Sun Oct 19 03:33:31 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version in the style of a news article:

Summary:

Taiwan’s Nationalist Party (KMT), the main opposition, elected Cheng Li-wun as its new chairperson on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Cheng, a former lawmaker and reformist, defeated five other candidates. Her win comes amidst allegations of Chinese interference in the election. The KMT, despite recent electoral losses, remains a significant political force in Taiwan and is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Taiwan’s relationship with China and participating in upcoming local and presidential elections. Cheng has pledged to reform the KMT and prioritize Taiwan’s interests. Accusations of Chinese interference in the election have been traded, with security officials investigating online activity. While China denies involvement, the ruling DPP party warns the KMT to be cautious.

News Article:

Taiwan Nationalist Party Elects Reformist Leader Amidst Allegations of Chinese Meddling

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – October 19, 2025 – Cheng Li-wun has been elected as the new chairperson of Taiwan’s main opposition Nationalist Party (KMT), also known as the Kuomintang. The election, held on Saturday, October 18, saw Cheng, a former lawmaker, defeat five other candidates in a widely contested race.

Cheng, who campaigned on a reformist platform, is the second woman to ever lead the party. Her victory comes at a pivotal time for the KMT, which, despite losing three consecutive presidential elections to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), maintains significant political influence within Taiwan. The party holds a considerable number of seats in the legislature and is expected to be a major player in the upcoming 2026 local elections and the 2028 presidential race.

“We must not let Taiwan become a troublemaker. Second, we must not let Taiwan become the sacrifice of geopolitics,” Cheng stated in a press conference following her win, pledging to uphold equality, respect, and mutual benefits in external relations. She also signaled potential disagreements with the current administration, expressing opposition to President Lai Ching-te’s plan to increase the defense budget.

However, Cheng’s victory has been shadowed by allegations of Chinese interference. Jaw Shaw-kong, a supporter of defeated candidate Hau Lung-bin, publicly claimed that China was involved in an organized effort to influence the election. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau has confirmed the discovery of a significant number of election-related videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, with some accounts originating outside of Taiwan.

While Cheng has dismissed these allegations as “cheap labels,” China has denied any official involvement, stating that the election is an internal affair for the KMT. A spokesperson from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office added that the views expressed by some mainland Chinese internet users do not represent the government’s position.

The ruling DPP has cautioned the KMT to be vigilant against Chinese interference. DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng urged the new KMT chair to prioritize Taiwan’s safety over party interests.

Cheng is scheduled to take office in November 2025. How she navigates the KMT’s relationship with Beijing, traditionally warmer than that of the DPP, will be closely watched, as it could significantly impact Taiwan’s domestic and international policies and its delicate relationship with mainland China.

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