BEIJING: Remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his meeting with Kuomintang (KMT) leader Cheng Li-wun on his willingness in working with all political parties in Taiwan to advance cross-strait ties reflect an attempt to widen Beijing’s outreach, say analysts, though they also point out the hurdles.

Observers say the overture remains bound by longstanding red lines including the rejection of Taiwanese independence and adherence to the “1992 Consensus”, an understanding that both sides acknowledge there is “one China” while leaving room for different interpretations of what that means. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has long rejected this framework.

Analysts also say the outreach comes alongside continued military pressure by China over Taiwan, limiting prospects for a breakthrough.

Cheng is the party's first leader to visit China in a decade, but her trip, which began on Tuesday (Apr 7) and culminated with the meeting with Xi on Friday morning, has sparked debate in Taiwan with critics accusing her of being too pro-Beijing.

The last sitting KMT chair to visit the mainland was Hung Hsiu-chu in 2016. Beijing severed high-level contact with Taipei in 2016 after Tsai Ing-wen of the DPP won the presidency.

In his meeting with Cheng, Xi said he is willing to work with all political parties, and people from all sectors in Taiwan “on the common political foundation of the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence” - to promote peace and exchanges across the Strait.

Xi also told the visiting delegation he had "full confidence" that Taiwanese and Chinese people would be united, saying both sides of the strait belong to “one China”, according ⁠to a separate state media read out.

“When the family is harmonious, all things will prosper,” he said, adding that “Taiwan independence is the chief culprit in undermining peace ​in the Taiwan Strait”.

“We will absolutely not to...