Reformist Cheng Li-wun Elected as Kuomintang’s First Female Leader, Pledges Peace with China
Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), has elected Cheng Li-wun as its new leader — a reform-minded politician who has promised to pursue peace with China and reduce political polarization on the island. Cheng’s victory marks a significant moment for the century-old party as it seeks to redefine its identity amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
The 55-year-old former lawmaker won the chairperson race on Saturday, defeating former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin and four other contenders. Cheng will officially assume office on November 1, succeeding Eric Chu, whose leadership faced internal criticism over the party’s direction and its approach toward Beijing.
A New Direction for the Kuomintang
In her victory speech at KMT headquarters in Taipei, Cheng vowed to lead the party as a “creator of regional peace,” emphasizing diplomacy and dialogue over confrontation.
“The KMT will make our home the strongest shelter for everyone against life’s storms,” Cheng said. “We must not allow Taiwan to become a troublemaker or the sacrifice of global geopolitics. Our mission is to safeguard peace across the Taiwan Strait.”
Her message signals a softer, more conciliatory tone compared to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by President William Lai Ching-te, who advocates for bolstering Taiwan’s defense capabilities and strengthening ties with the United States.
Cheng’s Vision: Peace and Pragmatism
Cheng Li-wun’s election reflects growing support within the KMT for a more pragmatic and reform-driven leadership. Unlike traditional KMT leaders known for their pro-Beijing leanings, Cheng has positioned herself as a moderate who values peace without compromising Taiwan’s democratic freedoms.
During her campaign, Cheng warned that Taiwan risked becoming “the sacrifice of geopolitics” amid intensifying rivalry between China and the United States. She argued that excessive defense spending could drain Taiwan’s resources and escalate tensions unnecessarily.
“I believe that peace is not achieved by building more weapons but through communication, trust, and mutual understanding,” she said in a televised debate. “The people of Taiwan deserve stability, not fear.”
A Critic of High Defense Spending
Cheng has been outspoken in her criticism of the government’s defense budget, which has risen sharply under President Lai’s administration. The DPP has pushed to increase military spending in response to China’s growing military pressure and frequent incursions into Taiwan’s air defense zone.
The United States — Taiwan’s main security partner — has also urged Taipei to boost its defense readiness, pledging support through arms sales and joint military training.
However, Cheng argues that escalating military investments could entangle Taiwan in great-power conflicts and undermine its domestic priorities. She has called for redirecting resources toward education, technology, and social welfare — areas she believes will strengthen Taiwan’s resilience and competitiveness.
“Peace is Taiwan’s best defense,” Cheng said. “We cannot afford to turn our homeland into a pawn in someone else’s geopolitical chess game.”
Political Shifts and Legislative Power Balance
While the KMT currently does not control the presidency, it holds significant influence in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. Along with its ally, the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), the opposition now forms a majority bloc, complicating President Lai’s efforts to pass defense budgets and other key legislation.
This power dynamic means Cheng’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping Taiwan’s political future — balancing between the need for national security and her push for renewed dialogue with Beijing.
Analysts suggest that Cheng’s reformist approach could help rebrand the KMT and appeal to younger voters who are skeptical of both pro-China and pro-U.S. extremes.
“Cheng represents a generational shift,” said political analyst Wang Hsin-ling. “She wants the KMT to evolve from a conservative, China-focused party into a modern, centrist force that prioritizes peace and prosperity.”
From DPP Roots to KMT Leadership
Cheng’s political journey is an unusual one. She began her career in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) before switching to the KMT — a move that reflects her pragmatic approach to politics. Over the years, she has served as a legislator, policy adviser, and television commentator, known for her sharp political insight and outspoken views.
Her background in both camps gives her a unique perspective on Taiwan’s political divide. “I’ve seen how polarization tears our society apart,” Cheng said during her campaign. “I want to bring people together — not divide them further.”
Beijing’s Reaction and Cross-Strait Implications
Cheng’s election has already drawn attention from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. Chinese state media outlets cautiously welcomed her victory, describing her as a “rational voice” compared to the DPP’s “separatist tendencies.”
However, Cheng has made clear that her focus is on peace, not capitulation. She has reaffirmed her commitment to Taiwan’s democratic system and said that any dialogue with China must be based on mutual respect and equality.
“Peace does not mean surrender,” she told supporters after her victory. “It means finding ways to coexist without losing who we are as a free and democratic people.”
Challenges Ahead for Cheng and the KMT
Despite her inspiring message, Cheng faces tough challenges ahead. The KMT remains divided internally, with some traditional factions wary of her reformist stance and her criticism of increased defense spending.
Moreover, the party continues to struggle with public trust issues, particularly among younger voters who associate the KMT with authoritarian rule and pro-China sympathies.
Political observers note that Cheng will need to balance these internal pressures while crafting a clear, modern platform that resonates with both conservative and progressive voters.
“Her leadership will be tested by whether she can bridge the KMT’s factions and connect with a generation that wants peace — but not at the cost of sovereignty,” said Taipei-based journalist Li Fang-wei.
A Defining Moment for Taiwan’s Opposition
Cheng Li-wun’s rise marks a defining moment for the Kuomintang, a party once dominant in Taiwanese politics but now seeking reinvention in a fast-changing geopolitical landscape. Her reformist leadership could reshape the KMT’s image from a party of the past into one capable of guiding Taiwan toward a stable and peaceful future.
As Taiwan faces increasing pressure from both Beijing and Washington, Cheng’s message of dialogue and moderation may resonate with a public weary of confrontation.
“The world is changing,” she said after her election win. “Taiwan’s path must be one of peace, not provocation. The KMT under my leadership will work to make that vision a reality.”