What is the main purpose of Cheng Li-wen's visit to China?

Cheng Li-wen's visit aims to establish cross-strait peace and convey the message that 'diplomacy and US weapons have equally deterrent effects.'

Why is the timing of this visit attracting international media attention?

The visit's timing is closely tied to the scheduled meeting between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in May, and is seen as having significant implications for cross-strait relations and the international situation.

Cheng Li-wen's Visit to China: Foreign Media Focus on Timing Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting

Published Apr 7, 2026 5:07 PM ・ Updated Jun 28, 2026 5:49 AM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wen visited China from April 7-12, a trip closely watched by international media. The visit, dubbed a 'Peace Journey,' comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in May. Media outlets like AFP, AP, and Reuters highlighted the rare timing and its implications for cross-strait relations and US arms sales to Taiwan.

Cheng Li-wen, invited by Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping, led a delegation to visit Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing from April 7 to 12. She held a '2026 Peace Journey' press conference for Chinese and foreign journalists at the Central Party Headquarters this morning before departing from Songshan Airport. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported with the headline 'Taiwan opposition leader embarks on rare China visit,' stating that the leader of the largest opposition party, the Kuomintang, visited China today with the aim of establishing cross-strait peace; however, the Taiwanese government warned that Beijing might be seeking to end US arms sales to Taiwan. The Associated Press (AP) reported with the headline 'Taiwan opposition leader goes to China for so-called peace journey,' stating that Cheng Li-wen went to China today at Xi Jinping's invitation, embarking on what she called a 'peace journey.' This marks the first visit by a Taiwanese opposition leader to China in 10 years, coinciding with US President Trump's scheduled meeting with Xi Jinping in May. Reuters reported with the headline 'Opposition leader goes to China for peace mission, Taiwan president emphasizes dialogue with equality and dignity,' stating that Cheng Li-wen arrived in China today for a peace journey and is expected to meet with Xi Jinping; President Lai Ching-te reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue with China under conditions of equality and dignity, and that Taiwan has the right to determine its future. The Economist, with the headline 'Taiwan and China are preparing for some form of summit,' noted that the KMT chairwoman's visit to mainland China also revealed internal party divisions. Bloomberg News, with the headline 'Taiwan opposition leader makes first China visit in 10 years, pushing for cross-strait dialogue,' stated that the chairwoman of the party that blocked a $40 billion defense expansion in parliament departed for China, aiming to convey the message that 'diplomacy and US weapons have equally deterrent effects.' (Edited by Chen Yi-wei) 1150407

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: political

Cheng Li-wen's Visit to China: Foreign Media Focus on Timing Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting

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