Former BBC correspondent Cindy Sui meets young Taiwanese voters with contrasting views on Taiwan's future and its relationship with China. One is a peace campaigner, the other a citizen's army trainee. They discuss tensions, elections, perceptions, interactions with China, possibilities of war, frustrations with politics, and reflections on war and peace in Taiwan.
Young Taiwanese citizens are preparing for the possibility of conflict with China and attending civil defense training courses to be ready to defend Taiwan.
The upcoming presidential election in Taiwan highlights the divide between those seeking formal independence and those aiming to reduce tensions and restore good relations with China, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding.
Deep dives
Taiwan's History and Tensions with China
Taiwan's recent history as a one-party state transitioned into a multi-party democracy in 1996. Tensions between Taiwan and mainland China have increased in recent years, causing global concerns.
Preparations for Possible Conflict
Some Taiwanese citizens, like Dennis, are preparing for the possibility of conflict with China. Dennis attends a civil defense training course at the Kuma Academy and discusses the need to be ready to defend Taiwan.
Political Landscape and Election
The upcoming presidential election in Taiwan highlights different perspectives on Taiwan's relationship with China. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) seeks formal independence, while the opposition Kuomintang Party (KMT) aims to reduce tensions and restore good relations with Beijing.
Youth Perspectives and Hopes for Peace
Young Taiwanese voters, like Shirley, express frustrations with the political system and emphasize the importance of maintaining peace. They hope for more dialogue, understanding, and gradual resolution in Taiwan's relationship with China.
Former BBC Taiwan correspondent Cindy Sui meets two young Taiwanese voters, Shirley Lin and Dennis, who have very different views about the island, its future and its relationship with Mainland China. While one is a committed peace campaigner and seeks to reduce antagonism between Taiwan and China, the other has signed up to train with a citizen's army, to be ready for Chinese aggression. We follow them in their work, with their friends and hear their differing reflections on an island and an electorate being watched by a global audience.
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