Cheng Li-wun, the chairwoman of Taiwan's Nationalist Party (KMT), recently visited China, marking the first such visit in a decade. This trip occurs during a period of heightened territorial claims by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over Taiwan. Historically, the KMT and CCP were allies before their split and subsequent civil war in the early 20th century. The KMT retreated to Taiwan after the CCP established the People's Republic of China in 1949, leading to decades of tension. Cheng's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping included discussions on cross-strait relations, with Xi reiterating China's claims over Taiwan. Cheng emphasized the importance of peace in Taiwan's political discourse, indirectly targeting the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which the CCP labels as 'separatists.' Despite the KMT's attempts to strengthen ties with China, surveys indicate that only 13.9% of Taiwanese support unification, while a majority favor independence. The KMT's internal divisions and the DPP's current majority in government complicate the KMT's political strategy. The timing of Cheng's visit is significant as Taiwan debates a substantial defense budget, highlighting the ongoing tensions in cross-strait relations and the implications for U.S.-China dynamics.