Taiwan opposition leader heads to US for two-week visit

The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), Cheng Li-wun, on Monday heads to the United States for a two-week visit.

The trip comes two months after her visit to China, where she met with President Xi Jinping and spoke of there being a need for work to "promote reconciliation across the Strait and create regional prosperity and peace."

China views Taiwan, which is governed independently, as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force in taking it back.

Cheng likely to face some tough questions

With the US being Taiwan's primary military supporter, Cheng is likely to be questioned on her role in blocking a Taiwanese government plan to spend nearly $40 billion (€34 billion) on weapons, including US arms.

On the question of her willingness to meet with US President Donald Trump, Cheng told a press conference: "I am of course very willing."

She said she was prepared to meet with anyone who is "conducive to peace" and who has a strong position of authority, much like her meeting with China's leader.

"The same applies to President Trump. Anything that is helpful to peace, I am willing to do; anyone who is helpful to peace, I am willing to meet — let alone the most critical decision-maker and leader, which is the president of the United States," Cheng was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency.

What else is expected during Cheng's visit

Cheng is expected to visit San Francisco, Boston, New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

According to her trip itinerary, there are plans for her to meet with US lawmakers, government officials, as well as various think tanks and supporters.

Ahead of her visit, Cheng said she was hopeful her party can play a key role in regional peace efforts and "gain deeper trust from the US."

Edited by: Natalie Muller