Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) new chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has adopted a mainland-friendly tone, but whether she can meet Beijing’s hopes remains to be seen. Xi Jinping made a rare call for joint efforts to promote reunification. Analysts see her victory as a new opportunity for Beijing.
Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) recently elected Cheng Li-wun as its new chairwoman, emerging with a strong Chinese identity and vows to promote cross-strait reconciliation, in sharp contrast to the stance of Taiwan’s ruling, independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Following Cheng’s election, Xi Jinping made a rare gesture, calling for a joint effort to promote reunification, going beyond the usual general wording about cross-strait relations. Analysts believe Beijing sees a new opportunity in her victory to advance reunification plans.
Cheng is expected to visit the Chinese mainland soon, where she is likely to meet Xi, following the precedent set by her two predecessors. In recent months, Beijing has launched a series of initiatives aimed at swaying Taiwanese public opinion, and its latest five-year plan reiterated that reunification is a national goal.
Yet challenges loom for Cheng, the KMT’s second female leader and an unconventional figure expected to shake up the 100-year-old party. She already faces internal resistance, pressure from upcoming local elections, and the delicate task of navigating ties with both Beijing and Washington.
Beijing has intensified outreach to Taiwan’s opposition parties in recent years to counter DPP influence, but whether Cheng can fulfill these expectations while managing party dynamics remains uncertain.
