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.
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.
Different parties have different perspectives on Taiwan's future
The ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emphasizes Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic values, while the opposition, the Kuomintang (KMT), focuses on dialogue and lowering tensions with China. A new third party, the Taiwan People's Party, offers a more pragmatic approach to domestic issues.
Concerns about war and peace
Voters in Taiwan are divided on whether standing up to China or appeasing China is the best way to ensure Taiwan's safety. The DPP believes in resistance and deterrence, while the KMT advocates for dialogue and cooperation to avoid conflict.
China's role in the election
China's influence in Taiwan includes economic coercion, attempts to meddle in media, and potential military action. China is closely watching the election outcome and may respond differently depending on the winning party, but a full-scale invasion is unlikely.
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.
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