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By Reflecto News Desk
April 6, 2026
Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, has described the Taiwan Strait as the “most severe and dangerous powder keg” in the world. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, she expressed high expectations for cross-strait reconciliation and stated that her goal is to begin creating peace by engaging more closely with Beijing.
“I have high expectations for cross-strait reconciliation. My goal is to begin creating peace. My strategy is to embrace Beijing to avoid all-out war,” Cheng told NBC News at KMT headquarters in Taipei. She emphasized that both sides of the strait should use peaceful means to stabilize the situation and prevent conflict.
Cheng is scheduled to depart for a six-day visit to mainland China starting Tuesday (April 7, 2026), marking the first trip by a sitting KMT chairperson to the mainland in a decade. The visit, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is expected to include meetings in Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing, and possibly a direct encounter with Xi.
Taiwan opposition KMT leader Cheng Li-wun (file image).
Cheng’s Position: Dialogue Over Deterrence
Cheng argued that Taiwan must do everything possible to prevent war in the Taiwan Strait. She stressed the need for reconciliation not only across the strait but also within Taiwan between ruling and opposition parties.
Her approach marks a notable shift for the KMT under her leadership. While the party traditionally supports the 1992 Consensus (an understanding that there is “one China” with different interpretations) and opposes formal Taiwan independence, Cheng has gone further by advocating active engagement and “embracing” Beijing to reduce tensions.
She has also stated that improving ties with China does not mean being anti-U.S., and that Taiwan should not be forced to choose between Washington and Beijing. However, her stance has drawn criticism from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and some analysts, who worry it could weaken Taiwan’s deterrence and play into Beijing’s unification narrative.
Cheng, once a vocal pro-independence activist in her youth, has undergone a significant political evolution, now positioning herself as a peace builder focused on economic revival and stable cross-strait relations.
Strategic Context: Rising Tensions in the Taiwan Strait
The Taiwan Strait remains one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has increased military pressure, including large-scale drills and frequent incursions by aircraft and vessels. Taiwan’s government under President Lai Ching-te has responded by boosting defense spending, including a proposed major arms package, while strengthening ties with the United States.
Cheng’s upcoming visit comes at a sensitive time, just weeks before a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Observers see the trip as an attempt by the KMT to reassert its role in cross-strait affairs and push for dialogue amid stalled official communications between Taipei and Beijing.
Critics argue that Beijing may use the visit to amplify its reunification message and drive a wedge between Taiwan’s political parties, especially as the opposition-controlled legislature has delayed some defense-related bills.
Reactions and Implications
- In Taiwan: The DPP and supporters of stronger deterrence view Cheng’s “embrace Beijing” strategy with skepticism, warning it could undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and security. Supporters of the KMT argue that dialogue is essential to reduce the risk of miscalculation and war.
- In China: Beijing has welcomed the visit as a positive step toward peace and reconciliation, consistent with its long-standing call for dialogue under the “one China” principle.
- Internationally: The comments highlight deep divisions in Taiwan over how best to manage relations with China. The U.S. and allies continue to support Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities while urging peaceful resolution of differences.
Cheng has insisted that peace cannot be achieved through defense capabilities alone and that communication channels must be reopened.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring Cheng Li-wun’s visit to China, any outcomes from potential meetings with Chinese leaders, reactions from Taipei and Washington, and broader developments in cross-strait relations. For accurate, timely coverage of Taiwan, China, and Indo-Pacific security issues, bookmark Reflecto News and follow our dedicated Asia section.
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