• Xi Jinping urged for peace and unity between Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
• Cheng Li-wun's visit marks the first by a KMT chairperson to China in a decade.
• Cross-strait relations have deteriorated since the DPP's Tsai Ing-wen's presidency began in 2016.
• The meeting took place amidst increasing Chinese military pressures around Taiwan.
• Cheng advocates for a solution to political disputes and prevention of war.

President Xi Jinping told Taiwan's opposition leader Cheng Li-wun that "compatriots on both sides of the strait are all Chinese," emphasizing the need for peace and cooperation during their historic meeting in Beijing. This interaction is significant as it represents the first time a sitting chairperson of the Kuomintang (KMT) has met with Communist Party leadership since 2016, amid escalating military tensions from China concerning its claims over Taiwan, according to South China Morning Post, Reuters, and BBC.

Cheng characterized her visit as a "journey of peace," aiming to foster dialogue and reduce tensions, particularly in the wake of regular military drills by China around the island. Xi expressed confidence that Taiwanese and Chinese people can grow closer despite political confrontations, a sentiment echoed by Cheng, who stated that both parties should work towards systemic solutions to ensure lasting peace, according to Channel News Asia and Le Monde.

The backdrop of this meeting is marked by military pressures from China, with frequent deployments of aircraft and naval forces near Taiwan. Following Cheng's visit, the KMT's defense policies are under scrutiny, especially regarding ongoing discussions about Taiwan's defense budget. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has highlighted the risks of current policies and warned against being manipulated by Beijing, as such sentiments were echoed by Lai Ching-te, who has faced strong criticism from Chinese authorities, reports South China Morning Post, Reuters, and Le Monde.