BEIJING: Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT), has begun a visit to the Chinese mainland, a trip which is regarded as an important part of the exchanges and dialogue between the KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC) under the new circumstances.
Cheng arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday, where she was welcomed by Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee. Both expressed support for advancing the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.
The visit marks the first time in a decade that a KMT chairperson has led a delegation to the mainland. It comes at a time of strained ties, as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities led by Lai Ching-te continue to promote separatist rhetoric and escalate tensions with the mainland.
Analysts say the trip reflects long-standing political trust and sustained exchanges between the CPC and the KMT. They view it as a response to mainstream public concerns in Taiwan, with potential to improve party-to-party communication, rebuild dialogue mechanisms, revive people-to-people exchanges and promote economic cooperation.
Cheng’s itinerary includes Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing. She has already arrived in Nanjing, a city of shared historical memory and emotional significance across the Strait. Shanghai remains a key hub for cross-Strait trade and the busiest city for personnel exchanges, while the final stop in Beijing highlights the visit’s political importance.
Senior officials from the CPC and the KMT are expected to exchange views in Beijing on advancing cross-Strait relations and party ties, based on adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to “Taiwan independence.” The visit follows a series of exchanges between the two sides. In May last year, the second Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit was held in Beijing, attended by former KMT chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu. In June, former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou led a delegation to the mainland and attended the Straits Forum. In February this year, a KMT delegation led by Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen attended a cross-Strait think tank forum in Beijing, helping pave the way for Cheng’s trip.
Xu Xiaoquan, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told CGTN that the visit represents an important step in renewing dialogue under current conditions. He said it could inject positive momentum into stalled cross-Strait relations and help maintain peace and stability while improving public well-being.
Before departing, Cheng said she hoped the trip would mark a constructive first step toward peace and stability. She stressed that, based on the 1992 Consensus, the visit aims to demonstrate to people in Taiwan and the international community that conflict between the two sides is not inevitable and that both sides can work toward peaceful development.
“Chinese people across the strait can totally resolve differences through candid dialogue and equal consultation,” Xu said. He added that the visit may help restore long-suspended institutionalized communication between the CPC and the KMT, creating more structured and practical platforms for cooperation.
He also noted that the trip sends a signal to political groups in Taiwan: those that adhere to the one-China principle, uphold the 1992 Consensus and oppose “Taiwan independence” can build political trust with the mainland and resume dialogue. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
