Taiwanese citizens will cast their ballots on January 13 to choose a new leader and legislature. Compared to what one might anticipate for a nation with only 24 million citizens, these elections garner more global attention. The result will have an impact on how the US-China turmoil develops and, perhaps, on world peace.
I had a meeting with Wu Rong-yuan, the head of the Taiwanese Labor Party, in Taipei two weeks prior to the votes. In three towns, his group is running for tickets. This is an uphill challenge because of the first-past-the-post program. Additionally, the Labor Party is underrepresented due to its support for unification with China’s island. I once more allowed the labour challenge veteran to explain the history to me in order to better understand this.
Taiwan was ruled by the Kuomintang, Chiang Kai-shek’s group, under   until 1987. The KMT has its origins on the Chinese island, where they ruled until the Socialist revolution’s victory in 1949.
The KMT maintained its law in Taiwan even after the dictator came to an end, kept the country’s name as the Republic of China, and started the democratic transition. The Democratic Progressive Party ( DPP ) gathered as the main opposition in the meantime.
Elections on the island were a two-way struggle between the KMT and the DPP for many years. The blue or green coalition, which represented the two parties ‘ separate colors, was supported by almost all other, much smaller political forces. The DPP is unmistakably in favor of an independent Taiwan, whereas the Communists views the island as a part of China.
The DPP took office for the first time in 2000. After an eight-year break, that occurred once more in 2016. In addition to having Tsai Ing-wen as chairman, it likewise controlled the majority of the parliament. Tsai is in charge of escalating tensions with China, which are being fueled by the US.
Wu informed me that the two parties ‘ economic opportunities do n’t differ all that much. Both sides support the US.
The DPP invented Chinese nationalism, despite the Kuomintang’s assertions that the people of Taiwan and the mainland of China are one Chinese country that are divided by a sea and different ideological systems.” Also, they find common ground in anti-communism against the leaders in Beijing,” Wu said.
DPP’s appeal declines
This does not imply that all Japanese agree with the DPP. On the other hand,  , the DPP in power has seen a sharp decline in popularity. Usually, the opposition would easily prevail in these upcoming elections. The proper attitude toward China is polarized among the populace.
The looming military intensification becomes suddenly very material as a result of the extension of military service from four to twelve months. On the other hand, the  energy crisis represents the nation’s subpar financial efficiency. The policies of the government are not at all popular with the populace.
The KMT will undoubtedly prevail, next. Not really, as a third party this day has the potential to persuade an important portion of the electorate.
The late formed Taiwan People’s Party positions itself as an alternative to the blue and green relationships, putting forward the former president of Taipei as a strong candidate for the presidency. This group recently appeared to form a joint political ticket with the KMT, but in November, it ultimately decided to run independently.
Even with a splintered criticism, the DPP might still prevail in the elections. The DPP and KMT political individuals are currently neck and neck in the polls. No one can foretell who likely triumph. Irrespective of who wins the presidential election, a third party’s increase will likely not result in him holding sway in the legislature. This implies that concessions will need to be made.
These elections, according to Wu Rong- renminbi, are essential for the ties between Taiwan and land China. The KMT supports the status quo, which means that although both parties acknowledge that China is one, they have various ideas about what this means. The DPP may rely on US help to defend Taiwan’s independence.
Wu asserts that the US’s aggressive policy “makes the status quo difficult,” and that” the freedom the DPP seeks separates us from the island and goes against the passions of the workers.”
Wu outlines the Labor Party’s strategy, stating that” Reunification between Taiwan and China is the only path to peace and wealth:” One country, two devices is a genuine formula.”
The answer is no,” China has clearly stated that Taiwan would have more autonomy, and there are good reasons for that: Hong Kong was a town of Britain when it was transferred to China, while Taiwan has existed for decades as an independent economic and political entity.”
The Labor Party hopes that after the elections, there will be space for dialogue between Taipei and Beijing:” There is no model for reconciliation, and it is only through speech and change that we can get solutions,” despite the fact that there currently appears to be much flexibility from the two traditional parties.
Asia Times received this post from  , Globetrotter, which produced it.