Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), is preparing to send a delegation to Beijing next week for a “think tank exchange” with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This initiative, led by the KMT’s new chairwoman Cheng Li‑wun, could pave the way for higher-level meetings between Taiwan’s opposition leadership and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Kuomintang, founded in 1912, is Taiwan’s main opposition party and historically advocates closer economic and political engagement with mainland China. After relocating to Taiwan in 1949, the KMT governed Taiwan for decades before transitioning to opposition status. Today, it remains a significant political force in Taiwan, often promoting dialogue and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, in contrast to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which emphasizes Taiwanese sovereignty.
The upcoming exchange will focus on non-political topics such as tourism, industrial development, environmental cooperation, and sustainable growth, providing a platform for dialogue between experts, scholars, and think tank representatives from both sides. Deputy KMT Chairman Hsiao Hsu‑tsen said the forum aims to strengthen mutual understanding and explore win-win mechanisms for cross-strait cooperation.
Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office welcomed the forum, noting it will promote practical exchanges in areas that benefit people on both sides of the Strait. Observers highlight that while the event focuses on technical and economic cooperation, it signals a potential thaw in cross-strait relations and could set the stage for future meetings involving Cheng Li-wun and Xi Jinping.
The exchange comes amid ongoing debate in Taiwan, as critics warn that increased engagement with Beijing could undermine Taiwan’s political autonomy. Despite this, the KMT remains committed to pursuing dialogue and cooperation that advance economic development while navigating the delicate political landscape.
Source : Focus Taiwan
