Beijing/ Taipei
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for advancing “reunification” in a congratulatory message to Cheng Li-wun, the newly elected leader of Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. Cheng, a former lawmaker, will assume KMT leadership on November 1 following Saturday’s vote, held amid heightened tensions with Beijing and allegations of Chinese interference. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting the island is self-governing.
Xi, speaking in his capacity as head of China’s Communist Party, urged Cheng to strengthen the “common political foundation” between the two parties, boost cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, and promote national reunification, according to Xinhua news agency. The KMT traditionally favors closer ties with China and is Beijing’s preferred dialogue partner, whereas Xi’s administration refuses to engage with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), labeling them “separatists.”
In response, Cheng emphasized that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the Chinese nation in an ethnic sense but did not endorse political union with Beijing. She called for continued exchanges to maintain peace and stability across the strait.
The KMT’s leadership election was also overshadowed by accusations of Chinese interference, with former KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shau-kong claiming social media disinformation affected the campaign. While China dismissed these claims, DPP officials cited clear signs of interference. Cheng, 55, won against former Taipei mayor Hau Lung-bin and opposes increasing Taiwan’s defense spending, a key policy of the DPP administration.
