China-Taiwan Opposition Leader Meeting

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan's main opposition party, Republic of China — Kuomintang, visited China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, marking the first such visit in a decade. During their meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and opposed 'Taiwan independence,' with Xi Jinping expressing confidence in the eventual reunification of Taiwanese and Chinese people. Following the visit, China announced the resumption of some ties with Taiwan, including direct flights and imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products, and expressed willingness to establish a long-standing communication mechanism with the Republic of China — Kuomintang. The visit has sparked debate in Taiwan, with critics accusing Cheng Li-wun of being too pro-Beijing. Meanwhile, Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament has stalled the government's attempts to pass a significant defense budget, drawing concern from the United States, Taiwan's primary security backer. China has also continued to ramp up military pressure around Taiwan, deploying a notable increase in naval and coast guard vessels in the region.