The Taiwan government’s new logo to mark the upcoming Double Tenth holiday unveiled&nbsp;last week&nbsp;has sparked a debate amid rumours that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) may try to change the self-governing island’s official name, the Republic of China, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP), on Sunday (September 10).&nbsp;

The speculations and supposed move could provoke Beijing which has ramped up military and political pressure on Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty and reiterated calls for reunification with the self-governing island.

<h2>What is the logo about?</h2>

Last week, organisers of this year’s Double Tenth celebrations which will take place on October 10 revealed the logo which features two “10” characters and its slogan in Chinese reads: “Democratic Taiwan, resilience and sustainability,” as per the SCMP. While the words in English underneath read: “2023 Taiwan National Day”.&nbsp;

However, none of the versions mentions the Republic of China, which has drawn criticism from the Beijing-friendly main opposition Kuomintang party.&nbsp;

The day, for which the logo was unveiled, marks the beginning of the 1911 revolution that led to the fall of the Qing dynasty and the founding of the Republic of China, which is celebrated in Taiwan every year since Nationalists were defeated by the Communists in the Chinese Civil War in 1949 and fled to the island.&nbsp;

<h2>Opposition party calls the move ‘absurd’</h2>

“The ROC national day celebration is a very important event and it is absurd for the government to do away with the ROC title on this occasion,” said Lin Te-fu, former deputy secretary general of the Kuomintang party, as quoted by the SCMP.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition Taiwan People’s Party caucus in the legislature suggested that the English be amended to “ROC (Taiwan) National Day” after saying it gives an impression that the DPP government is pushing for the independence of the island.&nbsp;

<h2>Is it about the upcoming elections?</h2>

Others have perceived the move as a “gimmick to sway votes” in favour of Vice-President William Lai Ching-te and the DPP’s candidate for the upcoming presidential elections which are set to take place in January 2024.&nbsp;

“The ruling party is switching back and forth in using that reference, sometimes calling it Taiwan and other times ROC – strictly depending on what it wants to achieve,” said the head of the pro-independence Formosa Alliance Kuo Pei-hung, as quoted by SCMP.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Nothing to worry about’: Govt responds to criticism</h2>

A day after the logo was released, Hua Ching-chun, deputy interior minister, said that they have used ROC “in front of the general title of the entire event. So there is nothing to worry about and no political action either”.&nbsp;

Additionally, Vice-Premier Cheng Wen-tsan said that a “different presentation” of the island’s name “no way changes the fact that we are the ROC government”.

Beijing continues to maintain its military and political pressure for democratically-elected Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty and reiterated calls for reunification with the self-governing island.

The People’s Liberation Army has intensified military activity near the island, particularly after then-United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei which Beijing perceived as a violation of its sovereignty. 
&nbsp;

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The Taiwan government’s new logo to mark the upcoming Double Tenth holiday unveiled last week has sparked a debate amid rumours that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) may try to change the self-governing island’s official name, the Republic of China, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP), on Sunday (September 10).

The Taiwan government’s new logo to mark the upcoming Double Tenth holiday unveiled last week has sparked a debate amid rumours that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) may try to change the self-governing island’s official name, the Republic of China, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP), on Sunday (September 10). The speculations and supposed move could provoke Beijing which has ramped up military and political pressure on Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty and reiterated calls for reunification with the self-governing island. What is the logo about? Last week, organisers of this year’s Double Tenth celebrations which will take place on October 10 revealed the logo which features two “10” characters and its slogan in Chinese reads: “Democratic Taiwan, resilience and sustainability,” as per the SCMP. While the words in English underneath read: “2023 Taiwan National Day”. However, none of the versions mentions the Republic of China, which has drawn criticism from the Beijing-friendly main opposition Kuomintang party. The day, for which the logo was unveiled, marks the beginning of the 1911 revolution that led to the fall of the Qing dynasty and the founding of the Republic of China, which is celebrated in Taiwan every year since Nationalists were defeated by the Communists in the Chinese Civil War in 1949 and fled to the island. Opposition party calls the move ‘absurd’ “The ROC national day celebration is a very important event and it is absurd for the government to do away with the ROC title on this occasion,” said Lin Te-fu, former deputy secretary general of the Kuomintang party, as quoted by the SCMP. Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition Taiwan People’s Party caucus in the legislature suggested that the English be amended to “ROC (Taiwan) National Day” after saying it gives an impression that the DPP government is pushing for the independence of the island. Is it about the upcoming elections? Others have perceived the move as a “gimmick to sway votes” in favour of Vice-President William Lai Ching-te and the DPP’s candidate for the upcoming presidential elections which are set to take place in January 2024. “The ruling party is switching back and forth in using that reference, sometimes calling it Taiwan and other times ROC – strictly depending on what it wants to achieve,” said the head of the pro-independence Formosa Alliance Kuo Pei-hung, as quoted by SCMP. ‘Nothing to worry about’: Govt responds to criticism A day after the logo was released, Hua Ching-chun, deputy interior minister, said that they have used ROC “in front of the general title of the entire event. So there is nothing to worry about and no political action either”. Additionally, Vice-Premier Cheng Wen-tsan said that a “different presentation” of the island’s name “no way changes the fact that we are the ROC government”. Beijing continues to maintain its military and political pressure for democratically-elected Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty and reiterated calls for reunification with the self-governing island. The People’s Liberation Army has intensified military activity near the island, particularly after then-United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei which Beijing perceived as a violation of its sovereignty. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan’s official name omitted from Double Tenth logo, sparks criticism: Report

After the Chinese military carried out drills around Taiwan on Saturday (August 19), Taipei accused Beijing of&nbsp;trying to "shape" Taiwan's upcoming election. In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said, "The PRC has&nbsp;made it clear it wants to shape Taiwan's coming national election. Well, it's up to our citizens to decide, not the bully next door."

Earlier on Saturday, China started military drills around Taiwan in an angry response to Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's visit to the United States.

According to a report by the Xinhua news agency, Chinese military spokesperson Shi Yi said the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army "launched joint air and sea patrols and military exercises of the navy and air force around the island of Taiwan.

The report said the drills were meant to test the PLA's ability "to seize control of air and sea spaces" and fight "in real combat conditions". The scale of these drills is not yet known.

By afternoon, Taiwan said that it detected 42 warplane incursions&nbsp;making incursions around the island's air defence zone.

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After the Chinese military carried out drills around Taiwan on Saturday (August 19), Taipei accused Beijing of trying to "shape" Taiwan's upcoming election. In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said, "The PRC has made it clear it wants to shape Taiwan's coming national election.

After the Chinese military carried out drills around Taiwan on Saturday (August 19), Taipei accused Beijing of trying to "shape" Taiwan's upcoming election. In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said, "The PRC has made it clear it wants to shape Taiwan's coming national election. Well, it's up to our citizens to decide, not the bully next door." Earlier on Saturday, China started military drills around Taiwan in an angry response to Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's visit to the United States. According to a report by the Xinhua news agency, Chinese military spokesperson Shi Yi said the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army "launched joint air and sea patrols and military exercises of the navy and air force around the island of Taiwan. The report said the drills were meant to test the PLA's ability "to seize control of air and sea spaces" and fight "in real combat conditions". The scale of these drills is not yet known. By afternoon, Taiwan said that it detected 42 warplane incursions making incursions around the island's air defence zone. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Chinese military drills, Taiwan says ‘bully next door’ trying to shape upcoming national polls

China will not change its position that Taiwan belongs to it, Beijing said on Sunday, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-declares-victory-in-taiwan-election-273651">President Tsai Ing-wen won re-election</a> and said she would not submit to China's threats, as state media warned she was courting disaster.

The election campaign was dominated by China's ramped-up efforts to get the democratic island to accept Beijing's rule under a "one country, two systems" model, as well as by anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong.

"No matter what changes there are to the internal situation in Taiwan, the basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change," China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, responding to the result.

While China says Taiwan is its territory, Taiwan maintains it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name.

Tsai, who has firmly rejected China's "one country, two systems" model, won another four-year term by a landslide, and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured a majority in parliament.

Speaking on Saturday after the scale of her victory become clear, Tsai called for talks to resume with China, but said she hoped Beijing understood Taiwan and its people would not submit to intimidation.

China will not change its stance sticking to the "one China" principle and opposing independence for Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said.

"The universal consensus of the international community adhering to the 'one China' principle will not change either."

China hoped the world would understand and support the "just cause" of Chinese people to oppose secessionist activities and "realise national reunification", it added.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said China should respect the election result and stop putting pressure on the island.

"Our government will firmly defend the sovereignty of the Republic of China and Taiwan's democracy and freedom," it said.

'Policy toolbox'

In a strongly worded commentary, China's official Xinhua news agency said Tsai had won by deploying dirty tricks, hyping the China threat and colluding with forces in the West.

"Whether it is to curb Taiwan independence secessionist activities or to benefit Taiwan compatriots, the mainland has a full 'policy toolbox'," it said.

"Tsai and the DPP must be aware that they should not act wilfully because of a fluke."

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Tsai on her re-election and lauded her for seeking stability with China "in the face of unrelenting pressure".

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also sent congratulations, referring to Taiwan as a "precious friend".

China's Taiwan Affairs Office said in a separate statement on Saturday it would stick to promoting the "one country, two systems" model for Taiwan, which Beijing uses to run Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Many in the former British colony fear promises made under the system are not being kept.

On China's internet, there was unusual criticism for the Taiwan Affairs Office's failure to win over the island, especially as Tsai's win followed a landslide for pro-democracy candidates in Hong Kong's local elections in November.

"What have you been doing?" wrote one user on China's Twitter-like Weibo. "All the money you have spent and all you have done is give succour to hypocrites and traitors."

Late on Friday, whether by design or a quirk of timing, the Communist Party's anti-corruption watchdog criticised the office for not following the party line sufficiently enthusiastically and for being too bureaucratic.

The top Taiwan policy-making body is run by Liu Jieyi, a former Chinese ambassador at the United Nations.

In the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily this month, he wrote that people in Taiwan were "positively exploring" the "one country, two systems" model, but offered no evidence.

China will not change its position that Taiwan belongs to it, Beijing said on Sunday, after President Tsai Ing-wen won re-election and said she would not submit to China's threats, as state media warned she was courting disaster.

China will not change its position that Taiwan belongs to it, Beijing said on Sunday, after President Tsai Ing-wen won re-election and said she would not submit to China's threats, as state media warned she was courting disaster. The election campaign was dominated by China's ramped-up efforts to get the democratic island to accept Beijing's rule under a "one country, two systems" model, as well as by anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong. "No matter what changes there are to the internal situation in Taiwan, the basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change," China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, responding to the result. While China says Taiwan is its territory, Taiwan maintains it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name. Tsai, who has firmly rejected China's "one country, two systems" model, won another four-year term by a landslide, and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured a majority in parliament. Speaking on Saturday after the scale of her victory become clear, Tsai called for talks to resume with China, but said she hoped Beijing understood Taiwan and its people would not submit to intimidation. China will not change its stance sticking to the "one China" principle and opposing independence for Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said. "The universal consensus of the international community adhering to the 'one China' principle will not change either." China hoped the world would understand and support the "just cause" of Chinese people to oppose secessionist activities and "realise national reunification", it added. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said China should respect the election result and stop putting pressure on the island. "Our government will firmly defend the sovereignty of the Republic of China and Taiwan's democracy and freedom," it said. 'Policy toolbox' In a strongly worded commentary, China's official Xinhua news agency said Tsai had won by deploying dirty tricks, hyping the China threat and colluding with forces in the West. "Whether it is to curb Taiwan independence secessionist activities or to benefit Taiwan compatriots, the mainland has a full 'policy toolbox'," it said. "Tsai and the DPP must be aware that they should not act wilfully because of a fluke." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Tsai on her re-election and lauded her for seeking stability with China "in the face of unrelenting pressure". Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also sent congratulations, referring to Taiwan as a "precious friend". China's Taiwan Affairs Office said in a separate statement on Saturday it would stick to promoting the "one country, two systems" model for Taiwan, which Beijing uses to run Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. Many in the former British colony fear promises made under the system are not being kept. On China's internet, there was unusual criticism for the Taiwan Affairs Office's failure to win over the island, especially as Tsai's win followed a landslide for pro-democracy candidates in Hong Kong's local elections in November. "What have you been doing?" wrote one user on China's Twitter-like Weibo. "All the money you have spent and all you have done is give succour to hypocrites and traitors." Late on Friday, whether by design or a quirk of timing, the Communist Party's anti-corruption watchdog criticised the office for not following the party line sufficiently enthusiastically and for being too bureaucratic. The top Taiwan policy-making body is run by Liu Jieyi, a former Chinese ambassador at the United Nations. In the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily this month, he wrote that people in Taiwan were "positively exploring" the "one country, two systems" model, but offered no evidence.

China says will not change position on Taiwan after landslide election

Supporters of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen were delighted on Saturday, as the results were almost clear that he was ready to win the presidential election. Election Commission data showed its main rival by more than two million votes, with more than 86% of the vote count. #WION#TaiwanElections #Taiwan

Taiwan Election 2020: Tsai Ing-wen wins presidential election with thumping mandate

Voting began on Saturday in Taiwan for the presidential and parliamentary election, which was focussed around the island's fraught relationship with China.&nbsp;

After the polls opened at 8 am (0000 GMT), long queues were seen outside the election stations. The initial results are likely to come out late in the evening.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-2020-china-friendly-han-kuo-yu-challenges-president-tsai-ing-wen-273288">Taiwan election 2020: China-friendly Han Kuo-yu challenges President Tsai Ing-wen</a>

President Tsai Ing-wen also voted in Taipei and told reporters after casting her vote that she hoped that everyone exercise their right to vote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-vote-in-shadow-of-china-pressure-hong-kong-protests-272816">Taiwan to vote in shadow of China pressure, Hong Kong protests</a>

This year's election is crucial for the island as the president and his main opponent have contrasting views on the relations with China.

Beijing considers Taiwan as part of its territory which can be taken by force if necessary.&nbsp;

Tsai is seeking another term and portrayed herself as a defender of Taiwan's liberal values against the increasingly authoritarian regime in China under President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

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Tsai's main opponent is Han Kuo-yo is in favour of close proximity with China and accuses the present government of unnecessarily antagonising Beijing.

The president's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rejects Beijing's "one China" theory and bats for Taiwan's independence.&nbsp;

Han represents Kuomintang (KMT) and his campaign struggled to gain momentum as he is seen someone very close to China and lacks experience.&nbsp;

However, Han said that he will also defend democracy in Taiwan, but favours warmer ties with Beijing to boost the island's economy.&nbsp;

After Tsai won big in the last elections, China increased military and economic pressure on Taiwan and even poached some of its diplomatic allies.&nbsp;

However, polling pundits predict a parliamentary victory for Tsai's DPP.&nbsp;

Taiwanese were infuriated by Beijing's response to pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and the situation of Uighurs in China.&nbsp;

People in Taiwan were also angry after Xi said last year in a blunt speech that the island's absorption into the mainland is "inevitable".

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Voting began on Saturday in Taiwan for the presidential and parliamentary election, which was focussed around the island's fraught relationship with China. After the polls opened at 8 am (0000 GMT), long queues were seen outside the election stations.

Voting began on Saturday in Taiwan for the presidential and parliamentary election, which was focussed around the island's fraught relationship with China. After the polls opened at 8 am (0000 GMT), long queues were seen outside the election stations. The initial results are likely to come out late in the evening. Also read: Taiwan election 2020: China-friendly Han Kuo-yu challenges President Tsai Ing-wen President Tsai Ing-wen also voted in Taipei and told reporters after casting her vote that she hoped that everyone exercise their right to vote. Also read: Taiwan to vote in shadow of China pressure, Hong Kong protests This year's election is crucial for the island as the president and his main opponent have contrasting views on the relations with China. Beijing considers Taiwan as part of its territory which can be taken by force if necessary. Tsai is seeking another term and portrayed herself as a defender of Taiwan's liberal values against the increasingly authoritarian regime in China under President Xi Jinping. × Tsai's main opponent is Han Kuo-yo is in favour of close proximity with China and accuses the present government of unnecessarily antagonising Beijing. The president's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rejects Beijing's "one China" theory and bats for Taiwan's independence. Han represents Kuomintang (KMT) and his campaign struggled to gain momentum as he is seen someone very close to China and lacks experience. However, Han said that he will also defend democracy in Taiwan, but favours warmer ties with Beijing to boost the island's economy. After Tsai won big in the last elections, China increased military and economic pressure on Taiwan and even poached some of its diplomatic allies. However, polling pundits predict a parliamentary victory for Tsai's DPP. Taiwanese were infuriated by Beijing's response to pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and the situation of Uighurs in China. People in Taiwan were also angry after Xi said last year in a blunt speech that the island's absorption into the mainland is "inevitable". (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Taiwan election: Voting begins in polls closely watched by China

Voting began on Saturday in Taiwan for the presidential and parliamentary election, which was focussed around the island's fraught relationship with China. After the polls opened at 8 am (0000 GMT), long queues were seen outside the election stations. The initial results are likely to come out late in the evening. #WION#TaiwanElections

Taiwan head to vote, polling begins at 17,226 stations

Taiwan Election 2020: Tsai Ing-wen wins presidential elections, supporters found delighted

On Saturday, people in Taiwan will cast their vote in the much-anticipated presidential elections. The incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen will seek re-election and his main challenger will be China-friendly Han Kuo-yu. #WION#TaiwanElections

Taiwan Elections: A brief analysis

<a href="Taiwan election: Voting begins in polls closely watched by China">Taiwan voted on Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections</a> that will be closely watched by Beijing, which claims the democratic island as its own, in the shadow of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

China and the Hong Kong unrest have become major elements in the election as Beijing has ramped up efforts to get Taiwan to accept its rule, both through military intimidation and an offer of the "one country, two systems" model.

"I saw what's happening in Hong Kong and it's horrible," said first-time voter Stacey Lin, 20. "I just want to make sure I have the freedom to vote in the future."
<img alt="Taiwan polls" data-caption="A man casts his ballot at a polling station during general elections in New Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan January 11, 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="266667c5-4d25-4a65-9ccb-20ef07462813" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/taiwan_0.JPG" />
Speaking in Taipei, the capital, Lin said she had voted for President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party. "She is the best among all the candidates to protect our democracy," Lin added.

Both Tsai and main rival Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, have rejected the "one country, two systems" model, which provides for a high degree of autonomy, much as Beijing uses in Hong Kong.

Tsai, voting in Taipei, spoke briefly to reporters after casting her ballot, saying she hoped everyone exercised their right to vote and the process would be smooth.

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Tsai says only Taiwan's people have the right to decide its future, and has denounced China for seeking to sway the election with misinformation and gestures such as sailing its newest aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait just before the vote.

China denies interfering.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-things-to-know-about-the-state-of-taiwan-273555">Five things to know about the state of Taiwan</a>

Han says he will reset ties with China to boost Taiwan's economy, but will not compromise on defending its democracy.

He did not speak to reporters after voting in the southern city of Kaohsiung, where he is mayor.

The polls closed at 4 pm&nbsp;(0800 GMT) and results are expected by early Saturday evening. Tsai is due to hold a news conference at 8 pm&nbsp;(1200 GMT).

Earlier in the day, people queued in long but orderly lines at many polling stations to cast their votes, with good weather likely to boost turnout.

Sam Chan, 30, who immigrated to Taiwan from Hong Kong in 2014 over fears of China's growing control of the Asian financial hub, said Tsai was the best to protect Taiwan.

"I immigrated to Taiwan to escape from the Communist Party, so I won't vote for pro-China political parties."
<img alt="Taiwan polls" data-caption="A Taiwanese casts their vote into a ballot box during the general elections in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, January 11, 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46b1daa7-3459-4c19-bfe6-94a4e7982f8f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/polls%20taiwan.JPG" />
But Taiwan needs good relations with China, said 67-year-old Chu Yu-min, and so she had voted for the Kuomintang.

"Taiwan's economy depends on that," Chu added. "The economy has been bad for the past four years. This needs to change."

Never popular in Taiwan, the idea of "one country, two systems" is even less so now, after months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

The protesters have broad sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help protesters in the former British colony who flee to the island.

Taiwan has been a democratic success story since its first direct presidential election in 1996.

That was the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until it was forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949, after losing a civil war with the Communists.

Taiwan voted on Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections that will be closely watched by Beijing, which claims the democratic island as its own, in the shadow of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

Taiwan voted on Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections that will be closely watched by Beijing, which claims the democratic island as its own, in the shadow of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. China and the Hong Kong unrest have become major elements in the election as Beijing has ramped up efforts to get Taiwan to accept its rule, both through military intimidation and an offer of the "one country, two systems" model. "I saw what's happening in Hong Kong and it's horrible," said first-time voter Stacey Lin, 20. "I just want to make sure I have the freedom to vote in the future." Speaking in Taipei, the capital, Lin said she had voted for President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party. "She is the best among all the candidates to protect our democracy," Lin added. Both Tsai and main rival Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, have rejected the "one country, two systems" model, which provides for a high degree of autonomy, much as Beijing uses in Hong Kong. Tsai, voting in Taipei, spoke briefly to reporters after casting her ballot, saying she hoped everyone exercised their right to vote and the process would be smooth. × Tsai says only Taiwan's people have the right to decide its future, and has denounced China for seeking to sway the election with misinformation and gestures such as sailing its newest aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait just before the vote. China denies interfering. Also read: Five things to know about the state of Taiwan Han says he will reset ties with China to boost Taiwan's economy, but will not compromise on defending its democracy. He did not speak to reporters after voting in the southern city of Kaohsiung, where he is mayor. The polls closed at 4 pm (0800 GMT) and results are expected by early Saturday evening. Tsai is due to hold a news conference at 8 pm (1200 GMT). Earlier in the day, people queued in long but orderly lines at many polling stations to cast their votes, with good weather likely to boost turnout. Sam Chan, 30, who immigrated to Taiwan from Hong Kong in 2014 over fears of China's growing control of the Asian financial hub, said Tsai was the best to protect Taiwan. "I immigrated to Taiwan to escape from the Communist Party, so I won't vote for pro-China political parties." But Taiwan needs good relations with China, said 67-year-old Chu Yu-min, and so she had voted for the Kuomintang. "Taiwan's economy depends on that," Chu added. "The economy has been bad for the past four years. This needs to change." Never popular in Taiwan, the idea of "one country, two systems" is even less so now, after months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The protesters have broad sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help protesters in the former British colony who flee to the island. Taiwan has been a democratic success story since its first direct presidential election in 1996. That was the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until it was forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949, after losing a civil war with the Communists.

Taiwan polls: Millions cast votes in a closely watched presidential and parliamentary election

Voting is underway in Taiwan for the presidential and parliamentary election, which was focussed around the island's fraught relationship with China. After the polls opened at 8 am (0000 GMT), long queues were seen outside the election stations. The initial results are likely to come out late in the evening. #WION#TaiwanElections #Taiwan

Taiwan election 2020: Taiwan's President fears Chinese meddling

Taiwan election 2020: 650 candidates race for 113 seats

Taiwan will hold Presidential & Parliamentary elections on January 11. China, national security, sovereignty and the economy, these are the key issues. The incumbent President is expected to get re-elected. This report brings a brief explainer. #Gravitas #Taiwan #TaiwanElection #WION

Gravitas: Taiwan Elections: All You Need To Know

One paints with his fingers and the other in Japanese Manga style. Two Taiwanese artists divided by age, geography and art forms, depict the drama in the self-ruled island's political scene ahead of a heated presidential election. Kuang Yi, who calls himself the 'mad artist', paints with the most basic tools available, his hands. On the other side of the island, in the northern city of Taoyuan, manga artist Wei Zong-cheng takes a less neutral approach. While Tsai is coloured green, the DPP's colour, Han is shaded purple rather than the Kuomintang's blue. #Taiwan #TaiwanArtist #TaiwanElections #MadArtist

WION Dispatch: Taiwan artists draw presidential candidates in contrasting mediums

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-top-military-commander-killed-in-helicopter-crash-271568">Taiwan</a> votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control.

Taiwan has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists.

President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is seeking a second term and is being challenged by the Kuomintang's Han Kuo-yu, who favours close ties with Beijing and says this is the only way to ensure Taiwan's security and prosperity.

The issue of China has taken front and centre in the campaign, especially after President Xi Jinping warned last year they could attack Taiwan, though said he'd prefer a peaceful "one country, two systems" formula to get control of the island.

Both Tsai and Han have rejected "one country, two systems", though the DPP has painted a vote for the Kuomintang as effectively a vote for that model. Han has angrily denied this.

On Monday, Tsai's team released a slick new campaign video comparing Taiwan's freedoms with the struggle in Hong Kong, interspersed with images of Xi and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam.

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"A few hundred miles from here, many young people are using their blood and tears to defend freedom," Tsai wrote on Facebook in introducing the video.

The idea of imposing a "one country, two systems" model of a high degree of autonomy much like China offers the former British colony of Hong Kong has never been popular in Taiwan.

It is even less so now after months of anti-government protests in the former British colony. The protesters have widespread public sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help those who flee to the island.

Han has complained of "dirty tricks" being used to smear him as a puppet for China, especially revelations in Australian media from a self-proclaimed Chinese spy who claimed China has supported Han. Han strongly rejects this.

"I beseech Taiwan's people, in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election, open your eyes. I hope Taiwan's people see these wicked smears to paint me black, red and yellow and make a rational decision," Han said on Tuesday.

Scaring Taiwan

In the run-up to the election, China has repeated its "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-rejects-chinas-offer-to-unify-under-hong-kong-model-271327">one country, two systems</a>" offer to Taiwan.

Liu Jieyi, the urbane head of China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, wrote in the Communist Party's official People's Daily last week that people in Taiwan were "positively exploring" this model, though offered no evidence.

But one Chinese official, who meets regularly with senior members of the People's Liberation Army, told Reuters that the Hong Kong protests had "increased the difficulty of getting Taiwan back".

"What's happening there is scaring Taiwan," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, referring to conversations with military officers.

While China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan's elections, Taiwan's parliament on the final day of last year passed a new anti-infiltration law designed to stop Chinese influence on Taiwan's democracy.

China's military is not idly sitting on the sidelines.

Its newest aircraft carrier, the Shandong, has twice sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait in the past two months, most recently in late December.

The United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier and strongest international backer even in the absence of official diplomatic ties has said it is concerned at Chinese efforts to sway the election.

Zhou Bo, director of the Centre for Security Cooperation of the Office for International Military Cooperation at China's Defence Ministry, said China "of course" wanted to resolve the "Taiwan issue" peacefully.

But China could not sit by while Taiwan continued attempts to distance itself from China, and the United States should heed that warning, he said.

"I don't know whether the United States is prepared to pay the price militarily for Taiwan."

Taiwan votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control.

Taiwan votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control. Taiwan has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists. President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is seeking a second term and is being challenged by the Kuomintang's Han Kuo-yu, who favours close ties with Beijing and says this is the only way to ensure Taiwan's security and prosperity. The issue of China has taken front and centre in the campaign, especially after President Xi Jinping warned last year they could attack Taiwan, though said he'd prefer a peaceful "one country, two systems" formula to get control of the island. Both Tsai and Han have rejected "one country, two systems", though the DPP has painted a vote for the Kuomintang as effectively a vote for that model. Han has angrily denied this. On Monday, Tsai's team released a slick new campaign video comparing Taiwan's freedoms with the struggle in Hong Kong, interspersed with images of Xi and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam. × "A few hundred miles from here, many young people are using their blood and tears to defend freedom," Tsai wrote on Facebook in introducing the video. The idea of imposing a "one country, two systems" model of a high degree of autonomy much like China offers the former British colony of Hong Kong has never been popular in Taiwan. It is even less so now after months of anti-government protests in the former British colony. The protesters have widespread public sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help those who flee to the island. Han has complained of "dirty tricks" being used to smear him as a puppet for China, especially revelations in Australian media from a self-proclaimed Chinese spy who claimed China has supported Han. Han strongly rejects this. "I beseech Taiwan's people, in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election, open your eyes. I hope Taiwan's people see these wicked smears to paint me black, red and yellow and make a rational decision," Han said on Tuesday. Scaring Taiwan In the run-up to the election, China has repeated its "one country, two systems" offer to Taiwan. Liu Jieyi, the urbane head of China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, wrote in the Communist Party's official People's Daily last week that people in Taiwan were "positively exploring" this model, though offered no evidence. But one Chinese official, who meets regularly with senior members of the People's Liberation Army, told Reuters that the Hong Kong protests had "increased the difficulty of getting Taiwan back". "What's happening there is scaring Taiwan," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, referring to conversations with military officers. While China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan's elections, Taiwan's parliament on the final day of last year passed a new anti-infiltration law designed to stop Chinese influence on Taiwan's democracy. China's military is not idly sitting on the sidelines. Its newest aircraft carrier, the Shandong, has twice sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait in the past two months, most recently in late December. The United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier and strongest international backer even in the absence of official diplomatic ties has said it is concerned at Chinese efforts to sway the election. Zhou Bo, director of the Centre for Security Cooperation of the Office for International Military Cooperation at China's Defence Ministry, said China "of course" wanted to resolve the "Taiwan issue" peacefully. But China could not sit by while Taiwan continued attempts to distance itself from China, and the United States should heed that warning, he said. "I don't know whether the United States is prepared to pay the price militarily for Taiwan."

Taiwan to vote in shadow of China pressure, Hong Kong protests

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