CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping met with KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen on Friday. After the meeting, Cheng Li-wen held a press conference for both Chinese and foreign journalists, during which she shared that the first dish at the luncheon with Xi Jinping was a Fujian dish, 'Chicken Soup with Sea Clams', which was once served during a state banquet for former U.S. President Nixon.
At the same time, Xi Jinping also showed concern during the meal for former President Ma Ying-jeou and former KMT Chairman Lien Chan’s health conditions, and asked Cheng Li-wen to convey his regards to both of them. Cheng Li-wen expressed that Xi Jinping made them feel very warm and friendly.
According to a report by ETtoday, during the afternoon press conference, when Cheng Li-wen was asked about the most memorable part of the 'Xi-Zheng Meeting,' she said with a smile, “The most memorable was our first dish, because General Secretary Xi especially mentioned that this is a Fujian dish, specifically a sea clam from Fujian.” This dish was one of those served at the state banquet for Nixon; Xi Jinping also shared with Cheng Li-wen that there were two Fujian dishes at that banquet, and one of them was chicken soup with sea clams.
During the luncheon, Xi Jinping specifically asked about Cheng Li-wen’s health and whether she was adapting well while in the mainland, as well as asking her to convey his regards to Lien Chan and Ma Ying-jeou, and reminiscing about some details of the Ma-Xi meeting in Singapore. Cheng Li-wen said that Xi Jinping made the visiting delegation feel very welcomed.
Other attendees at the luncheon included Zheng Shanjie, Director of the Mainland’s National Development and Reform Commission. Cheng Li-wen also discussed whether there is potential for cross-strait cooperation in industries, and both sides talked about topics concerning Taiwan’s industries. Cheng Li-wen said: “General Secretary Xi especially cares about agricultural and fishery products, mentioning that all of Taiwan’s agricultural and fishery products can be imported into the mainland.”
Additionally, Cheng Li-wen mentioned that they also talked about her Yi ethnic heritage, and about the current situation of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. The overall exchange was very pleasant and harmonious.
When asked about the results of the talks at the press conference, Cheng Li-wen responded: “I think the most important thing is that what I hope to bring back to Taiwan is a message of peace—clear, not ambiguous, resolute, and a hope that will endure in the long run.”