China Engages Taiwan Opposition, Bypasses Taipei Government
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Taiwanese opposition leader Cheng Li-wun highlights Beijing’s efforts to improve relations with Taiwan outside the official government in Taipei.
The Chinese leader said people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are "one family" and that the future of relations should remain in Chinese hands, reiterating his rejection of Taiwanese independence. He added that today’s world is not entirely at peace and that peace is "precious".
He also called for stronger dialogue with the opposition. During the visit, described as a "peace mission", Cheng Li-wun called for a reduction in tensions and warned against interference by foreign actors. She said the strait should not become a geopolitical chessboard.
Meanwhile, the United States continues to support Taiwan, particularly through arms supplies. At the same time, Beijing refuses to communicate with President Lai Ching-te, whom it regards as a separatist.
The Taiwanese government, for its part, has called on China to engage in direct dialogue and halt threats.