Inside the Xi-Cheng Closed-Door Lunch: Xi Jinping’s Focus on Ma Ying-jeou and Lien Chan

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Cheng Li-wun, the chairperson of Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT), in Beijing on April 10, 2026. The meeting marked the first interaction in a decade between the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the KMT, Taiwan’s largest opposition party.

The summit followed an official invitation extended by Xi Jinping on March 30, 2026, which was announced via state media. Cheng led a delegation to China from April 7 to April 12, visiting Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing. The delegation included senior KMT officials such as Vice Chair and Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung, and Vice Chairs Chang Jung-kung and Hsiao Hsu-tsen.

Proceedings of the Cheng-Xi Meeting

The engagement began with an on-the-record portion open to the media, where both leaders emphasized peace across the Taiwan Strait and described dialogue and peaceful development as the only viable path forward. Following the public session, the leaders held a closed-door meeting and a luncheon.

According to a Xinhua readout, the meeting was also attended by senior CPC leaders, including Cai Qi and Wang Huning. Reports indicate that Beijing provided Cheng with a higher-profile reception than had been extended to previous KMT leaders.

Following the private sessions, Cheng held a press conference at the China World Hotel in Beijing. During the 40-minute session, she addressed eight questions from international and regional media outlets, including those from the United States, Hong Kong, and across the Taiwan Strait.

Diplomatic Maneuvering and Political Context

During the press conference, Cheng avoided providing direct answers to politically sensitive questions regarding the 1992 Consensus and one China, different interpretations. Instead, she referred to notes containing remarks made by Xi Jinping during their private meeting and luncheon to navigate the inquiries.

The meeting occurred despite internal KMT tensions. Previous reports suggested the summit might not materialize due to a rift between Cheng’s aide, Hsiao Hsu-tsen, and former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou. Ma had previously stated that Hsiao would no longer represent him in future political matters.

Key Discussions and Personnel

Details from the closed-door luncheon indicate that Xi Jinping expressed specific interest in two individuals: Ma Ying-jeou and Len. According to Hsiao Hsu-tsen, Xi conveyed greetings to Ma Ying-jeou and described himself as being quite sentimental regarding these relationships.

The discussions also touched upon the current administration in Taiwan. Reporting indicates that Xi Jinping questioned why President Lai Ching-te has not abandoned the pursuit of Taiwan independence.

The meeting is viewed as a significant diplomatic move by Beijing to increase its influence within Taiwan’s political landscape by engaging directly with the opposition leadership after a ten-year hiatus in party-to-party summits.