Vote counting is underway in Taiwan’s election, which took place amidst threats from China warning against choosing the wrong leader that could potentially escalate tensions and lead to war on the self-ruled island. The frontrunner, Lai Ching-te, the current vice president, has been criticized by Beijing as a dangerous “separatist.” The Chinese defense ministry even vowed to “crush” any move towards Taiwanese independence. China claims democratic Taiwan as its own and has not ruled out using force to achieve “unification,” regardless of the current absence of imminent conflict.
The polling stations closed at 4 p.m. (0800 GMT) after nearly 20 million people cast their ballots under clear and sunny weather conditions. The results are expected to be announced on Saturday evening. Both Beijing and Washington are closely monitoring the outcome as they compete for influence in this strategically vital region. Taiwan’s main military partner is the United States.
Lai, from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), positioned himself as the defender of Taiwan’s hard-won democracy during a lively campaign. He emphasized the importance of cherishing democracy and encouraging enthusiastic voter participation. His main opponent, Hou Yu-ih, from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), favors warmer ties with China and accuses the DPP of antagonizing Beijing with its stance that Taiwan is “already independent.” The KMT has promised to prioritize economic prosperity while maintaining strong relationships with international partners, including the United States.
Taiwan has strict election laws that ban the publishing of polls within 10 days of elections. However, political observers believe that the 64-year-old Lai is likely to win the top job, although his party may lose its parliamentary majority. Additionally, election laws prevent the media from asking voters about their specific choices on polling day.
The election has also witnessed the emergence of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), a populist party led by Ko Wen-je. The TPP has gained support by offering an anti-establishment “third way” out of the two-party deadlock.
Taiwan, located on a crucial maritime gateway connecting the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean, is home to a thriving semiconductor industry that produces microchips vital to the global economy, powering everything from smartphones to cars and missiles. China has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, causing concerns about a potential invasion. Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that the “unification” of Taiwan with China is “inevitable.”
As voters cast their ballots, a fighter jet was spotted in the skies above the island of Pingtan, the nearest point in China to Taiwan’s main island. The hashtag “Taiwan election” trended on China’s social media platform Weibo before it was blocked. Chinese warplanes and naval ships frequently probe Taiwan’s defenses, and Beijing has conducted large-scale war games simulating a blockade of the island and launching missiles into its surrounding waters.
The Chinese military declared the night before the polls that it would take all necessary measures to firmly suppress any attempts at “Taiwan independence” in any form.
Just hours before the election, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with a senior Chinese official in Washington, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
The outcome of Taiwan’s election will have significant implications for the region, as the island continues to navigate its relationship with China and assert its democratic values and independence.
Source: The Manila Times
