Taiwan Prepares for Presidential Election Amid Heightened Tensions with China

Leading candidate William Lai of the DPP maintains Taiwan's independence, while KMT's Hou Yu-ih seeks dialogue with Beijing.

Taiwan's presidential election is set for January 13, with three main candidates representing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Kuomintang party (KMT), and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP).
The DPP's candidate, Vice-President William Lai Ching-te, is currently leading in the polls. Lai is seen as a 'separatist' by Beijing and has maintained that Taiwan is already independent.
The KMT's candidate, Hou Yu-ih, is the mayor of New Taipei and has expressed a desire for talks with China to ease tensions. The KMT is considered the most Beijing-friendly party.
The TPP's candidate, Ko Wen-je, does not have a clear position on China and has focused on domestic issues such as energy security, housing, and the economy.
Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan in the past year, warning of the risk of war if the DPP stays in power. The election is expected to shape cross-strait relations as well as US-China relations.