World does not need a crisis over Taiwan, opposition leader

At a time of international turbulence the world does not need a crisis over Taiwan, the leader of the island's largest opposition party said on Wednesday ahead of a trip to China, adding she is seeking reconciliation.



Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), is travelling to China for six days at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.



China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has ramped up its military and political pressure against the government of President Lai Ching-te, who Beijing views as a "separatist".



He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.



Speaking at a weekly party meeting in Taipei, Cheng said of her trip that Taiwanese people do not want Taiwan to be one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints.



"What we are promoting is peace and reconciliation, including reconciliation between the ruling and opposition parties within Taiwan, and reconciliation and peace across the Taiwan Strait,".