Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun departed for China on Tuesday at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing the trip as a “journey for peace” amid ongoing tensions over Beijing’s claims on the self-governed island.
The visit marks the first time in a decade that a Taiwanese opposition leader has traveled to mainland China. It comes ahead of a planned meeting in Beijing between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for May.
Speaking to reporters before leaving Taipei, Cheng—chairwoman of the Kuomintang—said Taiwan must make every effort to avoid conflict and pursue opportunities for dialogue.
“The purpose of this visit to mainland China is to show the world that it is not only Taiwan that seeks peace,” she said.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.
Cheng added that the visit aims to gauge Beijing’s willingness to resolve cross-strait differences through peaceful engagement. She expressed hope that the trip would demonstrate the Chinese leadership’s “sincerity and determination” to pursue dialogue and reduce tensions through exchanges between the two sides.
