Taiwan's Opposition Party Picks New Leader Amid China Tensions

Taiwan's Nationalist Party, or KMT, has a new leader. Cheng Li-wun, a former lawmaker, won the election. She beat five other candidates, including former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin. Cheng is the second woman to lead the party. She promised to change the KMT from "sheep" to "lions. " Cheng's win comes at a tense time. Some people say China tried to influence the election. Videos on TikTok and YouTube raised concerns. But Cheng says these claims are "very cheap labels. " She wants politics to be more rational. The KMT has strong ties with China. Beijing sees Taiwan as its territory. The KMT's supporters believe good relations with China help Taiwan's economy. But critics worry about China's influence. Cheng will take office in November. She will shape Taiwan's policies and relations with China. The KMT will also pick a candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Taiwan's politics are complex. The KMT lost the last three presidential elections. But they still have power in the legislature. Cheng's leadership could change the political landscape.