On the evening of October 18, 2025, Taiwan’s political landscape shifted as Cheng Li-wun, a reform-minded former lawmaker, clinched victory in the leadership race for the island’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT). The result, announced with little ambiguity, saw Cheng secure 50.2% of the vote, outpacing former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin and four other contenders. With her win, Cheng becomes only the third woman ever to head the KMT, a party with a storied past and a pivotal role in the island’s evolving relationship with China.
Cheng, who is scheduled to assume office on November 1, 2025, steps into her new role at a time of mounting cross-strait tension and domestic debate over Taiwan’s future. According to The Associated Press, her campaign was marked by calls for transformation, promising to turn the KMT from a flock of “sheep” into “lions.” She positioned herself as a reformist and, notably, the only female candidate in the race. Her victory was decisive, reflecting broad support within the party for a new direction.
Yet, the election was anything but routine. Allegations of interference by Beijing loomed over the proceedings, casting a shadow that neither the party nor the broader Taiwanese public could ignore. As Reuters reported, Chinese President Xi Jinping wasted no time in sending a congratulatory message to Cheng, urging efforts to “advance reunification” and calling for the two parties to “strengthen their common political foundation.” Xi’s message, delivered in his capacity as head of the Chinese Communist Party, underscored Beijing’s continued interest in the island’s internal affairs.
Beijing’s overture is significant, given the strained relationship between China and Taiwan’s current ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). President Lai Ching-te, who leads the DPP, has been labeled a “separatist” by Chinese officials, who refuse to engage in dialogue with his administration. In contrast, the KMT has traditionally favored closer ties with China, often serving as Beijing’s preferred interlocutor on the island. Cheng’s own political trajectory—she was once a member of the DPP before joining the KMT—adds a layer of complexity to her stance on cross-strait relations.
During her campaign and in the aftermath of her victory, Cheng was quick to address concerns about Taiwan’s role in the region. In her first news conference as chair-elect, she declared, “We must not let Taiwan become a troublemaker. Second, we must not let Taiwan become the sacrifice of geopolitics.” She emphasized that the KMT would uphold the principles of equality, respect, and mutual benefits in managing external relations. “Our party will also be a peacemaker,” she added, signaling a desire to position the KMT as a stabilizing force amid regional uncertainty.
Despite these reassurances, the specter of Chinese influence in Taiwanese politics remains a point of contention. Over the past week, Jaw Shaw-kong, a prominent KMT figure and supporter of Hau Lung-bin, alleged that China was engaged in organized interference, citing a surge of videos on social media platforms attacking Hau and supporting Cheng. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau chief, Tsai Ming-yen, revealed that authorities had identified over 1,000 videos discussing the election on TikTok, along with 23 YouTube accounts posting related content, more than half of which were based outside Taiwan. However, Tsai did not specify which candidates these videos supported or confirm if they originated from China.
Cheng, for her part, dismissed the allegations as “very cheap labels,” urging politicians to return the island’s politics to rationality. Her stance reflects both a desire to move past divisive accusations and an awareness of the delicate balancing act required in Taiwanese politics, where issues of identity, sovereignty, and security are never far from the surface.
The KMT’s influence in Taiwan remains substantial, despite its recent setbacks at the polls. The party has lost three consecutive presidential elections to the DPP but retains enough seats to form a majority bloc with its allies in the legislature. This legislative strength was demonstrated earlier this year, when the KMT survived two recall elections triggered by concerns over changes that were seen as diminishing the executive’s power and favoring China. As The Associated Press noted, the KMT’s continued relevance ensures that its leadership transition will have far-reaching implications for both domestic and international policy.
Cheng’s victory speech struck a unifying note. “The ending of elections is the beginning of unity,” she proclaimed, adding, “We will not just unite KMT, but also all of Taiwan.” Her words echoed a broader appeal to bridge divides within the party and the country, a task that will test her leadership in the months ahead.
One of Cheng’s most notable policy positions is her opposition to President Lai’s proposal to raise Taiwan’s defense budget to 5% of gross domestic product. This stance aligns with the KMT’s traditional skepticism toward military escalation and reflects concerns about provoking Beijing. Critics argue that such a position could leave Taiwan vulnerable, while supporters contend that it is necessary to avoid turning the island into a “sacrifice of geopolitics,” as Cheng put it.
China’s response to Cheng’s election has been measured. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that the KMT’s leadership contest was an internal matter and that the views of some mainland Chinese internet users did not represent the government’s official position. Nevertheless, DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng cautioned that Chinese interference was “obvious” and urged the new chair to prioritize Taiwan’s safety over party interests.
The KMT’s history is deeply intertwined with China’s own tumultuous past. Under Chiang Kai-shek, the party rose to prominence in the 1920s, battling Japanese invasion and later Mao Zedong’s communists before retreating to Taiwan in 1949. Since then, Taiwan has evolved from martial law to a vibrant multiparty democracy, holding its first direct presidential election in 1996. The legacy of this journey continues to shape the island’s politics, and Cheng’s leadership will be scrutinized for how it navigates the challenges of the present.
Looking ahead, Cheng will not only guide the KMT through the 2026 local elections but is also expected to play a central role in the party’s preparations for the 2028 presidential contest. Her ability to unite the party, manage cross-strait relations, and address concerns about foreign influence will be critical in determining both her own political future and that of the KMT.
For now, Taiwan watches as a new chapter begins, with Cheng Li-wun at the helm of a party that sits at the crossroads of history, identity, and geopolitics.
