Eric Chu Li-luan, the newly elected chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) said he will strive to resume exchanges with the Chinese mainland, highlighting the importance of cross-strait relations.

Chu made the remarks on Saturday during a victory speech at a press conference held at the KMT headquarters in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan. 

Chu, who is a former New Taipei City mayor, said he remains committed to the spirit of seeking common ground while shelving differences on cross-strait issues. 

"Actions are more important than words and let's wait and see," Chu told reporters. 

He defeated three other contenders, including incumbent KMT chairman Johnny Chiang Chi-chen, on Saturday's KMT chairmanship election, wining 85,164 votes, or 45.78 percent of the total. 

Chiang has congratulated Eric Chu on his victory in the election. 

The voter turnout was 50.71 percent.

(Cover: Eric Chu attends an interview in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan, February 25, 2019. /CFP)