Taiwan's New Opposition Leader Steps Up, Treads Carefully on China Ties

Taiwan's political scene just got a new face. Cheng Li-wun, the newly elected leader of the Kuomintang (KMT), the island's main opposition party, has some big shoes to fill. She's taking over at a time when tensions between Taiwan and China are running high. China sees Taiwan as part of its territory, and Taiwan's current government disagrees. Cheng isn't new to politics, but her approach to China might be different from her predecessor, Eric Chu. She's hinted at even closer ties with Beijing, which has already sent congratulations through President Xi Jinping. Some in China have even given her a nickname, "reunification goddess, " though she brushes it off with a laugh. In her first speech as leader, Cheng didn't lay out any specific plans for dealing with China. Instead, she focused on the idea of peace. She also made it clear that she's not a fan of increasing defense spending, a key policy of Taiwan's current president, Lai Ching-te. The KMT might be in opposition, but they're not without influence. They hold the most seats in parliament, which could make things tricky for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) when it comes to passing laws and budgets. Cheng's first big task will be preparing for local elections next year, which could give a hint of how things might go in the 2028 presidential election. Cheng's approach to China will be closely watched, both in Taiwan and internationally. With tensions high, her ability to navigate this complex relationship will be crucial.