• Cheng Li-wun elected as chairperson of Taiwan's KMT, emphasizing peace with China.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulates Cheng, calling for efforts to advance reunification.
• Accusations of Chinese interference marred the KMT leadership election process.
• Cheng opposes Taiwan's increased defence spending, challenging current administration policies.
• KMT holds a majority in the legislature, raising implications for upcoming elections.

Cheng Li-wun has been elected as the new chairperson of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, with her leadership starting on November 1. Cheng, a former lawmaker, aims to foster peace with China amidst rising tensions, stating, "The KMT will make our home the strongest shelter for everyone against life’s storms," according to Al Jazeera.

In a message of congratulations, Chinese President Xi Jinping encouraged Cheng to enhance cooperation and deepen exchanges between the KMT and the Communist Party, which he characterized as having a “common political foundation.” He emphasized the need to advance what he termed "national reunification," according to South China Morning Post and Reuters.

Cheng's election has stirred controversy amid accusations of interference from Beijing during the electoral process. Jaw Shau-kong, a supporter of her opponent, claimed that the campaign was undermined by social media disinformation, as he noted the involvement of foreign accounts in spreading misleading information regarding candidates, as reported by Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Cheng, who opposes increasing Taiwan's defense budget—a stance significantly diverging from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)—has openly criticized the current government's military spending as "too high and unreasonable." During her campaign, she promised to prioritize peace in the Taiwan Strait, stating her vision for cooperative relations without escalating military tensions, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

The KMT and its ally, the Taiwan People's Party, currently hold a majority in Taiwan's legislature, which could significantly influence the legislative landscape in the upcoming elections. Cheng called on the DPP to cease using anti-China rhetoric for electoral advantages, promoting a unified agenda focused on peace and stability for the region, according to Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, and Reuters.