Taiwan opposition chief says talks with Xi a ‘bridge’ to peace

The chief of Taiwan’s largest opposition celebration mentioned Monday (March 23, 2026) she hoped to satisfy Chinese language President Xi Jinping and construct a “bridge” to resolve disputes between China and the democratic island, which Beijing has threatened to grab by pressure.

Communist China has by no means dominated Taiwan, however Beijing insists the self-governed island of greater than 23 million folks is a part of its territory, and makes use of navy stress to say its sovereignty declare.

Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, who has been a strident critic of President Lai Ching-te’s authorities since taking on her function in November, has insisted on assembly Xi earlier than she makes an official journey to the USA.

Whereas the KMT has lengthy supported nearer ties with Beijing, Ms. Cheng has been accused by Lai’s Democratic Progressive Occasion (DPP) of doing Beijing’s bidding by stalling the federal government’s defence spending plans.

There are considerations contained in the KMT {that a} Cheng-Xi assembly might set off a voter backlash in Taiwan’s district elections later this 12 months.

However chatting with overseas media on Monday, Ms. Cheng mentioned talks with Mr. Xi would carry “signficant symbolic which means” and may very well be a “basis” to peaceable relations throughout the Taiwan Strait.

“I don’t imagine a single assembly can resolve all the problems which were accumulating for almost a century,” Ms. Cheng mentioned.

“However… I hope I can efficiently construct such a bridge.”

Whereas Ms. Cheng has expressed confidence {that a} assembly with Mr. Xi will occur, there was no affirmation from Beijing.

Ms. Cheng’s remarks got here as Taiwan’s parliament started reviewing rival proposals for particular defence spending which are geared toward boosting the island’s navy capabilities in opposition to a possible Chinese language assault.

Mr. Lai’s authorities has proposed NT$1.25 trillion ($39 billion) in spending on important defence purchases, together with US arms, whereas the KMT needs to allocate NT$380 billion for U.S. weapons with the choice for extra acquisitions.

Whereas the KMT supported having stronger defences, Ms. Cheng mentioned extra navy spending alone wouldn’t obtain peace with China.

“There should even be political efforts. Political efforts are… the important thing,” Ms. Cheng mentioned.

China severed high-level communications with Taiwan in 2016 after Mr. Lai’s predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, who additionally belongs to the Democratic Progressive Occasion, took energy.

Chinese language leaders detest Lai, who Beijing calls a “separatist”.

Ms. Cheng mentioned her push for nearer relations with China didn’t come on the expense of the USA, which is Taiwan’s largest arms supplier.

Lawmakers in Washington have been important of Taiwan’s opposition events for blocking the federal government’s defence spending invoice.

“The KMT has lengthy had excellent relations with the USA, and enhancing our relationships with the mainland (China) won’t have an effect on that,” Ms. Cheng mentioned.

“We don’t want to decide on one or the opposite.”