Chinese President Xi Jinping invited Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun to visit China from April 7 to April 12, 2026. The KMT said it “gladly accepted” the invitation, framing the visit as an opportunity to build mutual trust. Cheng and her delegation are expected to travel to Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing.
The trip will mark the first visit by a sitting KMT leader to China since 2016, when then-chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu met Xi. It also comes weeks ahead of a planned summit between Xi and US President Donald Trump in mid-May.
Stated goals: Cross-Strait stability
Both sides have framed the visit as an effort to promote the “peaceful development of cross-strait relations” and deepen exchanges between the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) and the KMT.
Cheng has said she hopes the trip will demonstrate that the two sides “are not doomed to war” and help lay a foundation for long-term stability.
Beijing’s strategic calculus
Analysts say the invitation reflects broader geopolitical objectives beyond symbolic engagement. Chinese officials have emphasized dialogue with the KMT as part of a broader effort to reinforce a narrative of peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait. Observers note that the visit’s final stop in Beijing may allow authorities to evaluate Cheng’s messaging before deciding whether to elevate the trip into a formal meeting with Xi Jinping.
The timing of the visit, just weeks before Xi’s planned summit with US President Donald Trump, has also drawn attention. Analysts suggest Beijing may seek to demonstrate that there are viable political channels for managing cross-strait tensions, potentially shaping Washington’s approach to Taiwan.
The visit also coincides with a domestic political impasse in Taiwan over a proposed $40 billion defense budget. Some analysts and ruling party figures believe Beijing may be using engagement with the KMT to indirectly influence the debate, particularly as opposition lawmakers have resisted the measure.
At the same time, Beijing continues to refuse engagement with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, whom it labels a separatist. By hosting the KMT leadership, China signals its preference for political actors that support the “1992 consensus” and oppose formal independence.
Domestic backlash in Taiwan
Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly criticized the planned visit, accusing the KMT of undermining national security.
DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung has publicly challenged Cheng to raise sensitive issues during any meeting with Xi, including Taiwan’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council issued a warning that no political party or individual is authorized to negotiate or sign political agreements with China without government approval.
International reactions and concerns
The United States has responded cautiously but is closely monitoring developments. Analysts warn that a high-profile meeting between Xi and a Taiwanese opposition leader shortly before the Trump-Xi summit could complicate US-Taiwan security coordination.
Some observers suggest such engagement could weaken momentum behind defense cooperation at a critical moment. While US officials have previously engaged Cheng, including through invitations to Washington, there are concerns that closer ties between the KMT and Beijing could have implications for Taiwan’s defense posture and broader regional stability.
