Taiwan’s New KMT Leader Cheng Li-wun Vows Peace Amid Rising China Tensions

Taiwan’s newly appointed opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, has warned of escalating tensions with China while promising to usher in an era of peace across the Taiwan Strait. The 55-year-old former lawmaker officially assumed leadership of the Kuomintang (KMT) on Saturday, taking charge during one of the most challenging periods in cross-Strait relations.

Speaking to party members in Taipei, Cheng said, “This is the worst of times. The Taiwan Strait faces grave military danger and the world is watching closely. Taiwan’s security faces the constant threat of war.” Her remarks reflect growing anxiety over China’s military activities and political pressure on the self-governed island, which Beijing claims as its territory.

Historically favoring closer ties with China, the KMT’s new direction under Cheng is expected to lean even further toward engagement with Beijing. Her predecessor, Eric Chu, maintained a more international stance and avoided visiting China during his term, which began in 2021. Chinese President Xi Jinping quickly congratulated Cheng after her election last month, urging collaboration to advance “reunification.”

Chinese social media users have dubbed Cheng the “reunification goddess,” a title she downplayed, saying such nicknames should be taken lightly. While Cheng avoided outlining specific policies toward Beijing in her inaugural speech, she reaffirmed her commitment to peace, stating, “The KMT will be the party that opens a new era of cross-Strait peace and leads Taiwan forward.”

Cheng also opposes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government’s plan to increase defense spending, a policy backed by the United States. Despite losing last year’s presidential election, the KMT and its ally, the Taiwan People’s Party, currently control a parliamentary majority, posing legislative challenges for President Lai Ching-te’s administration.

As Cheng prepares for local elections next year, her leadership will shape Taiwan’s domestic and cross-Strait political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential race.