KMT Leader's Summit with China's Xi Jinping: What It Means for Cross-Strait Ties
A rare visit by Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chair to China is raising questions about cross-strait dynamics at a critical moment. Framed as a “peace visit,” the trip comes as Beijing seeks to shape public opinion in Taiwan and signal alternative pathways to engagement—just as Washington weighs arms sales and Taipei debates a major defense budget. With the Trump–Xi summit delayed, could this meeting serve as a backchannel in the US–China–Taiwan triangle? And what does it mean for Taiwan’s domestic politics? In this episode, we examine the timing and strategy behind the visit, Beijing’s messaging, and how it could influence Taiwan’s security debate and electoral landscape. *Recorded on April 9, 2026 at 2pm Taiwan Standard Time Host: Wen-Ti Sung Producer: Chinyeh Chiang Our guests: Courtney Donovan Smith - Political analyst specializing in Taiwanese Politics and geopolitics Yang Kuang-shun - US Taiwan Watch Cofounder
