Xi Jinping Emphasizes Unity Across Taiwan Strait for Future Relations

Strengthening Ties Across the Taiwan Strait

Recently, a pivotal meeting took place between Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, and Cheng Li-wun, leader of the Kuomintang (KMT). This significant engagement in Beijing aimed to bolster relationships across the Taiwan Strait, underscoring the notion that both sides belong to a shared identity and are part of one family.

Throughout the discussions, key phrases such as "common homeland," "one family," and "peace" were frequently echoed. Both leaders stressed that the people on either side of the Taiwan Strait are inherently linked, sharing common aspirations for peace, connection, and a prosperous future. Xi reinforced that the responsibility to strengthen these bonds rests equally on the KMT and the Communist Party, a sentiment that will drive collaborative efforts toward mutual progress.

Cheng’s visit marked a historic moment, as he was the first KMT chairman to lead a delegation to mainland China in the past decade. Prior to arriving in Beijing, Cheng and his delegation toured Jiangsu Province and Shanghai, setting the stage for meaningful exchanges.

Proposals for Unity

During the meeting, Xi put forth four recommendations aimed at fostering enhanced relations between both sides of the Strait. These include:

1. Establishing Closer Connections: Encouraging more frequent interactions and engagements between the two sides.
2. Protecting our Common Homeland: Firmly rooting the goal of national reunification in the collective understanding that both regions belong to one country.
3. Promoting Prosperity through Integration: Encouraging trade and cultural exchanges to improve the living standards and well-being of people from both sides.
4. Collaborative Efforts for National Revival: Working jointly towards the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Xi emphasized that acknowledging the historical context—that both sides belong to one China—is crucial for protecting the collective interests of the people across the Strait. He delineated that over the past year, both sides have collectively rejected separatism and external interference in Taiwan's independence, asserting a united front against forces that undermine peaceful relations.

Enhancing Exchanges and Cooperation

In addition to political discussions, there have been substantial efforts to enhance exchanges and collaboration. The Cross-Strait CEO Summit held in 2025 brought together around 800 delegates from both mainland China and Taiwan to explore industrial transformation and innovation, establishing a platform for cross-Strait industrial collaboration.

Policies supporting these initiatives have been launched, including a waiver of fees for Taiwanese residents applying for mainland travel permits. This move resulted in increased accessibility, with over five million visits recorded in 2025—a significant high over the past six years.

As Cheng highlighted, recognizing that citizens on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese, it becomes imperative to foster peaceful and cooperative advancements. The vision for a brighter future hinges on collective understanding and effort, leading to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Upholding the 1992 Consensus

During the recent negotiations, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the 1992 Consensus, which serves as a political foundation for maintaining stability across the Strait. This consensus is predicated on the understanding that both sides belong to one China, steering clear of the notion of two separate states, commonly referred to as “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.”

The discussions underscored the necessity of this consensus as the backbone for dialogue and collaboration while retaining the potential for peaceful development.

Xu Xiaoquan, a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, noted that Cheng’s visit reflects a prevailing wish among Taiwanese residents for deeper engagement and cooperation. He remarked on the alignment of peaceful development trajectories with broader historical trends and societal sentiments, indicating that principled dialogue remains a viable path forward.

In conclusion, Xi voiced a warm welcome for any proposals that contribute to positive developments across the Taiwan Strait. He firmly stated that the secessionist agenda of “Taiwan independence” poses a significant threat to regional peace and stability. The commitment to promote amicable relations and mutual prosperity continues as both sides work towards a shared, harmonious future.