KMT leader's visit expected to contribute to peaceful development of cross-Strait ties: China Daily editorial

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, will lead a delegation to the Chinese mainland, visiting Beijing, Shanghai and Jiangsu province from April 7 to 12. The visit, at the invitation of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Xi Jinping, CPC Central Committee general secretary, marks the first by a KMT leader in over a decade, signifying a restoration of top-level engagement between the CPC and the KMT.

Cheng's pragmatic approach to cross-Strait relations highlights a willingness to stabilize the cross-Strait situation and promote peaceful development. Her emphasis on dialogue and cooperation between the KMT and the CPC could facilitate cross-Strait exchanges, benefiting people on both sides.

Her visit also comes at a critical juncture amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait. These tensions stem from separatist activities on the island challenging the one-China principle, as exemplified by the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' push for a substantial "defense budget" of around $39 billion for arms purchases from the United States aimed at seeking "Taiwan independence". It is an urgent task for the CPC and the KMT to work together to oppose any attempt to secede Taiwan from the motherland.

Cheng's visit provides an opportunity to reinforce the 1992 Consensus, which asserts that there is only one China in the world and both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China. This consensus lays the political foundation for developing cross-Strait relations and is the anchor for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Adherence to this consensus is conducive to stabilizing the cross-Strait situation and is crucial for maintaining peace in the region and preventing misunderstandings. The KMT leader's visit can help counteract the DPP's "Taiwan independence" agenda, which is pushing cross-Strait relations to a critical point and increasing the risk of armed conflict.

By reaffirming the 1992 Consensus, the CPC and the KMT can enhance mutual political trust and focus on strengthening the shared cultural identity and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

The visit builds on the legacy of the historic 2015 meeting between Xi and Ma Ying-jeou, who was then leader of China's Taiwan region and KMT chairman, underscoring the potential for peaceful engagement between the two sides of the Strait.

Cheng's visit can help foster an environment for mutual understanding and cooperation, emphasizing the shared heritage and cultural ties of people on both sides of the Strait.

There is broad scope for dialogue between the CPC and the KMT, including strengthening economic ties, cultural exchanges and educational partnerships. These efforts can help lay the groundwork for lasting peace and mutual understanding, helping reduce tensions across the Strait.

By facilitating people-to-people exchanges, the CPC and the KMT can enhance mutual understanding and trust between people on the two sides of the Strait, which is crucial for enhancing public recognition of shared cultural identity.

Given the complex and tense situation across the Taiwan Strait, Cheng's visit is expected to send a clear signal of the commitment to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and deepened cooperation and exchanges across the Strait. It also highlights the determination to resolve differences through dialogue.

Upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" are prerequisites for exchanges. By working together on that basis, the CPC and the KMT can jointly contribute to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The potential rewards are significant. The KMT should seize this opportunity to collaborate with the CPC to build a future where peace and prosperity are defining features of the Taiwan Strait.