During key talks on the development of relations between the two sides and across the Taiwan Strait, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT), in Beijing on Friday morning.

Terms such as „common homeland“, „one family“ and „peace“ were among the most frequently emphasized during the interviews. Both sides emphasized that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese, belong to one family, and share a common desire for peace, stability, better relations, and a better life.

„It is a responsibility that neither the Chinese Communist Party nor the Kuomintang can avoid, and a driving force for their cooperation,“ uvedl Xi Jinping.

At the invitation of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Xi Jinping, Cheng is the first KMT chairwoman in a decade to lead a delegation to mainland China. The delegation visited Jiangsu province and Shanghai before arriving in Beijing.

Creating a bright future for relationships

During the meeting, Xi presented four proposals for the development of relations between the two shores. He called for strengthening mutual ties through a correct understanding of identity, safeguarding the common homeland through peaceful development, improving people's living standards through exchanges and integration, and making joint efforts for national renewal.

He stressed that a key prerequisite for the protection of the common homeland is the recognition that the two shores belong to one China.

In the past year, he said, the people of both sides have resolutely opposed the separatism of „Taiwan independence“ and outside interference, and continued to strengthen efforts for the peaceful development of relations and national revival.

At the same time, mainland China has taken a number of measures to protect the common interests of the people of both shores, including launching an online platform to report activities supporting „Taiwan independence“ and their associates.

At the same time, according to the text, voices against separatism and outside interference are increasingly raised in Taiwan, with people taking to the streets in support of stability and peaceful development.

Deepening exchanges and cooperation remains an important element. For example, the annual Cross-Strait CEO Summit 2025 conference attracted some 800 participants from both mainland China and Taiwan to discuss industrial transformation, innovation and collaboration.

Thanks to supportive measures, such as waiving fees for Taiwanese when they first apply for travel permits or expanding the number of issuing points to 100, the number of trips between the two shores will exceed five million in 2025, the highest in six years.

Cheng Li-wun stressed that the people on both sides belong to one family and called for promoting the peaceful development of relations, building a better future and making common progress towards national revival.

Emphasis on the 1992 Consensus

During the talks, both sides reaffirmed the importance of the common political basis of adherence to the 1992 consensus and rejection of „Taiwan independence“.

This consensus is based on the principle that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China and should jointly pursue national reunification.

Its importance lies in defining the basic nature of the relationship between the two sides - it is not a relationship between states, nor is it a concept of „two Chinas“ or „one China and one Taiwan“. Rather, this framework creates a political basis for dialogue and cooperation and preserves the possibility of peaceful development.

Researcher Xu Xiaoquan of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said Cheng's visit reflects the prevailing interest of Taiwanese people in expanding exchanges and cooperation.

In his view, moving towards peaceful development and eventual unification is in line with broader historical trends and public sentiment, and dialogue based on shared principles remains the most realistic way forward.

„We welcome all proposals that contribute to the peaceful development of relations between the two shores and will make every effort to support them,“ Xi Jinping said. He added that „Taiwan's independence“ is a major cause of disturbing peace in the region and „cannot be tolerated“.

CMG