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8h ago

Reformist Cheng Li-wun Wins KMT Leadership, Pledges Peace With China

Her win positions the KMT to test its peace‑first message against the DPP’s push for higher defense outlays.

Taiwan's Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), chairperson candidate Hau Lung-bin, center, greets supporters before voting for the party's leadership race in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
A member of Taiwan's Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT) votes for the party's leadership race at a polling station in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
Members of Taiwan's Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT) vote for the party's leadership race at a polling station in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
A woman holds flags amid celebrations of the 130th foundation anniversary of Taiwan's largest opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), in Taoyuan, Taiwan November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Ann Wang

Overview

  • Former lawmaker Cheng Li-wun was elected Kuomintang chair and is set to take office on November 1.
  • Cheng campaigned against boosting Taiwan’s military budget and said the party would act as a creator of regional peace.
  • The KMT and its ally, the Taiwan People’s Party, hold the most seats in the legislature, giving them leverage over budgets and key bills.
  • Cheng defeated former Taipei mayor Hau Lung-bin with just over half the vote, with turnout by party members below 40%.
  • Accusations of China-linked online interference trailed the race as Taiwan’s National Security Bureau cited 1,000+ TikTok videos and 23 YouTube accounts discussing the contest; Beijing called it an internal party matter and Cheng dismissed the claims as cheap labels.