Taiwan is set to hold elections for a new president and parliament, with China closely monitoring the outcome. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, despite the objections of the island’s government. Here are some key facts about the relationship between Taiwan and China:
– China has claimed Taiwan as its own since the Kuomintang (KMT), or Nationalists, fled to the island in 1949 following their defeat in the Chinese civil war. China has vowed to bring Taiwan under Beijing’s rule, even if it requires the use of force.
– Taiwan’s government asserts that it is already a sovereign country, officially known as the Republic of China. This position is supported by the island’s main opposition parties.
– Relations between Taiwan and China were strained during Chen Shui-bian’s presidency from 2000 to 2008 due to his pro-independence rhetoric. Despite this, he attempted to maintain positive relations with Beijing.
– Relations improved significantly after Ma Ying-jeou, from the China-friendly KMT, assumed the presidency in 2008 and won re-election in 2012. In 2015, Ma had a historic meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore.
– In 2014, Taiwan witnessed the Sunflower Movement, where hundreds of students occupied the parliament to protest against trade pacts negotiated with China. It was the largest display of anti-China sentiment on the island in years.
– Beijing believes that Tsai Ing-wen, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), wants to push for Taiwan’s independence, which is a red line for China. Tsai, however, maintains that she seeks to maintain the status quo and not seek formal independence or reunification with China.
– Vice President Lai Ching-te, the DPP’s presidential candidate, is detested by China due to his separatist views. China has rejected multiple offers of talks with him.
– The KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih, mayor of New Taipei, aims to improve ties with China to boost Taiwan’s economy. He supports restarting talks with Beijing and implementing a shelved trade services pact from 2014.
– Another candidate running for the presidency is Ko Wen-je, the former mayor of Taipei from the Taiwan People’s Party.
– China is Taiwan’s largest trading partner, with trade amounting to $224 billion in 2023. Taiwan maintains a significant trade surplus with China.
– To reduce reliance on China, Taiwan has been encouraging Taiwanese businesses to return home or shift investments to other countries like Vietnam and India.
– China and Taiwan have come close to war several times since 1949. In 2022 and 2023, China conducted large-scale war games around Taiwan in protest against increased U.S. engagement with the island.
– Taiwan accuses China of running a sophisticated online disinformation campaign to support China-friendly candidates.
– China has framed the elections as a choice between “peace and war,” labeling the ruling party as dangerous separatists and calling on Taiwanese to make the “right choice.” China dismisses allegations of election interference as DPP “dirty tricks.”
– The United States, which advocates for free elections without outside interference, is obligated to assist Taiwan’s defense under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act. China strongly opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and has repeatedly demanded they cease.
These elections hold significant importance for Taiwan and will have implications for its relationship with China.
Taiwan is holding elections for a new president and parliament, with China closely monitoring the outcome. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, while Taiwan asserts its sovereignty. Relations between the two have varied, with strained ties during the presidency of Chen Shui-bian, but warmer relations under Ma Ying-jeou. In 2014, protests erupted in Taiwan against trade pacts negotiated with China. The current presidential candidate, Tsai Ing-wen, says she wants to maintain the status quo. China sees her as a potential supporter of Taiwan’s independence. The United States, obligated to support Taiwan’s defense, has called for free elections without interference.
Disclaimer: Only the headline and content of this report may have been reworked by Newsearay, staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. The Article was originally published on Source link
