On April 9, Cheng Li-wun entered the Great Hall of the People anticipating a discussion. Instead, Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping delivered a firm boundary, stating that China will “absolutely not tolerate” any form of Taiwan independence. This exchange, reported by state-run Xinhua, left no room for interpretation.
The encounter marked the first meeting between Xi and a Kuomintang chairperson in a decade. No joint statement was issued following the discussions, and no direct comments from Cheng were made public by Chinese media.
The KMT has historically positioned itself as a conduit between Taiwan and mainland China. The party governed Taiwan until 2000 and again from 2008 to 2016. Under former President Ma Ying-jeou, the KMT promoted economic and cultural exchanges with the mainland. Xi’s previous meeting with a KMT chairperson, Eric Chu, took place in 2015 during this period of relatively warmer relations.
The current political landscape differs significantly. Taiwan’s presidency and legislature are now controlled by the Democratic Progressive Party, which advocates for formal independence.
Beijing has repeatedly stated it will use military force to prevent such a scenario. The KMT, as the opposition party, finds itself navigating between maintaining historical ties with the mainland and avoiding perceptions of compromising Taiwan’s interests. Xi’s warning appeared directed not solely at the DPP but also at the KMT.
The phrase “absolutely not tolerate” is language Beijing reserves for its most critical red lines. This development places the KMT in a difficult position regarding its relationship with Beijing and whether it can maintain that connection without becoming a conduit for threats.
The timing carries significance as Taiwan’s next presidential election approaches in 2024. The KMT has not won the presidency since 2008 and is seeking a platform that appeals to voters who have either shifted toward the DPP or grown skeptical of closer mainland ties. A meeting where Xi warns against independence does not support that electoral effort.
On the mainland, this meeting reinforces Xi’s authority over Taiwan policy. Xi holds three titles: CCP general secretary, chairman of the Central Military Commission, and paramount leader.
This final title gives him command over both the party and the People’s Liberation Army, meaning his statements on Taiwan carry military weight. Taiwanese businesses operating in China monitor these meetings closely. Deteriorating cross-strait relations can lead to tighter regulations, slower customs processing, or frozen investment approvals.
The KMT has traditionally been the party Taiwanese business owners trusted to maintain open channels, but that trust now faces strain. Beijing’s position remains unambiguous: independence is not an option, with no exceptions and no tolerance.
Cheng departed without issuing a public statement, leaving the KMT to determine its next steps regarding both its supporters and Beijing.
