Taiwan opposition leader lands in Shanghai on rare visit: Chinese state media

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SHANGHAI: Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun landed in Shanghai on Tuesday, beginning a six-day visit to mainland China. As the first sitting chairperson of the Kuomintang (KMT) to visit the mainland in ten years, Cheng was met at Hongqiao Airport by senior Chinese officials and presented with flowers before departing by high-speed train for Nanjing.

This trip, which Cheng has called a ‘journey of peace,’ is aimed at lowering cross-strait tensions and includes a planned stop in Beijing where she is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The visit comes at a time of high military and political tension in the region. Before leaving Taipei, Cheng told reporters that the trip is a necessary step to prevent war, arguing that dialogue with Beijing is a better way to protect Taiwan than an expensive arms race. 

Her visit coincides with a standoff in Taiwan’s parliament, where opposition lawmakers have blocked a $39 billion government defense spending bill for U.S. weapons. Cheng has publicly criticized the proposal, stating that the island should not be seen as a ‘financial resource’ for foreign arms deals.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan has expressed concern over the trip. President Lai Ching-te stated that while he is open to talks on equal terms, he warned that Beijing might use the visit to stop U.S. arms sales or pressure the island’s government. 

While some supporters see the visit as a way to improve stability, critics have questioned its timing and impact on Taiwan’s sovereignty. Cheng is scheduled to visit historic sites in Nanjing and Shanghai before arriving in Beijing for high-level meetings later this week.

Photo Credits: AFP