Cheng Li-wun begins mainland visit, aiming to promote peace, boost Taiwan livelihoods

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT), has begun a visit to the Chinese mainland, a trip which is regarded as an important part of the exchanges and dialogue between the KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC) under the new circumstances.

Cheng arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday, where she was welcomed by Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee. Both expressed support for advancing the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

The visit marks the first time in a decade that a KMT chairperson has led a delegation to the mainland. It comes at a time of strained ties, as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities led by Lai Ching-te continue to promote separatist rhetoric and escalate tensions with the mainland.

Analysts say the trip reflects long-standing political trust and sustained exchanges between the CPC and the KMT. They view it as a response to mainstream public concerns in Taiwan, with potential to improve party-to-party communication, rebuild dialogue mechanisms, revive people-to-people exchanges and promote economic cooperation.

Promoting dialogue and stability

Cheng's itinerary includes Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing. She has already arrived in Nanjing, a city of shared historical memory and emotional significance across the Strait. Shanghai remains a key hub for cross-Strait trade and the busiest city for personnel exchanges, while the final stop in Beijing highlights the visit's political importance.

Senior officials from the CPC and the KMT are expected to exchange views in Beijing on advancing cross-Strait relations and party ties, based on adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to "Taiwan independence."

The visit follows a series of exchanges between the two sides. In May last year, the second Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit was held in Beijing, attended by former KMT chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu. In June, former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou led a delegation to the mainland and attended the Straits Forum. In February this year, a KMT delegation led by Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen attended a cross-Strait think tank forum in Beijing, helping pave the way for Cheng's trip.

Xu Xiaoquan, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told CGTN that the visit represents an important step in renewing dialogue under current conditions. He said it could inject positive momentum into stalled cross-Strait relations and help maintain peace and stability while improving public well-being.

Before departing, Cheng said she hoped the trip would mark a constructive first step toward peace and stability. She stressed that, based on the 1992 Consensus, the visit aims to demonstrate to people in Taiwan and the international community that conflict between the two sides is not inevitable and that both sides can work toward peaceful development.

"Chinese people across the strait can totally resolve differences through candid dialogue and equal consultation," Xu said. He added that the visit may help restore long-suspended institutionalized communication between the CPC and the KMT, creating more structured and practical platforms for cooperation.

He also noted that the trip sends a signal to political groups in Taiwan: those that adhere to the one-China principle, uphold the 1992 Consensus and oppose "Taiwan independence" can build political trust with the mainland and resume dialogue.

Bringing tangible benefits for Taiwan people

Cross-Strait relations have deteriorated since the DPP came to power in 2016 and declined to recognize the 1992 Consensus. Economic exchanges have slowed, travel has been restricted and cooperation in sectors such as tourism, education and agriculture has largely stalled.

Taiwan's agricultural sector has been particularly affected. Official data shows the island's agricultural exports fell from $5.67 billion in 2021 to about $4.45 billion in 2025, a drop of 21.5%, or $1.22 billion. From 2021 to 2023 alone, exports to the mainland declined by more than $600 million, according to Taiwan audit authorities.

Herman Shuai, a retired Taiwan lieutenant general, said the visit is highly significant, comparing it to Lien Chan's "ice-breaking" trip to the mainland in 2005. He said that visit boosted Taiwan's economy through increased tourism and agricultural trade, while current restrictions have left tourism stagnating and farmers struggling to find markets.

Peng Tao, a Taiwan researcher at Central China Normal University, said Cheng's visit reflects strong demand among grassroots groups and businesses in Taiwan for renewed exchanges. He said Cheng's trip will try to secure policy support from the mainland in areas such as market access for agricultural and fishery products and protection of Taiwan business interests, while also building bridges for non-governmental communication.

"This is not only about consolidating public support for the KMT, but also about delivering tangible livelihood benefits for the people of Taiwan," Peng said.

He added that the visit could also help restart people-to-people exchanges and address bottlenecks in cross-Strait travel. Both sides may explore restoring regular interaction in culture, tourism, education and youth exchanges, easing travel restrictions and encouraging closer engagement to rebuild mutual trust.

Before the trip, Cheng said she hoped the visit would not only demonstrate a shared aspiration for peace, but show concern for Taiwan's industries and businesses, and explore new opportunities for cross-Strait cooperation in forward-looking areas.