Taiwan Votes Amid Heightened Tensions with China
The election, framed as a choice between war and peace or democracy and authoritarianism, could reshape Taiwan's relations with Beijing and impact regional stability.
- Taiwan is holding a closely watched presidential election with three main contenders: Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP).
- The election is seen as a choice between war and peace, or between democracy and authoritarianism, with China framing the vote as a choice between 'peace and war, prosperity and decline'.
- Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has stepped up pressure on Taiwan ahead of the vote, including sanctions on Taiwanese exports, spy balloons over the island, and showing off a new aircraft carrier.
- While the DPP champions Taiwan’s de-facto sovereignty and separate identity from China, the KMT traditionally favors closer cross-strait ties. The TPP also favors closer ties with China but says it will be less deferential to Beijing than the KMT.
- Besides cross-strait relations, voters are also concerned about the economy and livelihood issues, such as Taiwan’s notoriously stagnant wages and unaffordable homes.
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