TAIPEI — A delegation from Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) concluded a three-day forum with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Beijing on , echoing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on “national rejuvenation.” The meetings, led by KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen, took place as concerns grow regarding the future of Taipei’s defense budget and the broader geopolitical landscape surrounding Taiwan.
The KMT’s engagement with the CCP comes at a sensitive time, following President Xi’s declaration in December 2025 that reunification with Taiwan is “unstoppable.” While the specifics of the discussions remain largely undisclosed, the KMT officials’ alignment with the “national rejuvenation” narrative signals a potential shift in cross-strait dialogue. This narrative, frequently employed by the CCP, frames the eventual integration of Taiwan as a necessary step in China’s historical progression.
The forum occurred amidst heightened scrutiny of China’s military capabilities and intentions towards Taiwan. According to information gathered during a Chinese military drill at the end of 2025, nearly 20,000 pieces of disinformation were identified as being linked to the exercise. This suggests a concerted effort by China to influence perceptions surrounding Taiwan, both domestically and internationally.
The timing of the KMT’s visit also coincides with ongoing debate surrounding Taiwan’s defense spending. The USCC report from November 2025 notes cuts to the 2025 defense budget, even after those cuts, the budget remains substantial. This underscores the complex balancing act Taiwan faces in maintaining its security posture while navigating its relationship with China.
The implications of the KMT’s engagement with the CCP extend beyond the immediate political sphere. The meetings could influence public opinion within Taiwan, potentially shaping the island’s future trajectory. The KMT’s willingness to engage with the CCP, and to seemingly adopt its framing of cross-strait relations, may resonate with segments of the Taiwanese population who favor closer ties with the mainland.
the forum highlights the ongoing information warfare surrounding Taiwan. As noted by journalists Chris Horton and Wen Liu, China is engaged in an unprecedented propaganda campaign aimed at convincing the world that Taiwan is not a sovereign nation. This campaign seeks to reshape international media language and exploit existing geopolitical divisions.
The discussions also touch upon Taiwan’s complex identity, moving beyond simplistic characterizations of it as merely a “chip superpower” or a “weak victim.” The island’s hard-won democratization and the United States’ often contradictory role in the region are key factors in understanding the dynamics at play.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remains on standby, with China asserting its certainty of victory in any potential conflict over Taiwan. This assertion, as reported by CGTN, underscores the military dimension of the Taiwan question and the potential for escalation. The PLA’s readiness, coupled with the disinformation campaign, creates a volatile environment.
The KMT’s visit to Beijing also occurs against a backdrop of increasing calls for impeachment within the United States, as reported by CGTN. While the specific reasons for these calls are not detailed, they suggest growing domestic political pressures related to US policy towards Taiwan and China.
The AEI’s China & Taiwan Update from November 21, 2025, supports the ISW–AEI Coalition Defense of Taiwan project, which assesses Chinese campaigns against Taiwan and examines alternative scenarios. This ongoing assessment highlights the continued strategic importance of Taiwan and the need for careful monitoring of China’s actions.
The situation is further complicated by the sheer scale of any potential military operation. As highlighted in a recent analysis, “taking” Taiwan would require the largest amphibious invasion in human history, a feat many experts consider highly challenging. This logistical hurdle, combined with Taiwan’s defensive capabilities and potential international intervention, makes a successful invasion far from guaranteed.
The KMT’s forum with the CCP represents a significant development in the ongoing saga of cross-strait relations. While the long-term consequences remain uncertain, the meetings underscore the complex interplay of political, military, and informational factors that shape the future of Taiwan. The emphasis on “national rejuvenation” and the alignment with China’s narrative raise questions about the KMT’s vision for Taiwan’s future and its relationship with the mainland.
