Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT), began a visit to mainland China that is seen as an important part of the dialogue and exchanges between the KMT and the Communist Party of China in the new environment.

Cheng arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday, where she was welcomed by Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. Both sides expressed support for the development of peaceful relations between the two shores.

The visit is the first time in the last ten years that a KMT chairman has led a delegation to the mainland. It comes at a time of strained relations, with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leaders led by Lai Ching-tem continuing to push separatist rhetoric and heighten tensions with the mainland.

Analysts say the trip reflects long-standing political trust and ongoing exchanges between the Chinese Communist Party and the KMT. They see it as a response to major public concerns in Taiwan and a move that can improve communication between the parties, restore dialogue, promote people-to-people contacts, and strengthen economic cooperation.

Promoting dialogue and stability

The program of the visit includes Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing provinces. Cheng has already arrived in Nanjing, a city with a shared historical memory and strong symbolic significance for both sides. Shanghai remains a key hub for trade between the two shores and the busiest city in terms of personal contacts, while the final stop in Beijing underlines the political significance of the entire trip.

In Beijing, an exchange of views is expected between leaders of the two sides on the development of relations between the two shores and party ties based on the recognition of the 1992 consensus and the rejection of „Taiwan independence“.

The visit follows a series of previous contacts. In May last year, the second China-Taiwan Cultural Summit was held in Beijing, attended by former KMT Chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu. In June, former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou led a delegation to the mainland and attended the Two Shores Forum. This February, a KMT delegation led by Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen attended a think-tank forum in Beijing, which helped set the stage for the current visit.

Researcher Xu Xiaoquan of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said the visit was an important step towards restoring dialogue in the current environment. He said it can bring new impetus to stagnant relations, contributing to maintaining peace and stability while improving people's living standards.

Before leaving, Cheng said she hoped the trip would be a constructive first step toward peace and stability. She stressed that, based on the 1992 consensus, she wanted to show the people of Taiwan and the international community that conflict is not inevitable and that both sides can work towards peaceful development.

Benefits for the people of Taiwan

Relations between the two shores have deteriorated since 2016, when the Democratic Progressive Party came to power and refused to recognise the 1992 consensus. Economic exchanges have slowed, travel has been curtailed, and cooperation in areas such as tourism, education, and agriculture has been greatly curtailed.

The agricultural sector was particularly affected. According to official data, Taiwan's agricultural exports have fallen from $5.67 billion in 2021 to around $4.45 billion in 2025, a decline of 21.5 %, or $1.22 billion. Between 2021 and 2023 alone, exports to the mainland have declined by more than $600 million.

According to Herman Shuai, a former Lieutenant General from Taiwan, this visit is of great significance and can be compared to Lien Chan's „breakthrough“ trip to the mainland in 2005. At that time, it contributed to Taiwan's economic recovery through the development of tourism and agricultural trade, while the current restrictions have led to stagnation in tourism and problems for farmers in finding outlets.

Researcher Peng Tao said the visit reflected strong demand among residents and businesses in Taiwan for renewed contacts. Cheng said he will seek support for access to the mainland market for agricultural and fishery products while protecting the interests of Taiwanese businesses.

He added that it is not just about strengthening support for KMT, but also about tangibly improving the living conditions of the people of Taiwan.

The visit could help restore people-to-people contacts and remove barriers to travel between the two sides. The two sides can explore ways to resume cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, education and youth exchanges, easing travel restrictions and strengthening mutual trust.

Ahead of the trip, Cheng said she wanted not only to express the joint pursuit of peace, but also to promote Taiwan's industries and businesses and seek new opportunities for cooperation between the two shores in promising fields.

CMG