Taiwan’s opposition leader Cheng Li-wun is promoting peace talks with China, saying that her party is committed to the defense of the self-ruled island but that peace is possible by taking permanent secession off the table.

US-Taiwan Relations

Cheng met with US lawmakers and scholars during a trip to Washington, where she emphasized the importance of dialogue with Beijing. She said that her party, the Kuomintang, shares common ground with President Donald Trump, who has stated that he is not looking to have somebody go independent or fight a war thousands of miles away.

Cheng’s visit comes at a time of rising uncertainty in US-Taiwan relations, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping warning of a possible clash if the US does not properly handle the issue of Taiwan. The US has pledged to better arm Taiwan, with Congress giving preliminary approval to a $14 billion arms sales package.

Dialogue with Beijing

Cheng has been promoting dialogue with Beijing, saying that it is necessary for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. She met with Xi in Beijing in April and has been promoting her party’s approach to the Taiwan Strait during her two-week trip to the US.

The Taiwanese government has pointed out Beijing’s increasingly bellicose behavior in the Taiwan Strait, including regular military operations around Taiwan in the past several years. The US recognizes Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China but opposes any use of force in altering the status quo.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.