(Central News Agency reporter Yin Junjie, New York, 20th) A report from the US think tank Asia Society pointed out that the groups of candidates in Taiwan’s presidential election may seem very different, but they all advocate maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and strengthening national defense. The election could be a turning point for Taiwan as the U.S. and China exert their respective influence as geopolitical tensions intensify.
This report, written by Simona Grano, a senior researcher at the Center for China Analysis (CCA) of the Asian Social Policy Institute (ASPI) under the Asia Society, introduces Taiwan’s electoral system, outlines the ideological positions of each camp, and analyzes the U.S. What role will China play in the election to be voted on in January next year?
The report writes that some of the positions and views of the various camps in Taiwan’s presidential election overlap, especially the pan-blue camp. However, the images of candidates Lai Ching-te, Hou Youyi, Ko Wenzhe and independent candidate Terry Gou are very different. The winner will have great influence on foreign relations and cross-strait relations. to play a decisive role.
Gao Ximing observed that these candidates have several things in common, including a pragmatic view of Taiwan’s sovereignty, public support for maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and belief that this is the only feasible and safe option for maintaining Taiwan’s autonomy. In terms of national defense policy, all four agreed on the need to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities to prevent China from launching a military attack or imposing a blockade and siege on Taiwan.
She said that the election results will ultimately reflect the changing political preferences of the Taiwanese people and highlight the importance of dealing with various people’s livelihood issues.
The United States has officially maintained neutrality on Taiwan’s elections, but Gao Ximing said that Washington has “reservations” about all presidential candidates on the table because the history of their political parties or the candidates’ positions are unclear.
She wrote that many American observers believe that Lai Qingde, who is running on behalf of the Democratic Progressive Party, may deviate from the moderate policy line of current President Tsai Ing-wen. The KMT’s past relationship with the United States has become a burden for Hou Youyi, because when former President Ma Ying-jeou was in power, the KMT tried to block U.S. meat imports and develop closer ties with China. Ma Ying-jeou’s people still have deep influence in the party.
As for Ke Wenzhe, who represents the People’s Party, Gao Ximing said that from Ke Wenzhe’s emphasis on Taiwan maintaining “equidistance” from China and the United States, he does not believe that the United States should have a main axis position in the triangular relationship between the United States, China and Taiwan.
The report writes that China attempts to influence Taiwan’s public opinion and election results through diplomatic pressure, political propaganda, and gray zone tactics, but any actions that are seen as intimidating Taiwan may have the opposite effect. The United States also played an important role in Taiwan’s presidential election by supporting Taiwan’s democratic process and supporting Taiwan to counter China’s influence.
Gao Ximing said that the involvement of China and the United States highlights the geopolitical complexity of Taiwan’s status, and the power struggle between the two largest powers in the world is in the ascendant.
She wrote: “In the past few elections, establishing more friendly relations with China or strengthening Taiwan’s local identity and sovereignty have been dominant. As geopolitical tensions intensify, this election may become a turning point for Taiwan.” (Editor: Zhang Zhixuan) 1121121
