Xi Invites Taiwan’s Opposition Leader to Talk ‘Peace’ Ahead of Trump Summit
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Chinese leader Xi Jinping has invited Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition Nationalist Party, for a rare visit aimed at countering U.S. influence and arms sales to Taiwan.
- The visit is expected to bolster Xi’s argument to President Trump that the U.S. should reduce weapons sales to Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.
- Cheng’s visit signals Beijing’s willingness to engage with some high-level Taiwanese politicians who are open to closer ties with China, promoting a message of peace and cooperation.
- The invitation comes ahead of a planned summit between Xi and Trump in mid-May, serving as a public diplomacy move to demonstrate Taiwanese leaders willing to work with Beijing.
- Cheng has advocated for building closer ties with China to ensure peace and has expressed a desire to meet Xi during her visit to Jiangsu Province, Shanghai, and Beijing.
