Once pro-independence, Taiwan opposition leader leans into China

Cheng Li-wun, the chairperson of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party, is embarking on a significant diplomatic journey. Once a vocal advocate for Taiwan's independence, Cheng, now 56, is leading a delegation to China, marking the first such visit by a sitting KMT chairperson since 2016. This shift in stance has transformed her from a fiery independence campaigner into a self-proclaimed peace builder with China.

Cheng's journey to Beijing comes as she hopes to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The former talk show host and legislator has been a prominent figure in Taiwanese politics since her unexpected rise to the top of the KMT in November. The KMT, which has historically advocated for closer economic ties and cultural exchanges with Beijing, now finds itself at the forefront of a delicate balancing act between maintaining relations with China and upholding its democratic values.

Cheng's decision to lead the delegation has not been without controversy. Critics, both within and outside the KMT, have accused her of being overly pro-China. The Chinese government claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to annex it. Some within the KMT fear that Cheng's rhetoric, which often aligns with Beijing's positions, could alienate moderate voters in upcoming local elections and the presidential race in 2028. This could also strain relations with the United States, Taiwan's most significant security ally.

Despite the criticisms, Cheng remains optimistic about the potential impact of her meeting with Xi Jinping. She believes that such talks would carry "significant symbolic meaning" and could serve as a "foundation" for peaceful relations across the Taiwan Strait. "I do not believe a single meeting can resolve all the issues that have been accumulating for nearly a century," Cheng said. "But I hope I can successfully build such a bridge."

Cheng's background in a "military dependents' village" for KMT forces and their families has shaped her political outlook. Growing up in such an environment, she has long been aware of the complexities of Taiwan's relationship with China. Her journey from an independence campaigner to a peace builder reflects a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Taiwan Strait.

As Cheng prepares for her meeting with Xi Jinping, the stakes are high. The visit could either pave the way for improved relations or further exacerbate tensions. Taiwan's democratic institutions and its relationship with the United States will be closely watched as Cheng seeks to navigate this delicate diplomatic landscape. The outcome of her visit will undoubtedly have implications for Taiwan's future and its place in the broader Asia-Pacific region.