Tensions in the Taiwan strait seem to be rising. China is continuously putting military pressure on Taiwan while the United States and its allies are supporting the island. The current president Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has recently called for a “peaceful coexistence” between the Chinese and Taiwan. She reiterated that support for Taiwan has been “unprecedented” in recent years. China’s foreign ministry was not happy with her speech, labeling the DPP as the “greatest threat” towards stability within the Taiwan strait.
With tensions continuing to rise, the upcoming Taiwanese elections can decide the fate of the island. Even though there is little support for presidential opposition candidate Terry Gou, the billionaire who is running for the second time is making more headway towards a pro-China stance. Terry Gou has repeatedly stated that the DPP has caused relations to deteriorate and continues to provoke Beijing. The DPP presidential nominee Lae Ching-te has called for the status-quo to remain in place regarding Chinese and Taiwan relations.
Like I said, the likelihood that any opposition to the DPP gets elected is low. But there is a growing population in Taiwan that is afraid of Chinese aggression and this may create difficulties in the future for the Taiwanese. Now, I am not saying that a democratically elected leader deciding to rejoin China is bad. That is a choice of the people. What I am saying is that a divided Taiwan will give the advantage to China and not the people. The United States needs to continue supporting candidates in the DPP so that a regime that stands firm on its independence but also seeks to work with China remains in power. This will give more power to the people of Taiwan and will continue to push Beijing from taking the island by military force.
The west needs to continue its military support to Taiwan as well, supplying weapons and new technologies. Support from the west has prevented China from using force to take the island. The United States needs to continue fostering a relationship with China as well. Blinken’s recent visit was useful in re-establishing a dialogue and re-affirming the United States commitment in south east Asia.
These elections will be crucial to Taiwanese autonomy. China no doubt is going to continue to apply pressure on Taiwan. The DPP winning elections is not a for sure win anymore.
Author: Joshua Cheatham
