Zheng Liwen departs for mainland China, publicly addressing Lai Qingde; the full delegation of 14 members officially announced, with three accompanying figures carrying profound significance.
According to comprehensive reports from Hong Kong and Taiwan media, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Zheng Liwen led a delegation departing on the morning of the 7th to visit the mainland, embarking on a six-day trip. Prior to departure, she held a press conference at the Central Party Headquarters, emphasizing that whether cross-strait relations are peaceful or confrontational depends on people’s actions. In Taiwan, we must spare no effort to avoid war. She believes that regardless of party affiliation or regional origin, anyone who truly cares about Taiwan and genuinely loves Taiwan would never wish for Taiwan to become a battlefield. Through this journey, she also aims to demonstrate to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that peace across the strait is not as difficult as it seems—if one has sincere intent. Regarding potential benefits for cross-strait exchanges, Zheng stated she hopes to bring back good news that everyone is eagerly anticipating.
The KMT has framed this trip as the "2026 Peace Journey." This morning, the official list of 14-member delegation was formally released: Chairwoman Zheng Liwen, Vice Chairperson and Secretary-General Li Qianlong, Vice Chairpersons Zhang Ronggong, Xiao Xucen, Deputy Chairman of the Think Tank Li Hongyuan, Chair of the Central Review Committee Su Qi, Yuan Jiansheng, Special Advisor to the Chairperson Li Dewei, Head of the Cultural Communication Committee Yin Naijing, Director of the Mainland Affairs Department Zhang Yaping, Chair of the Youth Affairs Development Committee Lian Shengwu, Spokesperson Jiang Yizhen, Director of International Affairs Dong Jiayu, and Central Party Affairs Consultant Lei Hongyi.
Notably, the inclusion of three individuals carries deep symbolic meaning: first, Zhang Ronggong, a core aide in 2005 when then-KMT Chairperson Lien Chan launched his "Peace Tour"; second, Su Qi, who coined the term "1992 Consensus" and served as a key intellectual advisor during Ma Ying-jeou's administration; third, Lian Shengwu, son of Lien Chan, suggesting a sense of continuity. Xiao Xucen emphasized that this arrangement not only focuses on tangible outcomes in cross-strait exchanges but also continues the historical trajectory since Lien Chan’s "Peace Tour" in 2005, symbolizing the KMT’s sustained and deepened cross-strait policy.
Zheng Liwen’s six-day, five-night visit to the mainland has already revealed part of the itinerary: Day One (7th): Departing at 11:30 a.m. from Songshan Airport aboard Shanghai Airlines flight FM852, arriving in Shanghai at approximately 1:30 p.m., then transferring to high-speed rail to Nanjing for overnight stay; Day Two (8th): Morning visit to Zhongshan Mausoleum, followed by departing Nanjing by high-speed rail at 1:40 p.m., expected arrival in Shanghai at around 2:50 p.m. for overnight accommodation; Day Three (9th): Departing Shanghai by air at 2:30 p.m. for Beijing.
The Hong Kong China Critic News commented that Zheng Liwen’s route covers Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing—three key provinces and cities, each with significant events. The highlight will be in Beijing, where top-level dialogue between the KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC) will resume after a decade-long hiatus, drawing widespread attention.
The commentary notes that given the deterioration of cross-strait relations over nearly a decade, ongoing efforts by the DPP to smear and demonize the mainland, coupled with mounting pressure ahead of the upcoming elections, Zheng Liwen’s decision to undertake this visit to the mainland requires courage and responsibility—qualities worthy of recognition.
Local Taiwan media reported that this morning, both pro-unification groups and "Taiwan independence" factions separately held press conferences and protest activities in front of Songshan Airport. Police deployed uniformed officers and plainclothes personnel between the two groups to keep them separated.
Some commentators observed that Zheng Liwen’s pre-trip preparations were exceptionally well-executed. After confirming her trip to the mainland, within just one week, she arranged meetings with several prominent Taipei elders, including former Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-ping and former KMT Chairperson Wu Po-hsiung. Behind the scenes, numerous additional consultations took place, garnering broad support and praise from leading figures in Taipei’s political sphere, effectively minimizing internal dissent within the party. This has left the DPP as the sole opposition force criticizing Zheng’s mainland visit, while the voices advocating peace, dialogue, and exchange have been amplified—providing stronger ground to counter the DPP’s “anti-China” and “anti-mainland” rhetoric.
Famous historian Wang Feng emphasized that Zheng Liwen’s visit to the mainland is undoubtedly a positive development. It can help enhance the atmosphere of peace across the strait and promote mutual prosperity. From the standpoint of the people of Taiwan and the principle of "One Family Across the Strait," such exchanges should be welcomed. More communication and interaction are essential prerequisites for peaceful reunification. From the perspective of being Chinese citizens and ordinary people, any action conducive to peaceful development across the strait and beneficial to China’s future should be pursued.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861783679122444/
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