KMT-CCP think tank exchange set for Feb. 2-4: Sources

Taipei, Jan. 27 (CNA) The Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are scheduled to hold a think tank exchange from Feb. 2-4 with KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) set to lead a delegation to Beijing, KMT sources said Tuesday.

National Policy Foundation Deputy Chairman Lee Hong-yuan (李鴻源) is also expected to attend the event, sources said, adding that Hsiao is scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday to brief the public on the visit.

Speculation had earlier suggested the two sides could revive the KMT-CCP forum in Beijing from Jan. 27-29, after a hiatus of nine years.

However, KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) has since defined the upcoming event as the first think tank exchange rather than a two party forum, KMT sources said.

According to KMT insiders, the Feb. 2-4 exchange will focus on non-political topics, including artificial intelligence, disaster prevention, and low-carbon and sustainable industrial development, in an effort to reduce sensitivity.

Meanwhile, Cheng has previously expressed an interest in visiting China in the first half of this year, prompting speculation about a possible meeting with CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping (習近平).

Party sources said it remains to be seen whether Hsiao's visit will touch on Cheng's potential trip to China or discussions related to a meeting between the two party leaders.