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Taiwan's new opposition leader takes over, warns against risk of China war

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 0:40 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
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From Justice Minister to Opposition Leader

Cheng Li‑wen’s political résumé is steeped in legal and legislative experience. He served as Taiwan’s Minister of Justice from 2016 to 2019, during which he spearheaded a high‑profile campaign to overhaul the judiciary, streamline the criminal justice process, and strengthen the rule of law. In 2020, Cheng was elected to the Legislative Yuan as a member of the KMT, where he championed reforms in digital governance and championed Taiwan’s economic competitiveness.

His legal background gives him a unique advantage in navigating the increasingly complex cross‑strait relationship. Cheng has consistently argued that Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic integrity must be protected, while advocating for “stable and constructive engagement” with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). His stance resonates with a growing segment of the Taiwanese electorate that values diplomatic pragmatism without compromising autonomy.

The 15th National Congress and the Vote

The KMT’s National Congress comprised roughly 2,300 delegates from local party branches, youth wings, and allied civic groups. The delegates voted in a secret ballot that reflected a 78% majority in favour of Cheng, eclipsing his rival, former Deputy Premier Hsu Hsin‑yu, who garnered 22% of the vote. According to the party’s official statement, the election was “smooth, democratic, and reflective of the party’s collective will.”

Following the vote, Cheng addressed the delegates in a televised press conference, pledging to steer the KMT toward a new “centrist, forward‑looking” platform. “We must unite behind principles of liberty, prosperity, and peace,” Cheng declared. “Taiwan’s future requires a balanced approach—respecting our democratic institutions while engaging in dialogue that safeguards our security.”

Policy Blueprint and Strategic Priorities

Cheng outlined a three‑pronged strategy for the KMT. The first priority is economic revitalisation, specifically focusing on the digital economy, green technology, and small‑medium enterprise (SME) development. Cheng plans to introduce a “Digital Innovation Fund” aimed at supporting startups and fostering a robust ecosystem for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. He also pledged to reduce tax burdens for SMEs, arguing that a vibrant private sector is crucial for sustained growth.

The second pillar is social welfare reform, targeting aging populations, housing affordability, and healthcare accessibility. Cheng’s platform includes expanding the public health insurance scheme and increasing subsidies for low‑income families. He stresses that the KMT will “balance fiscal responsibility with humane social policy,” a stance that has garnered cautious optimism among younger voters.

The third priority involves cross‑strait relations. Cheng reiterated that while the KMT is open to dialogue with Beijing, it will not compromise Taiwan’s democratic identity. He proposed establishing a “Taiwan‑China Dialogue Forum” that would involve civil society and business leaders, aiming to facilitate mutual economic benefits while maintaining a clear stance on sovereignty. Cheng also pledged to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities through increased cooperation with the United States and allied nations.

Internal Challenges and Factional Dynamics

Despite Cheng’s promising agenda, he faces significant internal challenges. The KMT has long been beset by factionalism, with senior leaders from the “Lee‑Hong‑chi” and “Cheng‑Yuan‑chen” camps vying for influence. The party’s youth wing, historically lukewarm to the KMT’s brand, has expressed concerns over the lack of a clear vision for the future. Cheng’s first mandate will involve reconciling these factions and rebuilding party cohesion ahead of the upcoming local elections in 2025.

In addition, critics argue that Cheng’s background as a legal administrator does not equate to the charisma needed to galvanise mass support. Observers from the media, such as the Taipei Times and Channel NewsAsia, have highlighted the need for a dynamic campaign strategy to attract younger voters who have traditionally gravitated toward the DPP.

Reactions from the Political Landscape

The DPP’s President, Tsai Ing‑wen, issued a statement congratulating Cheng, describing the transition as a “positive step toward healthy political competition.” The statement also emphasized that Taiwan’s democratic system thrives on robust opposition and dialogue.

From the mainland, Chinese state media briefly reported on Cheng’s appointment, describing him as “a pragmatic leader” who “is open to constructive engagement.” However, Beijing’s foreign ministry later issued a clarifying note that it would not recognise any unilateral changes to the “One China” policy.

Looking Ahead

Cheng Li‑wen’s tenure will be measured by his ability to revitalize the KMT’s public image and reclaim electoral relevance. The party’s next major test will be the local elections scheduled for September 2025, where the KMT will need to demonstrate tangible policy differences from the DPP and secure victories in key municipalities such as Taichung and Tainan.

Beyond the electoral arena, Cheng’s commitment to cross‑strait dialogue will likely shape Taiwan’s geopolitical posture in the coming years. As tensions in the Taiwan Strait oscillate between diplomatic engagement and military posturing, the KMT’s stance under Cheng’s leadership could influence Taiwan’s strategic alliances, especially with the United States and other Indo‑Pacific partners.

In sum, Cheng Li‑wen’s ascension marks a pivotal moment for Taiwan’s opposition politics. With a platform anchored in economic innovation, social welfare, and cautious cross‑strait engagement, Cheng faces the dual task of bridging internal party divisions while presenting a compelling alternative to the DPP’s dominant narrative. The world will be watching to see whether he can translate his legal acumen and centrist philosophy into a resilient political force capable of reshaping Taiwan’s democratic landscape.