Taiwan’s main opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, is about to make a rare trip to China on Tuesday—just weeks before US President Donald Trump visits.
Is this a simple peace mission, or a chess move by Beijing?
Cheng, the first sitting Kuomintang (KMT) chair in a decade to visit, says she aims to build cross-strait “peace.”
But experts warn Beijing may also use the trip to boost her standing in the party and slow US weapons sales to Taiwan.
The KMT has long favored closer ties with China, which claims Taiwan as its own and hasn’t ruled out force.
Cheng’s pro-China stance has sparked criticism, even within her party.
Albert Tzeng, a former KMT adviser, told AFP, “Xi’s endorsement of Cheng makes her critics wary of attacking her.”
While also signaling Beijing isn’t losing Taiwan entirely to the US.
Taiwan Faces Arms Debate
The timing is sensitive: the US is pressing Taiwan’s opposition lawmakers to approve billions in weapons sales to deter Chinese military threats.
Cheng backs a modest NT$380bn arms allocation, though senior party figures want more.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warned that Beijing’s aim is to “internalise the cross-strait issue… with foreign intervention prohibited.”
Cheng insists it’s all about peace and stability. Public opinion is split.
Mac Peng calls negotiating with Beijing “suicidal,” while Glen Ger sees it as a chance to show Taiwan values dialogue.
Can Cheng walk the tightrope between Beijing and Washington without tipping the scales?
For Taiwan, this trip is more than a visit—it’s a test of diplomacy, strategy, and public trust.
