Chinese, Taiwanese will unite, Xi tells Taiwan opposition leader

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Beijing, China: In a historic meeting on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman, Cheng Li-wun, to Beijing. This visit marks the first time in a decade that a KMT leader has traveled to mainland China.

During the talks, President Xi expressed ‘full confidence’ that the people of China and Taiwan would be united, labeling the trend an ‘inevitable part of history’. He emphasized a willingness to strengthen dialogue with groups that oppose Taiwan independence.

Chairwoman Cheng responded by calling for an end to political confrontation, stating she hopes the Taiwan Strait will ‘no longer be a focal point of potential conflict’. She also noted that Xi responded ‘positively’ to her proposal for Taiwan to participate in international organizations like Interpol.

The meeting follows years of increased tension; China has ramped up military pressure around the island since high-level contacts were severed in 2016. Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticized the meeting, urging Beijing to respect Taiwan's freedom rather than interfering through ‘division and inducement’.

Photo Credits: AFP