BEIJING, (Reuters) — Xi Jinping said China will “absolutely not tolerate” independence for Taiwan, calling it the main threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait and urging efforts toward reunification.
The remarks came during a meeting in Beijing with Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan’s largest opposition party, who is visiting China on what she described as a “peace mission” to ease tensions.
Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said both sides of the strait belong to “one China” and stressed the importance of peace, cooperation, and shared identity. He added that reunification remains a key goal and called for stronger political trust and engagement between the Kuomintang and China’s Communist Party.
China continues to refuse dialogue with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, labeling him a separatist. Taiwan’s government has urged the opposition delegation to press Beijing to stop military and political pressure and instead engage with its democratically elected leadership.
Cheng emphasized the need for stable and mutually beneficial relations, expressing hope for increased dialogue and cooperation. She also said she wished to host Xi in Taiwan in the future and called for the Taiwan Strait not to become a “chessboard for outside forces.”
The United States remains Taiwan’s key international supporter and arms supplier, despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, while Beijing continues to oppose U.S. involvement and military support for the island.
