KMT Chairman Cheng Li-wun makes historic China visit after 24-year gap

KMT Chairman Cheng Li-wun will lead a delegation to mainland China from April 7 to 12. The trip marks the first official visit by a sitting KMT leader since 2000, with no former chairmen recorded making such visits in over two decades. Cheng's agenda focuses on peace, economic ties, and cross-Strait cooperation on pressing global issues. The delegation will travel to Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing over five days. Cheng has framed the visit as a chance to demonstrate that both sides of the Taiwan Strait can avoid conflict and maintain stability. His approach rests on the 1992 Consensus and a clear stance against 'Taiwan independence'.

Cheng also aims to address concerns for Taiwan's industries and business communities operating in China. The trip follows a recent forum between KMT and Communist Party of China think tanks, where both sides signalled a desire to improve relations. Topics like climate change, energy efficiency, and artificial intelligence are expected to feature in discussions. Unlike past KMT leaders such as Lien Chan or Ma Ying-jeou, Cheng is the first in over 20 years to pursue official cross-Strait engagement while in office. His delegation seeks to expand exchanges and cooperation on future-oriented challenges. The visit aligns with what Cheng describes as mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, prioritising dialogue over confrontation.

The trip will test whether cross-Strait relations can advance on economic and technological collaboration. Cheng's emphasis on peace and practical cooperation reflects a shift from previous years of limited high-level contact. Outcomes may influence future exchanges between political and business leaders on both sides.