TAIPEI: Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang party picked a China-friendly leader on Saturday as it struggles to regain public support after a crushing defeat in national elections.

The former ruling KMT lost the presidency to Tsai Ing-wen of the China-sceptic Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in January, as well as control of parliament for the first time in the island’s history amid public unease over closer ties with China.

Despite being ousted as the KMT’s presidential candidate last October for her conservative views, Hung Hsiu-chu was elected on Saturday to steer the embattled party.

Hung — whose stance leans towards pro-unification with China and who is also the party’s first female leader — vowed on Saturday to revive the party, which is also plagued by inner rivalries.

“Of course I know the road ahead is very long, with all kinds of risks, difficulties, and setbacks, but I definitely believe that I can fulfil my promise with everyone’s mutual support and unity,” she said after winning the contest.

Hung obtained 56 per cent of vote, beating three other candidates including acting chairwoman Huang Min-hui and Taipei City councillor Lee Hsin.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory note to Hung, in which he warned against any pro-independence movement as Tsai is set to take office in May.

“As current cross-strait relations face new circumstances, we wish to see the two parties bear in mind national interest and well-being of compatriots, continuing to adhere to the 1992 consensus and oppose Taiwan independence,” Xi said in the note, provided by the KMT.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2016