Xi Jinping met with Cheng Li-wun at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where the Chinese leader emphasized that the contemporary world is not entirely peaceful and that peace is precious. Cheng, who is on a mission she calls a peace mission in China, seeks to reduce tensions at a time when Beijing has increased military pressure on the island it considers its territory.
During the meeting, Xi stressed that compatriots on both sides of the strait are all Chinese, belonging to one family that desires peace, development, exchange, and cooperation.
According to Taiwanese television stations, he conveyed that this is the common voice of the people and that leaders of the two parties meet to protect the peace and stability of the common homeland, promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and enable future generations to share a bright and beautiful future.
Xi stated that based on the common political foundation of opposing Taiwan independence, China is willing to strengthen exchanges and dialogue with various political parties, including the Kuomintang, and firmly keep the future of cross-strait relations in the hands of the Chinese people themselves.
Cheng Li-wun expressed hope that, through the efforts of both parties, the Taiwan Strait will no longer be a hotspot for potential conflict and will certainly not become a "chessboard for external interference." She added that both sides of the strait should further plan and build institutionalized and sustainable mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation.
The United States is cited as Taiwan's most important international ally and arms supplier, despite the absence of official diplomatic relations. Beijing has repeatedly demanded that Washington cease arming Taipei, while the U.S. has supported the Taiwanese government's plans to increase defense spending.