Taiwan prepares to elect a president and legislature in what's seen as a test of control with China
Taiwanese are preparing to elect a new president and legislature Saturday in what many see as a test of control with China which claims the self-governing island republic as its own
TAIPEI, Taiwan — With rallies and concerts attended by thousands of flag-waving supporters, Taiwanese are preparing to elect a new president and legislature on Saturday in what many see as a test of control with China, which claims the self-governing island republic as its own.
The race is tight, and both China and Taiwan's key ally, the United States, are weighing in on political and economic issues they hope will sway voters.
The election pits Vice President Lai Ching-te, representing the Democratic Progressive Party known as the DPP, against Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Nationalist Party, also known as the Kuomintang or KMT, and the former mayor of the capital city Taipei, Ko Wen-je, of the Taiwan People’s Party.
Speaking in his hometown of Tainan in the island's south, Lai reflected on why he had left his career as a surgeon because of China's missile tests and military exercises aimed at intimidating Taiwanese voters before the first open presidential election in 1996.
«I wanted to protect the democracy that just gotten underway in Taiwan. I gave up my well-paid job and decided to follow the footsteps of our elders in democracy,” Lai said.
Hou, a former head of Taiwan's police force and mayor of the capital Taipei's suburbs, said that Lai's view on relations with Beijing could bring uncertainty and even the possibility of war.
“I advocate pragmatic exchanges with China, the defense of national security, and protection of human rights. I insist that Taiwan’s future will be decided by 23.5 million (people of Taiwan) and I will
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