China12 April, 20262 min read
China Unveils 10-Point Plan to Boost Taiwan Ties After KMT Leader's Visit
Beijing unveiled a 10-point package to boost cross-strait ties after Cheng Li-wun's Beijing visit. Direct flights and expanded exchanges, including air links and aquaculture product imports, were promised.
China's 10-Point Taiwan Plan
China unveiled a 10-point plan to boost ties with Taiwan following a rare visit by Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun. The plan includes resuming individual travel for residents of Shanghai and Fujian, full resumption of direct flights, and allowing Taiwanese dramas to be broadcast. China proposed facilitating the import of Taiwanese agricultural products on the political foundation of opposing Taiwanese independence.
KMT Vice Chairman Chang Jung-kung said the measures were highly welcome. Taiwan's Cabinet dismissed the proposals as a tool of coercion. The announcement came two days after Cheng's meeting with President Xi Jinping.
Diverging Reactions in Taiwan
Taiwan's government response was sharply critical, calling the measures a tool of coercion. The Mainland Affairs Council said Beijing was trying to sideline Taiwan's democratically-elected government. Opposition responses ranged from cautious optimism to outright welcome.
KMT Vice Chairperson Chang Jung-kung welcomed the measures as an expression of goodwill. In Kinmen, the deputy county magistrate urged careful assessment of the proposals.
Xi and Cheng's Historic Meeting
The announcement followed Cheng Li-wun's historic meeting with Xi Jinping, the first high-level engagement in a decade. Xi emphasized adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence. He warned that differences in social systems should not be used as a basis for division.
Cheng echoed the importance of common identity, stating that people on both sides are one family. Xi called for enhancing the well-being of the people on both sides through exchanges and integration. The meeting was attended by senior Chinese officials including Wang Huning and Cai Qi.
Context of Deteriorating Ties
Cross-strait ties began their sharpest decline in 2016 after Tsai Ing-wen was elected. Beijing cut off most official dialogue and initiated daily military incursions. Economic pressure followed, including a 2019 ban on tourist travel and a 2021 ban on pineapple imports.
The bans were justified as food safety measures but widely seen as political coercion. Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture sought clarification but China responded with a narrow list of approved companies. The timing of the announcement came amid shifting regional dynamics including the Iran war.
