China overshadows Taiwan vote Taiwan
A campaign of pressure by China has loomed large over Taiwan’s local elections, in what is seen partly as a referendum on the policies of independence-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen.
Driven from power two years ago, the opposition Nationalists are hoping to regain territory by leaning on their pro-business image and a more accommodating line towards Beijing, which detests Tsai for her refusal to endorse its stance that the selfgoverning island democracy is a part of the communist Chinese nation.
The China factor and the potential impact on the next presidential election gave added weight to yesterday’s poll, said Alexander Huang, strategic studies professor at Taiwan’s Tamkang University.
‘‘It’s more important than the usual local elections,’’ he said. ‘‘Confidence has been disrupted by the overall environment and the difficult relationship with the mainland.’’
Key races include mayoral offices in the capital Taipei and the southern port of Kaohsiung, where the Nationalists and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party are fighting for votes alongside independent candidates and those from smaller parties. Economic growth, employment and pension reforms are also major issues.
Since her election in 2016, Tsai has walked a fine line on relations with China, maintaining Taiwan’s de facto independent status, which the vast majority of Taiwanese support, while avoiding calls from the more radical elements of her party for moves to declare formal separation from the mainland, from which it split amid civil war in 1949.
But she has also emphasised the importance of Taiwan’s sovereignty, rejected Beijing’s ‘‘One China’’ principle, and sought to strengthen relations with the United States and other countries similarly sceptical of China’s motives. She has also worked to diversify the island’s economy away from the Chinese market by bringing businesses home and encouraging investment in Southeast Asia and beyond.
China’s authoritarian leader Xi Jinping – who has said ‘‘unification’’ with Taiwan can’t be put off indefinitely – has stepped up military intimidation with war games and aerial training near the island, all aimed at advertising Beijing’s threat to bring it under its control by force if necessary.
Taiwanese officials have also warned that Beijing is seeking to sway voters through the spread of disinformation online, similar to Russia’s interfering in US elections.
Despite relatively healthy economic growth, many Taiwanese say they fear the impact of China’s continuing undermining policies.
Voters are also casting ballots in 10 referendums, including on whether to amend Taiwan’s civil code to include same-sex marriage – which was legalised last year – and on whether to uphold a commitment to ban nuclear energy by 2025.
In a highly symbolic but potentially impactful referendum, voters have been asked whether they wish Taiwan to compete in international sporting events, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as ‘‘Taiwan’’ instead of ‘‘Chinese Taipei’’, the name the island is required to use at China’s insistence. Although the International Olympic Committee has already ruled out any changes and warned that Taiwan could lose its accreditation, many see the vote as a test of support for independence.