TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) described her recent visit to China and meeting with Chinese Leader Xi Jinping (習近平) during an interview on "Anne-alyzing Affairs" (千秋萬事) on Wednesday (April 15). Cheng said she led a delegation at Xi's invitation. During the meeting, Xi emphasized peaceful development and openness to dialogue with all Taiwanese political parties, she said.
Cheng described Xi as warm, genuine and relaxed, noting his frequent smiles during their luncheon meeting. She said Xi often spoke off-script, displaying sincerity throughout their conversation. Xi also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two sides, urging Taiwan to recognize and respect China's achievements, Cheng said.
Xi addressed the longstanding complexities between Taiwan and China, stressing the need for perseverance and patience, according to Cheng. He remarked that differences should not serve as excuses for division. China is open to discussions on the 1992 Consensus (九二共識) and opposition to Taiwan independence, Cheng said.
Cheng urged the removal of the Taiwan independence clause from the DPP's charter, arguing that cross-strait relations should not be a tool for political competition. She criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) for its lack of transparency on defense budgets. Cheng also expressed confidence in smooth cooperation between the KMT and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) in Changhua, New Taipei and Yilan.
Cheng also revealed plans to visit the United States, expressing hope for reconciliation and cooperation between the U.S. and China. She stressed the importance of U.S.-Taiwan relations and expressed optimism about forging a peaceful path forward, moving beyond Cold War-era thinking. Details of the planned U.S. visit were not immediately available. ◼