BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Sunday for efforts to advance “reunification” in a message of congratulations to the new leader of Taiwan’s main opposition party, whose election took place amid accusations of interference by Beijing.

Former lawmaker Cheng Li-wun, who will take over as leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) party on November 1, won Saturday’s election at a time of rising tension with Beijing, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory. Taiwan’s government strongly objects to China’s sovereignty claims.

The KMT traditionally backs close relations with China and is Beijing’s preferred dialogue partner. China refuses to talk to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration, calling hi

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