Image: from Ryan Rozbiani X @RyanRozbiani
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
Friday, April 10, 2026
BEIJING — In a high-stakes meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a stern warning to Taiwan’s opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, stating that Beijing will “absolutely not tolerate” any moves toward Taiwanese independence.
Cheng, the chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), is currently on a “peace mission” to the mainland, a visit intended to de-escalate tensions as China continues to ramp up military maneuvers around the self-governed island.
“One Family” vs. “The Chief Culprit”
Xi utilized familial metaphors during the discussion, emphasizing a “one China” identity while simultaneously labeling the pursuit of independence as the primary threat to regional stability.
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The Family Narrative: “Compatriots on both sides of the strait are all Chinese. people of one family who want peace, development, and cooperation,” Xi said.
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The Ultimatum: He identified “Taiwan independence” as the “chief culprit in undermining peace,” warning that China would not condone separatist activities.
🚨🇨🇳🇹🇼 Historic Peace Trip
Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun lands in China to meet President Xi Jinping, calling it a “journey for peace.” pic.twitter.com/Ubaa3xKGmH
— WAR (@warsurv) April 8, 2026
The “Chessboard” Analogy
Cheng Li-wun responded with a call for reciprocal exchanges and institutionalized mechanisms for dialogue. Notably, she expressed a desire for the Taiwan Strait to stop being a “focal point of potential conflict” and warned against the island becoming a “chessboard for outside forces to intervene in”, a subtle reference to the United States.
The Political Divide in Taipei:
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The KMT (Opposition): Advocates for dialogue with Beijing based on the “1992 Consensus,” seeking to reduce the immediate risk of war through economic and cultural exchange.
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The DPP (Government): Led by President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing has branded a “separatist.” Lai’s administration maintains that Beijing must engage with Taiwan’s democratically elected leaders rather than just opposition figures.
BIG: Chinese President Xi Jinping met Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing:
The leaders of the two parties are meeting today to safeguard the peace and tranquility of our shared home.
To promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.
We are willing,… pic.twitter.com/9UFYsdZ2js
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 10, 2026
The Role of the United States
The meeting occurs against a backdrop of increasing U.S. involvement. Washington remains Taiwan’s most significant international supporter and arms supplier. Recently, the U.S. has:
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Backed Taipei’s plans to significantly increase defense spending.
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Facilitated high-level unofficial diplomatic visits.
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Conducted regular “freedom of navigation” transits through the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing has repeatedly demanded that the U.S. stop arming the island, viewing such support as an interference in its internal affairs.
Historical Context: 1949 to 2026
The rivalry between the KMT and the Communist Party dates back to the Chinese Civil War. After losing to Mao Zedong’s forces in 1949, the KMT-led Republic of China government fled to Taiwan. To this day, no formal peace treaty has ever been signed, and the two governments remain in a state of technical unresolved conflict.
As the 2026 regional security landscape shifts, Cheng’s visit highlights the deep internal division in Taiwan over how to handle its powerful neighbor: through the “deterrence” favored by the current government or the “diplomatic bridge-building” attempted by the KMT.