JUST IN: Xi Jinping Stresses ‘Patience’ on Taiwan Reunification During Rare Meeting with KMT Opposition Leader Cheng Li-wun

By Reflecto News Staff
April 17, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for patience and perseverance in addressing cross-strait issues during a high-profile meeting with Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. The rare encounter, held on April 10, 2026, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, highlighted Beijing’s preference for a gradual, peaceful approach to reunification while firmly opposing Taiwan independence.

Cheng described the talks as focusing on shared history, culture, and the long-term nature of resolving differences, marking the first such high-level KMT visit to the mainland in nearly a decade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun during their meeting in Beijing on April 10, 2026

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What Xi Jinping Said: Patience and Historical Certainty

According to accounts from Cheng and delegation members, Xi invoked traditional Chinese fables to underscore the importance of persistence. He referenced the story of the “foolish old man who removed the mountains” and the “Jingwei bird filling the sea with pebbles,” signaling that cross-strait challenges cannot be resolved overnight and require sustained effort.

Xi reiterated that:

• People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are “Chinese” and share the same ancestry and bloodline.
• Reunification represents the “certainty of history” and a common aspiration.
• Taiwan independence is the “chief culprit” undermining peace and stability in the region.
• The KMT and Chinese Communist Party should “join hands” to promote peaceful development and national rejuvenation.

While affirming that China will “absolutely not tolerate” independence, Xi avoided aggressive timelines and instead stressed dialogue, trust-building, and step-by-step progress based on the 1992 Consensus (opposing independence while acknowledging one China).

KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, who led the delegation to Beijing on what she called a “peace mission.”

Cheng Li-wun’s Response and KMT Position

Cheng framed the meeting positively, describing Xi’s remarks as a “major expression of goodwill.” She highlighted shared cultural heritage and called for reconciliation between the two sides. Cheng noted that social systems and political beliefs may differ, but ancestral ties cannot be severed.

She expressed hope for reduced tensions and indicated that if the KMT returns to power (potentially in the 2028 elections), she would invite Xi to visit Taiwan. The KMT traditionally supports closer economic and people-to-people ties with the mainland while opposing formal independence.

The visit included stops in Jiangsu and Shanghai before Beijing, with discussions on economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and easing cross-strait friction.

Map illustrating the Taiwan Strait and surrounding region, a key area in cross-strait relations.

Context: Rising Tensions and Opposition Outreach

The meeting occurs against a backdrop of heightened military activities by the People’s Liberation Army around Taiwan and strained relations with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration under President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing accuses of pushing independence.

By engaging the KMT — historically more open to dialogue with Beijing — China appears to be signaling openness to peaceful engagement while maintaining pressure on the DPP-led government. Analysts view the tone of “patience” as a contrast to earlier, more urgent rhetoric, possibly reflecting Beijing’s assessment that time and economic ties may favor eventual closer integration.

No joint statement was issued, allowing both sides to interpret the talks in line with their domestic audiences.

Reactions and Implications

• Taiwan’s Ruling Party: The DPP has expressed caution, warning that such engagements could undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and international space.
• International Observers: The United States and allies monitor these developments closely, given the strategic importance of the Taiwan Strait for global trade and security.
• Broader Significance: The emphasis on patience suggests Beijing is not rushing toward confrontation but continues to view reunification as inevitable through a combination of political, economic, and cultural means.

The talks also come amid other regional diplomatic moves, including U.S.-brokered ceasefires in the Middle East.

Broadcast footage of the Xi-Cheng handshake shown on screens in Beijing, highlighting the high visibility of the meeting.

Reflecto News will continue monitoring cross-strait developments, any follow-up engagements, and reactions from Taipei, Washington, and other capitals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When and where did Xi Jinping meet the KMT leader?
The meeting took place on April 10, 2026, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. It was the first such high-level contact between a sitting KMT chair and Xi in nearly a decade.

What exactly did Xi say about patience on reunification?
Xi stated that resolving cross-strait issues would require time, perseverance, and patience, referencing Chinese fables about persistent effort. He described closer ties and eventual reunification as an “inevitable historical trend.”

Who is Cheng Li-wun?
Cheng Li-wun is the chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. She led a delegation to mainland China on a self-described “peace mission” to reduce tensions.

Did Xi rule out the use of force?
No. While stressing peaceful development and patience, Xi reaffirmed that China will “absolutely not tolerate” Taiwan independence and views reunification as a core goal.

What is the 1992 Consensus?
It refers to an understanding reached in 1992 that there is one China, with each side free to interpret its meaning differently — a formula traditionally accepted by the KMT but rejected by the current DPP administration.

How did Cheng respond to the meeting?
Cheng called Xi’s remarks a gesture of goodwill, emphasized shared ancestry, and expressed hope for reconciliation. She suggested inviting Xi to Taiwan if the KMT wins future elections.

For the latest analysis on cross-strait relations, China-Taiwan dynamics, and Asia-Pacific security, stay tuned to Reflecto News — delivering accurate, timely, and balanced international coverage.

All information is based on official readouts, participant accounts, and verified reporting from sources including South China Morning Post, Reuters, and others as of April 17, 2026.