Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang, elected Chen Li-won as its new chairman on Monday in an internal election marred by accusations of Chinese interference, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
The reformist Chen, the only female candidate, defeated former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin and four other rivals to lead the China-friendly party from next month. The nationalists of the Kuomintang maintain strong political influence in Taiwan, despite losing three consecutive presidential elections to the island's pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
The AP notes that Chen could influence relations between Taipei and Beijing, as well as other key domestic and international political issues.
During her campaign, she promised to turn the "KMT" from "sheep" to "lions", hoping the party can regain support among the youth.
Beijing, which considers Taiwan its breakaway territory, has particularly strained relations with President William Lai, whom it accuses of separatist sentiments. He has threatened to use force to bring Taiwan under its control if necessary, increasingly mobilizing military, diplomatic and economic pressure in an attempt to undermine his administration.
Traditionally, the "KMT" maintains warmer ties with Beijing, seeing them as important for the stability and economy of the island democracy.
In the past week, Zhou Shou-kong, a supporter of Howe in the party, has alleged that China is involved in organized interference, citing videos attacking Howe and supporting Chen on social media.
In response to the allegations of foreign interference, Chen called for party unity and warned against internal divisions, saying that this would only harm the "KMT" and allow other parties to take advantage of the divisions.
Chen Binhua, a spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that the election was an internal party matter.
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Source: www.bta.bg