Xi Jinping Urges Taiwan Reunification in Message to New KMT Leader Cheng Li-wun Amid Cross-Strait Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to newly elected Kuomintang (KMT) party leader Cheng Li-wun on Sunday, emphasizing the need for advancing "reunification" between mainland China and Taiwan.

Beijing views Taiwan as its territory despite the island's democratic self-governance. The KMT, Taiwan's main opposition party, traditionally maintains closer relations with China compared to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Cheng, a former lawmaker who will assume leadership of the KMT on November 1, won Saturday's election amid heightened cross-strait tensions. Her victory comes as China refuses to engage with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a "separatist."

In his message as Communist Party leader, Xi urged both parties to strengthen their "common political foundation," according to Xinhua news agency. He called for uniting "the vast majority of people in Taiwan to deepen exchanges and cooperation, boost common development, and advance national reunification."

Cheng's response notably avoided mentioning reunification. She instead referred to both sides as "members of the Chinese nation" – using terminology that emphasizes ethnic rather than national identity. She advocated for strengthening "cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation" and promoting "peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."

While the KMT lost last year's presidential race, the party and its ally, the Taiwan People's Party, collectively hold a parliamentary majority. Cheng, 55, has positioned herself against increasing Taiwan's defense spending, a key policy of President Lai's administration.

The election campaign was marred by accusations of Chinese interference. Jaw Shau-kong, the KMT's vice presidential candidate last year and a supporter of defeated candidate Hau Lung-bin, claimed social media accounts had spread disinformation about Hau.

China dismissed these allegations, stating on Wednesday that the election was an internal KMT matter and that online comments did not represent Beijing's official position.

Following the election, Jaw wrote on Facebook that the KMT must reduce pro-China influence, emphasizing that most Taiwanese desire peaceful relations and dialogue with China. "The KMT must recognize that elections are held in Taiwan, and voters are in Taiwan, not mainland China," he stated.

DPP spokesperson Justin Wu maintained there were clear signs of Chinese interference in the KMT election. The KMT dismissed Wu's allegations with a terse statement asking: "Who is this?"