Taiwan’s KMT leader to visit China ahead of expected Trump visit

The head of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), is set to visit China in April following an official invitation, in a move that comes ahead of an anticipated visit by US President Donald Trump to Beijing.

KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, who assumed leadership of the party in October, will travel to China from April 7 to 12, according to statements cited by Chinese media. Her visit is expected to include stops in Beijing, Shanghai, and Jiangsu province.

The trip signals a continuation of the KMT’s approach favoring closer engagement with Beijing, in contrast to the current authorities in Taipei.

Beijing maintains position, engages opposition figures
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has suspended official communication with the current administration in Taipei, led by Lai Ching-te, whom it accuses of promoting separatism.

At the same time, Beijing has continued to receive senior figures from the KMT, reflecting a parallel channel of communication focused on cross-strait engagement.

Cheng welcomed the invitation, expressing hope that the visit would contribute to improving ties.

“We hope this visit marks the beginning of a new phase in relations across the Taiwan Strait,” she said, adding that efforts would be made to promote stability and reduce tensions.

Political divisions deepen in Taipei
The visit comes amid ongoing political tensions within Taiwan, particularly over arms deals and relations with the United States.

Authorities in Taipei are seeking approval for a $40 billion increase in military spending, a move backed by Washington. The KMT has expressed support for strengthening defenses but has called for greater transparency, rejecting what it described as open-ended commitments.

The issue highlights broader divisions between political forces on the island regarding relations with Beijing and reliance on US support.

Visit coincides with broader geopolitical tensions
Cheng’s planned trip also comes ahead of a potential visit by Donald Trump to China in mid-May, which has been delayed due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.

The timing underscores the growing importance of cross-strait relations within the wider context of US-China tensions and shifting regional dynamics.

Relations between Beijing and Taipei remain unresolved since 1949, when the Kuomintang retreated to the island following the Chinese civil war. No formal peace agreement has ever been signed.

A rare high-level meeting between the two sides took place in 2015, when then-KMT leader Ma Ying-jeou met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore.

Taiwan to buy $84.8 bln in US goods
On a related note, last month Taiwan and the United States signed a final agreement under which Washington will cap tariffs on Taiwanese goods at 15%, while Taipei commits to purchasing nearly $84.8 billion worth of US goods by 2029, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.

The agreement marks a significant development in US-Taiwan trade ties and outlines large-scale energy, aviation, and infrastructure purchases over the next five years.

As part of the deal, Taiwan will expand its purchases of key US energy supplies and equipment between 2025 and 2029. “The Taiwan side plans to facilitate a long-term increase in its purchases of important US goods, including $44.4 billion worth of liquefied natural gas and crude oil, $15.2 billion worth of civil aircraft and engines, and $25.2 billion worth of power equipment, power grids, materials, generators, storage facilities, marine equipment, steel-making equipment, and other equipment from 2025 through 2029,” the office said in a statement on Thursday.

The planned $44.4 billion in liquefied natural gas and crude oil purchases underscores the scale of Taiwan LNG imports under the agreement.