Summary
The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, Cheng Li-wun, is visiting China for the first time in ten years. During her trip, Cheng aims to improve relations between Taiwan and China and plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. This visit occurs amid complex Taiwan-China-US relations.
Key Facts
- Cheng Li-wun is the current chairperson of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party.
- This is the first visit to China by a KMT leader in a decade.
- Cheng accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping and is on a six-day trip to Shanghai, Nanjing, and Beijing.
- Relations between Taiwan and China have been strained since 2016 when President Tsai Ing-wen took office in Taiwan.
- China views Taiwan as a part of its territory, while many in Taiwan see themselves as a separate nation.
- The United States has been Taiwan's primary arms supplier despite having formal ties with China.
- Cheng's visit is happening just weeks before President Trump visits China.
- Analysts say Cheng's visit is part of a strategy to present herself as a leader who can improve Taiwan-China relations, hoping to gain political support.
