern over the political implications of engaging with Beijing. Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party have raised alarms about the potential lack of oversight regarding discussions between the KMT and the Communist Party. Cheng acknowledged the skepticism surrounding her trip but maintained that peace is achievable, asserting, “We may not be able to undo past conflicts, but we can prevent future war.”
Official Statements & Responses
Cheng has stated that her delegation aims to demonstrate to the international community that dialogue remains possible between Taiwan and mainland China. She emphasized the need for both sides to engage in peaceful communication to resolve differences. Cheng also called for unity among Taiwan's political factions, urging them to move beyond confrontation to focus on the welfare of the public.
Verbatim Quotes
- “preserving peace is preserving Taiwan” — Cheng Li-wun, KMT Chairwoman
- “We should not let unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings limit our potential for progress and development,” — Cheng Li-wun, KMT Chairwoman
- “If the KMT and the Communist Party can work towards reconciliation for peace, why cannot the ‘blue’ and ‘green’ camps in Taiwan do the same?” — Cheng Li-wun, KMT Chairwoman
- “Peace makes everything people hope for possible,” — Cheng Li-wun, KMT Chairwoman
What's Next
Following her visit to Shanghai, Cheng and her delegation are expected to continue their trip to Beijing, where further discussions on cross-strait relations may take place. The outcomes of these meetings could significantly influence future interactions between Taiwan and mainland China.
