Taiwan Opposition Leader Visits China as Warships Close In

Taiwan’s biggest opposition party KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday for what she called a “historic journey for peace,” marking the first such visit by a party leader in 10 years.

She later traveled to Nanjing with China’s Taiwan Affairs Office head Song Tao, where they “chatted cordially like friends,” the party said.

“If you truly love Taiwan,” Cheng said, “you will seize even the slightest chance” to avoid war, adding she hoped to make “the most dangerous place in the world” safer.

Beijing has not confirmed a meeting with Xi Jinping, though Cheng is due in Beijing from Thursday.

In Taipei, President Lai Ching-te reiterated openness to talks but stressed sovereignty. “Equality and dignity are extremely important,” he said, adding Taiwan “is not a part of the People’s Republic of China.”

China continues to refuse engagement with Lai, labeling him a “separatist.” The visit comes as Taiwan’s opposition-led parliament blocks a $40 billion defense spending plan, reflecting internal constraints on military preparedness.

Taiwan officials reported Chinese naval deployments of at least 5 warships positioned around the island - 2 east, and 1 each to the north, northwest, and southwest. Authorities described the environment as a “Taiwan cage,” highlighting encirclement concerns.

On March 27, Reuters reported China had stationed over 200 converted J-6 fighter jets as attack drones near the Taiwan Strait. Analysts assess these systems could overwhelm defenses by forcing Taiwan to expend costly interceptors against low-cost platforms.

The United States is preparing a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, including PAC-3 and NASAMS air-defense systems, with an additional $6 billion under consideration.

Timing may align with U.S. president Donald Trump’s planned Beijing visit later in March, where Taiwan is expected to be a key issue.

China has also framed reunification as a solution to Taiwan’s energy vulnerabilities, particularly amid Middle East-related supply concerns.