As the Taiwan presidential election day nears, Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han takes a look at the three presidential hopefuls, their stances and how the voters are responding. Meanwhile, cross-strait tensions will be high even after the election results, as major powers will attempt to influence the content of the new president’s inaugural address.
Kuomintang
Politics
Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate William Lai may not have the trust of the US or mainland China when it comes to cross-strait relations, says East Asian Institute senior research fellow Qi Dongtao. Hence, China and the US would do well to work together to ensure that there is no repeat of a threat of a movement torwards a radical Taiwan independence that was seen during the Chen Shui-bian administration.
Politics
As the Taiwan presidential election heats up in the final month, commentator Gu Erde takes a look at the election narratives surrounding the three parties in the contest, in particular garnering the youth votes, the Taiwan Strait issue and Taiwan’s relations with China and the US.
Politics
US academic Zhu Zhiqun notes that while it seems that the US is worried about the DPP's William Lai winning the elections, a DPP win might aid the US's implementation of its Indo-Pacific policies. In that light, academics and officials offering advice on how Lai should act if he wins the election can be seen as helping to ensure that the direction of the current Tsai administration would be continued, as it best fits US interests.
Politics
Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that the so-called Blue-White alliance seems to have broken down, and the DPP has a good chance of winning. With DPP leader William Lai a self-proclaimed advocate for Taiwan independence, that would likely mean strained relations with Beijing, or even armed reunification.
Politics
As the world is set up for a chess match between the global powers, the tussle surrounding the upcoming Taiwan presidential election next year is a preview of what is to come. Commentator Wei Da explores how Taiwan can make decisions at the election that would optimise Taiwan’s long-term and fundamental interests, and draws some lessons from history.
Politics
As Taiwan’s presidential election approaches, Democratic Progressive Party candidate William Lai is firmly in the lead. However, Taiwan People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je is also in a solid second place. Academic Lu Xi opines that if Ko survives the election and TPP becomes a key minority in the Taiwanese Legislative Yuan, Ko's influence will gain greater ground in the coming years as young voters' support continues to grow.
History
Taiwan’s current situation is the result of historical factors and developments, including Sun Yat-sen’s revolution and the ensuing rivalry between the Kuomintang and Chinese Communist Party. Historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao re-examines that era with his collection of old pictures.
Politics
Wei Da explains why issues such as Taiwan’s chosen civilisational path, great power competition and geostrategic rivalry are critical in the Taiwan issue. In the end, the question of the superiority and inferiority of civilisational development will determine Taiwan's future.