Zheng-Xi Meeting: Chinese Scholar Says Talks Emphasized Common Ground on Chinese Nation

The "Zheng-Xi Meeting" was held at the East Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 11 AM today. Bao Cheng-ke, a researcher at the Shanghai Institute for Taiwan Studies, told CNA on April 10 that Zheng Li-wen's visit to mainland China marks the first time a KMT chairman has visited in 10 years, and given the tense cross-strait relations, there was anticipation for the meeting between Xi and Zheng. Both sides indeed showed friendly dialogue on the political basis of the "1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence." He said that from the public statements of both sides, there was tacit understanding and common ground in their talks, including emphasizing the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, and peaceful development. Xi Jinping also stressed two "unchanging" aspects: "The general trend of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will not change, and the great trend of compatriots across the Taiwan Strait drawing closer and coming together will not change." Bao Cheng-ke believes that Xi Jinping's remarks were also a response to Zheng Li-wen's speech at Nanjing's Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, discussing cross-strait issues from a broader "Chinese perspective." This meeting, in addition to Xi Jinping, also included Central Political Bureau Standing Committee members Wang Huning and Cai Qi, which is considered a high-level reception, demonstrating the importance attached to the KMT's visit. He mentioned that the participation of Zheng Shajie, Director of China's National Development and Reform Commission, in this meeting was a unique aspect. Zheng Shajie is part of the government system, and it is speculated that the reason for his participation was to find an entry point for practical cross-strait economic issues, considering policy directions such as cross-strait economic development, financial cooperation, and the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Bao Cheng-ke stated that this meeting outlined a vision for peaceful development, and Xi Jinping also talked about "more consultations when there are issues"; however, given the KMT's current position to assume responsibility, how cross-strait issues will be discussed in the future still depends on whether the KMT can gain a better speaking position, as the KMT is currently an opposition party and its capabilities are limited. Ni Yongjie, Director of the Shanghai Institute for Taiwan Studies, previously told CNA that Zheng Li-wen's visit to mainland China at this time was the correct choice, expressing her desire for peace and expectations for stable development of cross-strait relations. Her ability to visit was also based on the "1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence," hoping to achieve the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." Ni Yongjie pointed out that in the current tense and turbulent situation in the Taiwan Strait, the significance of Zheng Li-wen leading a delegation to visit mainland China is that the KMT is a stable force and a force for dialogue, which can promote the positive development of cross-strait relations and prevent them from heading towards the brink. (Editor: Yang Shengru) 2026-04-10