TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — KMT Deputy Chair Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) led a delegation that departed for Beijing on Monday to attend a think tank conference jointly organized by the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party.
Speaking to local media at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport ahead of the trip, Hsiao said he was leading a group of 40 experts and scholars to the forum, which runs through Wednesday. He said the visit would focus on professional exchanges aimed at promoting cross-strait peace, per CNA.
Protesters met the delegation at the airport, with some questioning whether the forum was a cover for political coordination between the KMT and the CCP. Addressing concerns the trip could involve political discussions, Hsiao said the focus would remain professional, with participants specializing in areas including tourism, precision machinery, medicine, energy, and disaster prevention.
He said the goal is to facilitate exchanges between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and explore potential consensus and cooperation in various fields. Hsiao added the itinerary includes a banquet hosted by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on Monday and a visit to Tsinghua University on Wednesday.
Asked whether the visit would touch on a possible future meeting between the chairs of the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party, Hsiao said the primary purpose of the trip is to benefit Taiwan’s industries and people. He said the KMT sees its role as communicating the needs of Taiwanese industries, protecting the public, and helping build cross-strait peace.
Asked whether he would meet with Song Tao, director of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, Hsiao said, “We respect the arrangements of our hosts,” adding that details would become clear after Monday night’s banquet.
Hsiao was also questioned about remarks by KMT Chair Cheng Li-wen (鄭麗文), who described China as “family,” comments that sparked public debate. Hsiao said, “Of course, we are family,” while acknowledging political differences between the two sides remain unresolved.
National Policy Foundation Deputy Chair Lee Hong-yuan (李鴻源), a member of the delegation, told local media that most members are not KMT officials but experts, scholars, and leaders of relevant organizations. He said discussions would center on issues including water management, disaster prevention, artificial intelligence, health care, and tourism.
Lee said Taiwan and China each have strengths and weaknesses and that many areas are complementary. He said he hopes the exchange platform will foster positive interaction, support Taiwanese businesses, reduce misunderstandings, and help create a more peaceful atmosphere across the Taiwan Strait.