Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, accompanied by a dozen party officials, began her trip to China today. She flew this morning from Taipei to Shanghai, where she was greeted at the airport by the director of mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office and members of his staff. The group took a high-speed train to Nanjing, where they were treated to a welcome banquet hosted by the city’s top Communist Party of China official. Cheng also met with the party official in charge of the province (Jiangsu) Tuesday night.
In her speech to the welcome banquet, Cheng said that her visit has four significant meanings:
First, she said that the trip shows that political differences do not inevitably lead to conflict. The two sides of the strait will not head toward the war that the international community fears, she said. “We will jointly demonstrate that the two sides have the capability, determination, and wisdom to peacefully resolve all issues, making our contribution to regional security and stability.”
Second, she said that adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwanese independence laid the foundations for useful exchange and dialogue.
