Beijing - The meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cheng Li-wun, chair of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT), has ignited concerns over the erosion of Taiwanese sovereignty and the right to self-determination, particularly in light of China's escalating military assertiveness.

Xi's declaration that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese and desire peace is viewed by many in Taiwan as a thinly veiled attempt to undermine the island's distinct identity and legitimate aspirations for independence. Cheng's visit, the first high-level contact in a decade, has been criticized for potentially legitimizing China's claims over Taiwan and undermining the democratic will of the Taiwanese people.

Cheng's statement that identifying as Chinese is “very natural” is particularly troubling, given that polls show a clear majority of Taiwanese citizens identify primarily as Taiwanese. This divergence highlights a growing disconnect between the KMT's pro-China stance and the evolving national identity of Taiwan.

The meeting occurs against the backdrop of increased Chinese military activity in the region, including simulated blockades, which are widely seen as coercive tactics aimed at intimidating Taiwan and forcing it into submission. China's refusal to rule out the use of force further underscores the threat to Taiwan's sovereignty and the need for international solidarity in defending its democratic values.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has won the last three presidential elections in Taiwan, advocates for the island's sovereignty and has resisted Beijing's pressure to accept unification. The CCP's animosity towards DPP leader and current President Lai Ching-te reflects its broader strategy of isolating and undermining Taiwan's democratically elected government.

Cheng's visit and her call for Taiwan to become a symbol of peace jointly safeguarded by Chinese people are seen by many as a capitulation to Beijing's narrative and a betrayal of Taiwan's interests. Critics argue that her approach ignores the fundamental asymmetry of power between China and Taiwan and risks sacrificing Taiwan's autonomy in the pursuit of illusory peace.

The historical context of the KMT's defeat by the CCP in 1949 and its subsequent flight to Taiwan is crucial to understanding the complex dynamics at play. The CCP's long-standing claim over Taiwan stems from its victory in the Chinese Civil War, a claim that is contested by the Taiwanese people and many in the international community.