Outsider Leads in Taiwan's Presidential Race Amid Failed Opposition Alliance

The failure of the opposition parties to form an alliance is seen as strengthening the position of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, as geopolitical tensions rise with China escalating military activity in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan's presidential race sees outsider Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party leading with an approval rating of 31.9%, followed by Democratic Progressive Party's Lai Ching-te with 29.2%, and Kuomintang's Hou Yu-ih in third place with 23.6%.
The opposition parties' attempt to form an alliance to increase the chances of a pro-China government failed, with the Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party unable to agree on a combined ticket leader.
The failure of the opposition alliance is seen as strengthening the ruling DPP's position, which has been leading in independent opinion polls.
The election comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with China escalating military activity in the Taiwan Strait and other nearby waters, pressing its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.
The outcome of Taiwan's elections will likely influence U.S.-China relations and impact security in the Asia-Pacific region.