Taiwanese Opposition Leader Invited for Peace Talks Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
As tensions rise between China and Taiwan, Xi Jinping extends an olive branch to the Nationalist Party leader, inviting her to discuss cross-strait relations before the high-stakes Trump-Xi meeting.
In a surprise move, Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended an invitation to Cheng Li-wun, the leader of Taiwan's Nationalist Party, to visit the mainland and discuss prospects for cross-strait peace. The invitation comes just weeks before a highly anticipated summit between President Trump and President Xi, where the thorny issue of Taiwan is expected to be a key topic of discussion.
Cheng, whose party ruled Taiwan for decades before being ousted by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has long advocated for closer ties with China and a more conciliatory approach to cross-strait relations. Her invitation to visit the mainland is seen by many as a strategic olive branch from Beijing, aimed at shoring up support from Taiwan's political opposition ahead of the Trump-Xi summit.
The move comes at a time of heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, with the DPP government under President Tsai Ing-wen taking a more assertive stance on the island's de facto independence. Beijing has responded with a series of military exercises and economic pressure, fueling concerns of a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
In a statement, the Chinese government said the invitation to Cheng is part of its efforts to
Source: The New York Times
