Cheng Li-wun was elected Chair of Kuomintang (KMT) on 18 October 2025 and officially assumed the role on 1 November. Her victory margin was narrow: she secured approximately 50.15% of the valid votes cast among party members.
Relation with the Chinese Government
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Public engagement with Beijing: Shortly after her election, Cheng stated she was willing to meet Xi Jinping (General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party) and visit mainland China to promote peace across the Taiwan Strait.
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Beijing’s response: China’s leadership, via Xi, congratulated Cheng on her election and called on the KMT and CCP to “uphold the 1992 Consensus … strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and advance national unification.”
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Policy stance: Cheng reaffirms the KMT’s traditional support for the 1992 Consensus (which states there is “one China”, each side with its own interpretation) and opposes formal Taiwanese independence, signalling continuity in party line.
Implications and Challenges
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Cheng’s leadership signals the KMT’s intention to reposition itself as the party of cross-strait rapprochement, possibly reducing tensions with China.
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However, this stance places her between two pressures: Taiwanese public wariness of Beijing’s political intentions, and internal party factions varying in their readiness to embrace closer ties with China.
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If Cheng acts on her willingness to meet Xi or to resume intensive cross-strait engagement, domestic political backlash may follow from voters and other parties skeptical of Beijing’s influence.
Conclusion
Cheng Li-wun’s election as KMT chair marks a reaffirmation of the party’s long-standing orientation toward cross-strait dialogue. Her declared openness to engage directly with Beijing and to uphold the 1992 Consensus aligns with Chinese government expectations. The real test will be how she balances such engagement with domestic political legitimacy and maintains Taiwan’s democratic-governance norms.
Author : Newcongress