TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan’s main opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, is set to make a rare trip to China on Tuesday, becoming the first sitting Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson to visit in a decade. Cheng says her goal is to promote cross-strait “peace and stability,” though critics see Beijing using the visit to bolster her influence in the KMT and undercut U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
Cheng, who rose unexpectedly to KMT leadership and received Xi Jinping’s endorsement in October, has faced criticism for being too pro-China. The visit occurs amid debate in Taiwan over a NT$1.25 trillion ($39 billion) U.S. weapons procurement plan; Cheng has supported a NT$380 billion allocation with potential for more, while senior party figures favor higher spending.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warned Beijing aims to internalize cross-strait issues and limit foreign involvement, while experts note the trip may let Xi signal that China retains influence over Taiwan. Public opinion is divided: some see engagement with Beijing as risky, while others hope it could promote peace.
The visit also comes weeks before U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region, a timing analysts suggest Beijing could use to discourage further U.S.-Taiwan defence cooperation. Cheng maintains that the trip focuses solely on peace and cross-strait dialogue, insisting it is not linked to arms deals.
Taiwanese analysts say Cheng will need to reassure Washington that she remains a reliable partner while navigating Beijing’s overtures.
