Taiwan’s main opposition party has chosen a new leader who has expressed a commitment to maintaining peace with China, while opposing increases in defence spending.

Cheng Li-wun, a former legislator, is set to assume leadership on November 1. Her election comes during a period of heightened military and political tension between Taiwan and China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory—a claim that Taiwan’s government strongly rejects.

Although the opposition party lost the presidential election last year, it and an allied party hold a majority of seats in the legislature, which presents challenges for the current government in passing budgets and legislation.

The party has traditionally supported closer relations with China. At the party headquarters in Taipei, Cheng described the party under her leadership as a force for regional peace and emphasised a commitment to protecting Taiwan and maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Cheng began her political career with the ruling party but has said she does not support increasing the defence budget, a key policy of the current administration that also has backing from the United States.

She won the leadership contest by a narrow margin, with turnout among party members below 40 percent.

The campaign was affected by allegations of interference, including claims that social media was used to spread misinformation. These concerns were addressed by both sides, with officials in China stating the matter was internal to the party.

After her election, Cheng cautioned against using accusations related to China as a political tool.

Taiwan is preparing for mayoral elections next year, which will serve as an important indicator of political support ahead of the presidential election in 2028.