Taiwan's Opposition Accepts Xi Jinping's Invitation to Meet in China, What's Going On?

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The leader of Taiwan’s main opposition party has accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit in April. This information was confirmed by the opposition party and Chinese state media on Monday (30/3/2026).

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Cheng Li-wun is said to have “gladly accepted” the invitation to lead a delegation to China. In its statement, the KMT said Cheng hopes the visit will promote peaceful cross-strait relations.

“Cheng looks forward to joint efforts from both sides to advance the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, promote exchanges and cooperation, and enhance the well-being of people on both sides,” the party’s official statement read, as quoted by AFP.

Chinese state media Xinhua reported that the KMT delegation is scheduled to visit mainland China from 7-12 April. However, it is not yet confirmed whether Cheng will meet Xi directly, although he has previously publicly advocated for such a meeting.

The planned visit has sparked controversy both within and outside the KMT. Some parties are concerned that a potential Cheng-Xi meeting could trigger negative sentiments ahead of Taiwan’s district elections at the end of this year.

The KMT has long advocated for closer ties with Beijing. However, Cheng’s move has been criticised by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by President Lai Ching-te. He has been accused of being too pro-China, including in his stance on plans to increase the defence budget.

In an interview with foreign media last week, Cheng emphasised that a potential meeting with Xi holds significant meaning. “This dialogue will carry substantial symbolic importance and can serve as a foundation for peaceful relations in the Taiwan Strait,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that one meeting will not resolve all long-standing issues. “I do not believe one meeting alone can solve all the problems that have accumulated for nearly a century. But I hope to build a bridge,” Cheng stated.

On the other hand, Taiwan’s parliament is currently discussing a proposal to increase the defence budget to address potential threats from China. The Lai government has proposed a budget of NT$1.25 trillion, or approximately Rp620 trillion, including for purchasing weapons from the United States.

Meanwhile, the KMT has proposed a smaller budget of NT$380 billion, or approximately Rp188 trillion, with options for additional purchases in the future.

Although supporting military strengthening, Cheng stressed that increasing the defence budget alone is not enough to create peace with China. “There must also be political efforts. Political efforts are the key,” he said.

For information, China has cut off high-level communications with Taiwan since 2016, after the previous administration under Tsai Ing-wen came to power. Beijing still regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to take control of the island.