Taiwan's Cheng: Should seek solutions to prevent, avoid war

Taiwan’s opposition leader Cheng Li-wun has called for dialogue with China to prevent conflict, emphasizing the need for peaceful solutions to cross-strait tensions. During a visit to Shanghai, Cheng quoted a World War I poem, stating, “Birds not missiles should fly in the skies,” as a metaphor for the importance of diplomacy over military escalation according to Cheng. Her mission, framed as a bid for peace, comes amid heightened military activity by China, including daily flights of military aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan according to reports.

Cheng, head of the Kuomintang (KMT), has long advocated for a balanced approach to cross-strait relations, arguing that Taiwan should not be forced to choose between China and the United States as she has stated. She believes that dialogue with Beijing is essential to demonstrating that peaceful communication is possible and in the interest of the international community according to her view. Her visit to China, which includes a potential meeting with President Xi Jinping, aims to assess whether Beijing is genuinely committed to resolving differences without force according to reports.

The KMT’s stance contrasts with that of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which favors strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities and maintaining a firm stance against Chinese pressure. The DPP has criticized Cheng’s trip, warning that it could weaken deterrence and align with China’s strategic goals as noted. Meanwhile, China has refused to engage with Taiwan’s current president, Lai Ching-te, whom it labels a “separatist” according to Reuters.

Cheng’s approach reflects a broader debate within Taiwan about how best to manage relations with China. While some argue that engagement is necessary to avoid conflict, others believe that deterrence is the only way to ensure security in the face of growing Chinese military assertiveness as analysis shows. The U.S. has also played a key role in the equation, with its support for Taiwan’s defense complicating China’s strategic calculations according to Stimson Center analysis.

As tensions remain high, the outcome of Cheng’s visit remains uncertain. While it is unlikely to produce immediate policy changes, it highlights the competing visions for Taiwan’s future—one emphasizing dialogue and coexistence, the other focused on deterrence and alignment with U.S. interests according to experts. The balance between these approaches will continue to shape not only Taiwan’s trajectory but also the stability of the broader Asia-Pacific region.