Cheng Li-wen Proposes Expanding Taiwan's International Space, Citing Xi Jinping's Positive Response

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen led a delegation to mainland China from April 7th to 12th. This morning, the "Cheng-Xi Meeting" was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, followed by a press conference at the China World Hotel in Beijing this afternoon, where she made the aforementioned statements.

During her meeting with Xi Jinping, Cheng Li-wen put forward five proposals, the fourth of which was "enhancing Taiwan's international activity space through political mutual trust." She stated that Taiwan had previously participated in the World Health Assembly and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in an appropriate manner based on the "1992 Consensus," but later lost these opportunities.

She said that after the rebuilding of political mutual trust across the strait, efforts should be made to facilitate Taiwan's return to the World Health Assembly and the ICAO Assembly, as well as to explore Taiwan's participation in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Assembly. Both sides should also explore Taiwan's accession to the "Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)" and the "Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)."

At the press conference, when asked about Xi Jinping's response, Cheng Li-wen said, "The response was particularly positive."

She stated that Xi Jinping specifically mentioned her proposals and expectations during their conversation, indicating that they could be subject to "comprehensive and active study, cooperation, and facilitation." She believes Xi Jinping clearly conveyed a very positive message and "cares deeply about and values Taiwan's expectations and needs."

In addition, Cheng Li-wen also proposed to Xi Jinping, as part of her five points, to "institutionalize the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and gradually achieve a peace framework."

Responding to related questions at the press conference, she expressed hope that the KMT would win the 2028 election and return to power, stating that "only then can we officially represent the people of Taiwan in an official capacity to truly seek an institutionalized and sustainable cross-strait framework with the mainland."

After the "Cheng-Xi Meeting" commenced on the morning of April 10th, the Kuomintang held a press conference for Chinese and foreign journalists in Beijing that afternoon. KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen (center), Vice Chairmen Chang Jung-kung (left), and Hsiao Hsu-tsen (right) explained matters related to the meeting. Central News Agency reporter Lu Chia-jung photographed in Beijing. During the Cheng-Xi Meeting on the morning of April 10th, Zheng Shanjie, Director of China's National Development and Reform Commission, also participated in the meeting. Cheng Li-wen said she specifically discussed various situations of Taiwan's industries, especially the plight of traditional manufacturing and service industries, to explore more possibilities for future cooperation. Xi Jinping mentioned welcoming Taiwan's agricultural and fishery products into mainland China.

She stated that today's "Cheng-Xi Meeting" was a successful meeting, which "confirmed what I have been saying for the past few months: the only political foundation for cross-strait exchanges and dialogue is adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence." She hopes that all political parties within Taiwan will not use this as a tool for political competition and electoral manipulation, as "this should be above that level, because it is a choice between peace and war."

Cheng Li-wen said at the press conference today that she was representing the KMT at the invitation of Xi Jinping to visit mainland China. Therefore, in her capacity as KMT Chairwoman, she hopes that "after a change in government," she can invite Xi Jinping to visit Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.

Regarding the differences across the strait, Cheng Li-wen said it is a long historical process. During the meeting, Xi Jinping also emphasized the need for patience and perseverance, using the spirit of "the Foolish Old Man who removed the mountains and Jingwei who filled the sea." "Rome wasn't built in a day," but "as long as everyone has a common spiritual connection, speaks well, discusses more, and everything is negotiable," more opportunities for exchange should be increased. (Edited by Chang Shu-ling/Chiu Kuo-chi) 1150410