Visit facilitates cross-Strait exchanges

Under the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' rule in the Taiwan region, cross-Strait relations have reached a low point.

In a noteworthy development, Chinese Kuomintang party Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has been invited to lead a delegation and visit Jiangsu province, Shanghai, and Beijing from Tuesday to Sunday, marking a significant event in recent cross-Strait interactions.

Although not an institutionalized engagement, it carries certain political weight and practical implications due to Cheng's role in Taiwan politics and the timing of the trip.

It reflects the efforts across the Strait to maintain communication channels and stabilize relations through dialogue.

The visit is important for the resumption of the cross-Strait party-to-party interactions. Under the DPP's rule in Taiwan, cross-Strait communication channels have continued to shrink.

In this context, a delegation led by the KMT chairwoman elevates the political influence of the exchange.

At a time when cross-Strait relations are facing multiple pressures — from the lack of political mutual trust due to the DPP authorities' secessionist agenda to intensified external interference — this visit reinforces the island's essential needs of engaging in high-level interactions with the mainland, which can truly bring opportunities for Taiwan's economy.

Under the DPP's rule, Taiwan's economy has stalled due to hindrances to cross-Strait economic exchanges and the impact of US tariffs.

Before she embarked on the journey, Cheng clearly stated that opposing "Taiwan independence" and upholding the "1992 Consensus" — principles that the DPP has evaded or even denied — are the political basis for the trip.

Historically, whether it was former KMT chairman Lien Chan's "journey of peace" in 2005 or the development of cross-Strait relations during Ma Ying-jeou's tenure as leader of the Taiwan region from 2008 to 2016, progress was made on this very basis.

Cheng's direct and unequivocal approach in expressing her stance has made the visit distinctive in public discourse both on and off the island.

The visit shows the Chinese mainland is willing to work with various political parties, groups, and individuals in Taiwan to maintain healthy interactions and clarify the boundaries for cross-Strait exchanges — upholding the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence".

The invitation to Cheng and her delegation demonstrates the mainland's sincerity in pursuing peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, preserving space for exchanges while upholding principled positions.

In a broader context, certain external forces, particularly the United States, have consistently interfered in cross-Strait relations.

The Taiwan question is China's internal affair, and the development of cross-Strait relations should be driven by compatriots on both sides of the Strait through dialogue and consultation.

External forces should not be obstacles to cross-Strait exchanges.

Therefore, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait require not only communication between both sides but also stable China-US relations.

The US should manage its relations with China constructively, respect the one-China principle, and refrain from moves that escalate tensions or limit the space for dialogue.

Additionally, some forces on the Taiwan island seek to strike a so-called "balance" between Beijing and Washington. This approach is susceptible to external changes and lacks stability.

Both sides of the Strait belong to one China, and are connected by deep blood and cultural bonds.

They share close economic and social ties, with profound and lasting common interests.

External parties prioritize their own strategic calculations, rather than cross-Strait stability or the wellbeing of Taiwan residents.

For instance, the US aims to transfer 40 percent of Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain capacity to the United States.

And the massive investment of $500 billion is about 80 percent of Taiwan's foreign exchange reserves, equivalent to asking every Taiwan residents to contribute more than $21,000 as a political donation for the Democratic Progressive Party's "relying on foreign forces for independence".

If 40 percent of the semiconductor capacity is transferred to the United States, Taiwan's core industrial advantage will vanish, and the "technology island" will become a "hollow island".

Cheng's visit is a practical step to inject vitality into stagnant cross-Strait relations. It reflects the KMT's realistic efforts to keep party-to-party communication channels open, thereby helping to facilitate dialogue.

While official mechanisms have stalled, Cheng's visit is a courageous move to seek the gradual restoration of interactions between the two sides of the Strait. Such effort aligns with the historical trend of peaceful development of cross-Strait ties.

It is hoped that more cross-Strait exchanges will follow these steps for the benefit of the Taiwan compatriots.

The author is a research fellow at the Institute of Modern History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

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