China engages with Taiwan opposition

Chinese Communist Party officials hosted a forum with members of Taiwan’s Kuomintang party in Beijing on February 3, marking the first formal talks between the two sides in nine years. The dialogue, called “Prospects for Cross-Strait Exchange and Cooperation,” focused on improving China-Taiwan relations through industrial cooperation, tourism and joint environmental efforts. The talks will likely be followed up by a landmark meeting later this year between Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping and Kuomintang party chief Cheng Li-wun. Though Kuomintang legislators have not ruled Taiwan for a decade, they remain a potent political force and staunchly oppose military conflict with China. Many Taiwanese voters support this policy, partly due to increasing doubts of United States’ support of Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Trumpet maintains that America’s lack of resolve will cause the Chinese Communist Party, whether through Taiwanese capitulation or war, to conquer Taiwan.