Taiwan's Nationalist Party Elects First Female Leader Amid Cross-Strait Tensions and Chinese Interference Claims

Oct 18, 2025 09:05 pm CST

Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party has elected Cheng Li-wun as its first female chairperson amid allegations of Chinese interference in the election process. As a self-described reformist, Cheng will lead the China-friendly KMT through crucial upcoming elections while navigating complex cross-strait relations with Beijing, which continues to claim Taiwan as its territory and increase pressure on the current administration of President Lai Ching-te.