Drum Tower

Drum Tower: Taiwan goes to the polls

Jan 9, 2024

Podcast explores Taiwan's upcoming presidential election and its implications for the relationship between Taiwan and China. The hosts discuss the cultural interest in democracy, rally for Taiwan's independence, election culture with free food, the evolution of President Taingua's image, the complex political landscape in Taiwan, the debate on cross-strait tensions, and the three-way race with potential consequences.

43:39

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Quick takeaways

The upcoming election in Taiwan involves a choice between prioritizing Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic values or focusing on dialogue and lowering tensions with China.

Taiwanese voters are divided on whether resisting or appeasing China is the best approach for ensuring their safety.

Deep dives

Taiwan's election goes beyond domestic concerns

The upcoming election in Taiwan is not just about bread and butter issues, but also about how the island will navigate threats from China and tension between China and America.

Introduction

2min

Upcoming Elections in Taiwan

3min

Taiwanese Rally for Independence

2min

Election Culture, Free Food, and Hyper-local Issues in Taiwan

2min

Evolution of Taingua's image and Taiwan's stance on independence

2min

The Complex Political Landscape in Taiwan

19min

The Debate on Cross-Strait Tensions and Taiwan's Desire for the Status Quo

3min

The Three-Way Race and Potential Consequences

14min

China is watching Taiwan’s next presidential race closely. The results will influence Xi Jinping’s next steps when it comes to resolving the “Taiwan question”.

Ahead of the vote on January 13th, Alice Su, our senior China correspondent, goes to campaign rallies of the 3 parties in the race. We meet voters, young and old, who each have a different idea of who should win and why. Together with David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, they ask: is the election of Taiwan’s next President really a choice between war or peace, as some candidates are saying?

If you’re interested in Taiwan, listen to our four-part series on the future of the island.

1. What does Taiwan want?

2. How strong is Taiwan’s silicon shield?

3. Is Taiwan ready for war?

4. Could China take over Taiwan without force?

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Drum Tower

Drum Tower: Taiwan goes to the polls

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Taiwan's election goes beyond domestic concerns

Different parties have different perspectives on Taiwan's future

Concerns about war and peace

China's role in the election

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts