TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, will hold the KMT-CPC Forum (國共論壇) in Beijing from Jan. 27 to 29, ending a nine-year dialogue suspension with the Communist Party of China (CPC, 中國共產黨). KMT spokesperson Niu Hsu-ting (牛煦庭) emphasized Friday (Jan. 9) the forum's importance for stabilizing regional tensions and enhancing Taiwan's security amid rising cross-strait concerns. Niu urged the public to view the upcoming forum with a rational perspective as the delegation prepares for the trip to China.
KMT Vice Chair Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) will lead the delegation to Beijing, with the group scheduled to return to Taiwan on Jan. 30. KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen (鄭麗文) stated she will not visit China unless a meeting with CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping (習近平) occurs at the leadership level. Meihua Media (梅花新聞網), a Taiwanese news outlet, reported that Cheng plans to visit Beijing after March, anticipating a potential meeting with Xi.
The forum aims to address rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the body of water separating Taiwan from mainland China, and the current lack of mutual trust between the two sides. Niu highlighted the KMT's commitment to reducing misjudgments and conflicts through communication with Beijing. The spokesperson also mentioned the party's diverse and balanced diplomatic strategy, including visits to the United States and other countries alongside its engagement with China. ◼