Taiwan opposition leader in China on peace mission

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li‑wun arrived in China on Tuesday for a six-day visit she calls a “journey for peace.” Invited by President Xi Jinping , the trip is the first by a Taiwanese opposition leader in a decade and comes ahead of a May summit between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump , where Taiwan is expected to be a key topic.

Cheng, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT) , told reporters Taiwan must spare no effort to prevent war and seize opportunities to promote peace. She and a delegation first landed in Shanghai and are scheduled to visit Nanjing and other cities, with a possible meeting with Xi later this week. Cheng said the visit shows that both sides desire peace and highlights the sincerity and determination of the Communist Party of China to resolve differences through dialogue.

At Taipei’s airport, supporters and critics of Cheng gathered, reflecting domestic divisions. Many Taiwanese remain wary of the trip, concerned it could bolster Beijing’s influence in local politics.

The visit occurs amid rising Chinese military pressure , including near-daily deployments of warplanes and naval vessels and large-scale military exercises around Taiwan. In December, the U.S. announced $10 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including medium-range missiles , howitzers, and drones, a topic expected to be discussed at the Xi-Trump summit.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council urged Cheng to demand a halt to military pressure and respect Taiwan’s sovereignty , stressing that party-to-party exchanges cannot replace government negotiations. The opposition-controlled legislature has delayed a $40 billion defense budget , drawing criticism from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which says Taiwan must maintain strong defense capabilities.

Cheng frames her journey as an effort to promote dialogue and stability across the Taiwan Strait, amid a period of heightened geopolitical tension, U.S. arms sales, and looming cross-strait challenges.