Taiwan’s KMT stresses ‘family’ ties with mainland China as vice-chair begins Beijing visit

Landmark trip draws fierce criticism from Taiwan’s ruling party and reignites debate about the island’s cross-strait strategy

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KMT vice-chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen (centre) speaks to reporters at the airport in Taiwan on Monday before leaving for Beijing. Photo: Handout

Published: 7:30pm, 2 Feb 2026Updated: 9:01pm, 2 Feb 2026

Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) on Monday reaffirmed its view of mainland China as “family” as the party’s vice-chairman departed for talks with counterparts in Beijing.

The trip by Hsiao Hsu-tsen has drawn fierce criticism from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and reignited debate over the island’s cross-strait strategy.

Hsaio, who is leading a 40-member delegation to a think tank forum with the Communist Party of China, said the visit was aimed at creating a more peaceful and prosperous environment for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

In addition to attending Tuesday’s full-day forum, the KMT delegation will visit Tsinghua University on Wednesday before returning to Taiwan the same day, according to Hsiao.

Hsiao is expected to meet Taiwan Affairs Office director Song Tao during the visit, though it remains unclear whether he will also see Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, in line with past practice.

Speaking to reporters at the airport before departure, Hsiao said Tuesday’s forum would focus on “tourism, precision machinery, healthcare, energy and disaster prevention” in an effort to build consensus and promote cooperation.

Taiwan’s KMT stresses ‘family’ ties with mainland China as vice-chair begins Beijing visit

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Landmark trip draws fierce criticism from Taiwan’s ruling party and reignites debate about the island’s cross-strait strategy

Landmark trip draws fierce criticism from Taiwan’s ruling party and reignites debate about the island’s cross-strait strategy