On January 13, Taiwan will choose a new president in a crucial race that could reshape its ties with China. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has influenced the island’s elections since 1996.
This election comes at a time when Taiwan is a major point of contention between the US and China, with issues like low wages and high home prices impacting voters domestically.
The leading candidate is William Lai Ching-te from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). He strongly defends Taiwan’s self-governance and hopes for friendly relations with China.
His running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, has faced criticism from Beijing for her ties to Taiwan’s allies.
Hou Yu-ih, representing the opposition Koumintang (KMT), is a former police chief and a popular mayor. His stance on Taiwan’s independence and relationship with China has been less clear, drawing criticism for lack of clarity.
Ko Wen-je, from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), presents himself as a third choice between provoking and deferring to China. As a former trauma surgeon, he gained political fame during the Sunflower Movement in 2014. His running mate, Cynthia Wu, is a sitting MP and heiress to a major conglomerate.
These candidates reflect the diverse perspectives in Taiwan’s complex political landscape, with each having their own approach to the critical issues at hand.
This information is sourced from BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67758997