"Xi's Historic Meeting with Former Taiwan President Signals Potential Thaw in Relations"

Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing, marking a rare meeting that underscores the historical ties between the two sides. The carefully orchestrated meeting is seen as an attempt by Beijing to exert pressure on Taiwan's incoming administration and highlight the shared cultural roots between the two regions. However, the meeting also reflects the widening political divide across the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing's aggressive posture has driven more Taiwanese away from China. The meeting's value lies primarily in its symbolism, as it is unlikely to result in substantial changes to the status quo in cross-strait relations.