The Chinese mainland has expressed openness to strengthening political dialogue with the Kuomintang (KMT) following conciliatory remarks by the party's newly elected leader, Cheng Li-wun. State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian stated Wednesday that cross-strait relations could advance through adherence to the 1992 Consensus and mutual opposition to 'Taiwan independence.'
This response comes after Cheng, elected KMT chairperson on Saturday, signaled willingness to visit the mainland to promote peace initiatives. 'The mainstream public opinion in Taiwan calls for stability and cooperation,' Zhu emphasized, highlighting plans to deepen economic integration and expand opportunities for residents of Taiwan.
The spokesperson outlined upcoming policy directions during a briefing coinciding with preparations for the CPC Central Committee's 20th Fourth Plenum. Key priorities include refining cross-strait economic systems, ensuring equal treatment for Taiwan enterprises, and creating development pathways for young professionals from the island.
Zhu reaffirmed commitments to 'peaceful reunification' through economic collaboration, noting that over 3,000 Taiwan-funded projects were established in the mainland last year. Recent measures include streamlined business registration processes and expanded tax incentives for cross-strait tech partnerships.
Analysts suggest this overture aligns with Beijing's broader strategy to strengthen people-to-people ties while maintaining political red lines. The KMT's historical role in cross-strait negotiations adds significance to Cheng's leadership transition, though observers note challenges in balancing mainland relations with Taiwan's domestic political landscape.
