China's Xi meets Taiwan's ex-leader Ma amid cross-strait tensions

Critics slam opposition KMT politician's tour for playing into Beijing's hands

In this image taken from video by Taiwan's TVBS, Chinese President Xi Jinping at right greets Taiwan's former President Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing on April 10. (TVBS via AP)

THOMPSON CHAU, Contributing writer

April 10, 2024 17:44 JST

Updated on April 10, 2024 19:04 JST

TAIPEI -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwan's controversial former President Ma Ying-jeou met in Beijing on Wednesday, hours before a key U.S.-Japan summit and weeks ahead of the inauguration of a new pro-sovereignty leader in Taipei.

Taiwanese TV broadcast footage of Xi and Ma holding talks. The meeting was also reported by Chinese state media.