Taiwan’s people are faced with a critical decision to make in next year’s election, concerning the future path of the island. Lai Ching-te, a leading candidate for the presidency, emphasizes the importance of choosing between continuing to advance Taiwan’s democracy or becoming closely involved with China, which asserts Taiwan as part of its territory. Given China’s escalating military pressure on the island, the issue of relationship with China will greatly influence Taiwan’s Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), represented by Lai Ching-te, advocates for distinct governance from the mainland, while the Kuomintang (KMT), the predominant opposition party, normally favors strong ties with Beijing. The dispute between the KMT and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) centers on which candidates will represent each group in the election after previously agreeing to work together.
Beijing has consistently demanded that Taiwan acknowledge the concept of “one China,” an idea that the DPP-led government has rejected, asserting that the island’s people should determine their own future. To strengthen his campaign, Lai has unveiled Hsiao Bi-khim, a well-known former de facto Taiwanese ambassador to the United States, as his running mate. This strategic move has drawn disapproval from Beijing, leading to harsh sanctions on Ms. Hsiao, who has been deemed by the Chinese as an “independence diehard.”
Despite criticism from China, Mr. Lai retains confidence and has dismissed these attacks as proof of Beijing’s interference in Taiwan’s election tactics. The opposition, led by the TPP’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je, remains in ongoing discussion with the KMT regarding potential cooperation and coalition-building. The election registration deadline is imminent, and the uncertainty about when the opposition will register their candidates adds to the tension and complexity of the political landscape in Taiwan.