TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's main opposition party resumed high-level talks with China on Wednesday (Feb. 4) for the first time in nine years. Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) met Wang Huning (王滬寧) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Wang chairs the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC, 中國全國政協). The meeting marked the first exchange under new KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文), reigniting debate over cross-strait policy.
Hsiao conveyed greetings from Taiwan to Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) and claimed that most Taiwanese have realized the "anti-China, pro-Taiwan" stance equates to "flattering the U.S. and selling out Taiwan." He said this stance does not align with the interests of the Taiwanese people. Hsiao stressed the 1992 Consensus, a tacit agreement on the "one China" principle with differing interpretations, as the political foundation for cross-strait exchanges. He also emphasized opposition to Taiwan independence and shared Chinese cultural roots.
The forum focused on tourism, healthcare, disaster prevention, energy issues, and the future of artificial intelligence. Hsiao expressed hopes for deepened cooperation in these areas. He stated that most Taiwanese wish to maintain communication channels with mainland China, the People's Republic of China, to resolve issues arising from exchanges. The KMT signaled its willingness to assist Taiwan's industries in strengthening cooperation with China.
Wang extended Xi's greetings to Cheng and acknowledged positive outcomes achieved by both parties in adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan independence. The KMT-CPC forum had been suspended since 2016 amid heightened cross-strait tensions under Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) government. Its resumption underscores continued high-level interaction between the two parties despite strong government opposition to the talks and ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, the government body overseeing cross-strait relations, swiftly rejected the joint statement as a misrepresentation of facts. The council stated that the government's stance remains firm against accepting them. The council emphasized that China's pressure tactics are the main hindrance to cross-strait personnel exchanges. The sharp rebuke underscores deep divisions between Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties on China policy. ◼