Polling to elect the next President and the running mate began on Saturday in Taiwan. Taiwanese voters will be choosing a successor to Tsai Ing-wen, the nation's first female president, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits after winning in 2016 and 2020.

Taiwan Elections 2024: Taiwanese begin casting ballots to choose next president

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, held its general election on Saturday (Jan 13). The ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te won the election after candidates of opposition parties- Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) conceded defeat.

Taiwan elections 2024: Taiwan ruling party’s Lai wins presidential election

The results of Taiwan's Jan 13 elections are crucial&nbsp;not just for its over 23 million people but for the entire world. Taiwan's indispensable economic significance to the global economy is underlined by the fact that the 36,193 sq km territory, which China claims as its own, produces around 90 per cent of the world's leading-edge semiconductors that are used for artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing applications.

According to TrendForce, Taiwan's share of global semiconductor foundry capacity stood at about 46 per cent as of 2023.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-taiwan-elections-2024-beyond-xi-jinpings-unification-threat-679049">Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat</a>

The semiconductor chips have emerged as pivots of the global economy in modern times. Described as the 'new oil' of the technology age, they are required to access computing power from every piece of modern technology.

Almost all electronic products – from refrigerators and microwaves to computers and smartphones – run on semiconductors. Around one-quarter of all semiconductors produced today end up in smartphones. &nbsp;At the same time, national intelligence systems and military missiles also dependent on semiconductors.

The rearranged corridors of power in the Taiwanese capital will hold 'profound significance', among others, on the country's semiconductor industry as well.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan Presidential elections: China warns voters to make correct choice in elections

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"The election outcomes will wield influence over the strategic and economic landscape, extending to cross-strait relations and the dynamics between the US and China," Sana Hashmi Postdoctoral Fellow at Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation in Taipei City, told WION while referring to the 180-kilometer (110-mile) strait that separates Taiwan from China.&nbsp;

In recent years, the Taiwanese Strait has become an active geo-economic spot of aggression by Chinese armed forces. China's top leader Xi Jinping has asserted Beijing's claim over Taiwan&nbsp;by sending warplanes and ships to the skies and waters around Taiwan regularly.

While the Chinese belligerence over the Taiwanese strait has come to define Beijing's repetitive territorial assertiveness over Taiwan in recent years, they have had consequences for Taiwan's semiconductor industry as well. Most notably, when Berkshire Hathaway cited geopolitical concerns in February 2023 to divest its multi-billion dollar stake from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).&nbsp;

<h2>Global stake in stability, peace between China and Taiwan</h2>

According to Chris Miller's 'Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology', the entire world economy hinges on peace in Taiwan. &nbsp;

A disruption to semiconductor production could have dramatic effects on the world economy, perhaps much more than Covid-19 or the Ukraine war, according to Miller. &nbsp;

In recent years, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. or TSMC, the world’s largest contract chip manufacturer that counts Apple and Nvidia among its biggest clients, has become central to the island nation's semiconductor dominance.&nbsp;

Besides, China (which itself constitutes 26 per cent of the world's semiconductor foundry) is a buyer of Taiwan-made chips.&nbsp;

Taiwan exported electronic integrated circuits, or chips, worth over $47 billion to China in 2023, according to preliminary trade data.

Some analysts argue that China's reliance on chips manufactured in Taiwan is so great that it makes an attack less likely, as destruction or inoperability of Taiwan’s foundries would devastate China's economy.

<h2>Taiwan Election Results 2024: Towards stability or confrontation path with China?</h2>

The election sees the pro-U.S. and anti-China Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te leading the polls against the Kuomintang candidate Hou Yu-ih, who is seen as more accommodating towards Beijing.&nbsp;

At the heart of the election is a stark choice presented to the Taiwanese people: one between peace or war that Kuomintang has campaigned on, and democracy or dictatorship, a choice propagated by the Democratic Progressive Party.

Lai is seen leading by a significant margin, suggesting a possible continuation of the Democratic Progressive Party’s rule.

If the Kuomintang, which adheres to a 'One China' principle, secures victory, Taipei-Beijing ties are expected to stabilise due to the party's accommodative stance towards Beijing.&nbsp;

The stabilisation may do away with the imminent threat of military conflict for the time being, keeping the world away from a D-day scenario of disrupted semiconductor supply chains.

A Kuomintang victory, however, would also be perceived as a win for China, possibly paving the way for closer ties with Taiwan.

Contrastingly, a win for the frontrunning Democratic Progressive Party, which advocates for Taiwan’s independence, may further put cross-strait relations in turmoil. For the Chinese leader Xi Jinping, while a Democratic Progressive Party win may appear hostile, it would also present Xi with an opportunity to propagate the idea of 'unification' with Taiwan more profoundly in his bid to consolidate power over Chinese Communist Party.

"The results of these elections will chart trajectories that could reverberate across the Indo-Pacific," Sana Hashmi said. With the US continuing to be the top weapon supplier to Taiwan at the face of Chinese belligerence, the outcomes of Jan 13 elections are set to "influence regional stability", while "shaping the US' and other countries' approaches to China and the region."

The results of Taiwan's Jan 13 elections are crucial not just for its over 23 million people but for the entire world. Taiwan's indispensable economic significance to the global economy is underlined by the fact that the 36,193 sq km territory, which China claims as its own, produces around 90 per cent of the world's leading-edge semiconductors that are used for artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing applications.

The results of Taiwan's Jan 13 elections are crucial not just for its over 23 million people but for the entire world. Taiwan's indispensable economic significance to the global economy is underlined by the fact that the 36,193 sq km territory, which China claims as its own, produces around 90 per cent of the world's leading-edge semiconductors that are used for artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing applications. According to TrendForce, Taiwan's share of global semiconductor foundry capacity stood at about 46 per cent as of 2023. Also read | Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat The semiconductor chips have emerged as pivots of the global economy in modern times. Described as the 'new oil' of the technology age, they are required to access computing power from every piece of modern technology. Almost all electronic products – from refrigerators and microwaves to computers and smartphones – run on semiconductors. Around one-quarter of all semiconductors produced today end up in smartphones. At the same time, national intelligence systems and military missiles also dependent on semiconductors. The rearranged corridors of power in the Taiwanese capital will hold 'profound significance', among others, on the country's semiconductor industry as well. Also watch | Taiwan Presidential elections: China warns voters to make correct choice in elections × "The election outcomes will wield influence over the strategic and economic landscape, extending to cross-strait relations and the dynamics between the US and China," Sana Hashmi Postdoctoral Fellow at Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation in Taipei City, told WION while referring to the 180-kilometer (110-mile) strait that separates Taiwan from China. In recent years, the Taiwanese Strait has become an active geo-economic spot of aggression by Chinese armed forces. China's top leader Xi Jinping has asserted Beijing's claim over Taiwan by sending warplanes and ships to the skies and waters around Taiwan regularly. While the Chinese belligerence over the Taiwanese strait has come to define Beijing's repetitive territorial assertiveness over Taiwan in recent years, they have had consequences for Taiwan's semiconductor industry as well. Most notably, when Berkshire Hathaway cited geopolitical concerns in February 2023 to divest its multi-billion dollar stake from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Global stake in stability, peace between China and Taiwan According to Chris Miller's 'Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology', the entire world economy hinges on peace in Taiwan. A disruption to semiconductor production could have dramatic effects on the world economy, perhaps much more than Covid-19 or the Ukraine war, according to Miller. In recent years, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. or TSMC, the world’s largest contract chip manufacturer that counts Apple and Nvidia among its biggest clients, has become central to the island nation's semiconductor dominance. Besides, China (which itself constitutes 26 per cent of the world's semiconductor foundry) is a buyer of Taiwan-made chips. Taiwan exported electronic integrated circuits, or chips, worth over $47 billion to China in 2023, according to preliminary trade data. Some analysts argue that China's reliance on chips manufactured in Taiwan is so great that it makes an attack less likely, as destruction or inoperability of Taiwan’s foundries would devastate China's economy. Taiwan Election Results 2024: Towards stability or confrontation path with China? The election sees the pro-U.S. and anti-China Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te leading the polls against the Kuomintang candidate Hou Yu-ih, who is seen as more accommodating towards Beijing. At the heart of the election is a stark choice presented to the Taiwanese people: one between peace or war that Kuomintang has campaigned on, and democracy or dictatorship, a choice propagated by the Democratic Progressive Party. Lai is seen leading by a significant margin, suggesting a possible continuation of the Democratic Progressive Party’s rule. If the Kuomintang, which adheres to a 'One China' principle, secures victory, Taipei-Beijing ties are expected to stabilise due to the party's accommodative stance towards Beijing. The stabilisation may do away with the imminent threat of military conflict for the time being, keeping the world away from a D-day scenario of disrupted semiconductor supply chains. A Kuomintang victory, however, would also be perceived as a win for China, possibly paving the way for closer ties with Taiwan. Contrastingly, a win for the frontrunning Democratic Progressive Party, which advocates for Taiwan’s independence, may further put cross-strait relations in turmoil. For the Chinese leader Xi Jinping, while a Democratic Progressive Party win may appear hostile, it would also present Xi with an opportunity to propagate the idea of 'unification' with Taiwan more profoundly in his bid to consolidate power over Chinese Communist Party. "The results of these elections will chart trajectories that could reverberate across the Indo-Pacific," Sana Hashmi said. With the US continuing to be the top weapon supplier to Taiwan at the face of Chinese belligerence, the outcomes of Jan 13 elections are set to "influence regional stability", while "shaping the US' and other countries' approaches to China and the region."

Taiwan Elections 2024: Why results of these polls are crucial for global economy

Taiwan elections 2024: Ruling DPP`s candidate Lai Ching-te wins after oppn concedes defeat

Using military threats, diplomatic pressure, fake news and financial inducements for politicians, China is being accused of deploying a broad strategy to influence voters in Taiwan’s elections to pick candidates who favor unification. WION tells you more in this report.

Taiwan Elections 2024: Taiwan accuses China of very diverse ways of influencing election

Chinese social media platform Weibo has blocked the hashtag 'Taiwan Election' on its website after it started trending among the top ones. "In accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies, the content of this topic is not displayed," a notice on the website showed on Saturday (Jan 13) morning when the hashtag was searched at around 9.

Chinese social media platform Weibo has blocked the hashtag 'Taiwan Election' on its website after it started trending among the top ones. "In accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies, the content of this topic is not displayed," a notice on the website showed on Saturday (Jan 13) morning when the hashtag was searched at around 9.45 am local time, the news agency AFP reported. 'Taiwan Election' was one of the highest trending topics on Weibo after the elections opened earlier in the day - at one point showing up to 163.2 million post views. AFP reported that some posts expressed hope that cross-strait ties could improve following the vote. However, other posts called for Taiwan to be returned to China as soon as possible. Click here to follow all updates on Taiwan elections The hashtag was removed by mid-morning, though users were still able to see posts about the topic. Taiwan polls close, counting underway Polls have closed in Taiwan and the counting of votes is underway. According to TaiwanNews Plus, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader and Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te is maintaining the lead with 1.7 million votes after nearly two hours of counting. He is followed by Kuomintang's (KMT) Hou Yu-ih who has secured 1.3 million votes and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) leader Ko Wen-je in third place with just over a million votes. 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. The ruling DDP is seeking a third term. The party champions Taiwan's separate identity and rejects China's territorial claims. Also read | Taiwan elections 2024: Why results of these polls are crucial for global economy The KMT, which ruled China before fleeing to Taiwan after losing a civil war with the Communists in 1949, favours close ties with China but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. Meanwhile, the TPP also wants to re-engage with Beijing. Several other small parties including the pro-independence Taiwan Statebuilding Party and overtly pro-China New Party are also taking part in the elections. However, most of such parties are unlikely to get any seats, a report by the news agency Reuters said. The results of the elections will be declared later on Saturday, and the new president will take office on May 20. The presidential term is four years and a president can serve a maximum of two terms in a row. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s Weibo blocks ‘Taiwan election’ hashtag after it starts trending with 163.2mn post views

Taiwan Elections 2024: Taiwan accuses China of fake news and financial lures

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns over human rights in&nbsp;China&nbsp;and urged “maintaining peace and stability” in the Taiwan Strait, during a meeting with senior Chinese official Liu Jianchao in Washington, said the State Department.&nbsp;

The meeting took place hours before (Washington time) Taiwan headed to presidential and parliamentary elections, on Saturday (Jan 13).&nbsp;

<h2>What did the officials discuss?</h2>

“The two sides had a constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including areas of potential cooperation and areas of difference,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, in a statement.&nbsp;

Washington and Beijing have held regular discussions recently to keep communication lines open between the world’s two largest economies.&nbsp;

The meeting is the latest in a flurry of engagements between the two nations following the summit between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in San Francisco, California.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan Elections 2024: Polling underway in Taiwan to elect the new President

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According to the state department, the two officials also discussed North Korea, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the Red Sea and the Middle East.&nbsp;

<h2>Discussions about Taiwan</h2>

During the recent meeting, Washington’s top diplomat asked Beijing to maintain cross-strait stability as Taiwan headed to polls to choose a new president.&nbsp;

“The Secretary reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea,” said Miller.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, China has ramped up pressure on the self-ruled island which Beijing has claimed as its own territory – a claim that Taiwan’s incumbent government has repeatedly rejected.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-spy-balloons-to-psychological-warfare-how-china-is-piling-pressure-on-taiwan-ahead-of-election-679264">Taiwan election: From 'spy' balloons to psychological warfare, China is piling on pressure</a>

The elections come amid Chinese balloons hovering over Taiwan and Xi’s New Year&nbsp;address&nbsp;calling&nbsp;China’s “reunification” with Taiwan inevitable.

The presidential frontrunner and Vice President from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lai Ching-te, who&nbsp;supports Taiwan’s separate identity recently accused China of trying to undermine the election and said that it is engaging in “unprecedented” levels of interference.

However, US officials have reportedly said that they do not see Chinese statements and actions as out of the ordinary for a Taiwan election.

The United States has “deep confidence in Taiwan’s democratic process and believe it is for Taiwan voters to decide their next leader free from outside interference,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said Thursday (Jan 11).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-elections-2024-why-results-of-these-polls-are-crucial-for-global-economy-679479">Taiwan Elections 2024: Why results of these polls are crucial for global economy</a>

American support for Taiwan’s self-ruled status is especially strong in the US Congress, where the Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution hailing the “example it (Taiwan) has set for self-governance, not just for the Pacific region, but for the world.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns over human rights in China and urged “maintaining peace and stability” in the Taiwan Strait, during a meeting with senior Chinese official Liu Jianchao in Washington, said the State Department.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns over human rights in China and urged “maintaining peace and stability” in the Taiwan Strait, during a meeting with senior Chinese official Liu Jianchao in Washington, said the State Department. The meeting took place hours before (Washington time) Taiwan headed to presidential and parliamentary elections, on Saturday (Jan 13). What did the officials discuss? “The two sides had a constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including areas of potential cooperation and areas of difference,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, in a statement. Washington and Beijing have held regular discussions recently to keep communication lines open between the world’s two largest economies. The meeting is the latest in a flurry of engagements between the two nations following the summit between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in San Francisco, California. WATCH | Taiwan Elections 2024: Polling underway in Taiwan to elect the new President According to the state department, the two officials also discussed North Korea, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the Red Sea and the Middle East. Discussions about Taiwan During the recent meeting, Washington’s top diplomat asked Beijing to maintain cross-strait stability as Taiwan headed to polls to choose a new president. “The Secretary reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea,” said Miller. In recent weeks, China has ramped up pressure on the self-ruled island which Beijing has claimed as its own territory – a claim that Taiwan’s incumbent government has repeatedly rejected. ALSO READ | Taiwan election: From 'spy' balloons to psychological warfare, China is piling on pressure The elections come amid Chinese balloons hovering over Taiwan and Xi’s New Year address calling China’s “reunification” with Taiwan inevitable. The presidential frontrunner and Vice President from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lai Ching-te, who supports Taiwan’s separate identity recently accused China of trying to undermine the election and said that it is engaging in “unprecedented” levels of interference. However, US officials have reportedly said that they do not see Chinese statements and actions as out of the ordinary for a Taiwan election. The United States has “deep confidence in Taiwan’s democratic process and believe it is for Taiwan voters to decide their next leader free from outside interference,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said Thursday (Jan 11). ALSO READ | Taiwan Elections 2024: Why results of these polls are crucial for global economy American support for Taiwan’s self-ruled status is especially strong in the US Congress, where the Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution hailing the “example it (Taiwan) has set for self-governance, not just for the Pacific region, but for the world.” (With inputs from agencies)

US' Blinken discusses human rights with Chinese official, urges Beijing to maintain cross-strait stability

Taiwan Elections 2024: Taiwan accuses China of military threats, fake news and financial users

Taiwan heads to the polls to choose its next leader in a high-stakes presidential election, polls opened at 8:00 AM local time at nearly 18,000 locations. Taiwan has slammed China for allegedly intimidating its citizens and attempting to influence the island's elections on Saturday. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu criticized China's "repeated interference" in the impending elections on Thursday, accusing Beijing of "once again blatantly intimidating the Taiwanese people and the international community".

Taiwan Elections 2024: Early trends show DPP candidate leading

Taiwan's high-stakes presidential election: Polls opened at 8:00 AM local time at nearly 18,000 locations. Polls closed at 4:00 PM local time at nearly 18,000 locations. Poll closely watched as China steps up its rhetoric over self-ruled island. Watch to know more!

Taiwan Presidential Election: Counting underway in Taiwan’s pivotal presidential election

Taiwan Presidential Election: Polls closed at nearly 18,000 locations, vote counting underway

Portraying Hou Yu-ih as Taiwan’s next leader has been an uphill battle for the Beijing-friendly KMT party. Will explains- Whether Hou Yu-Ih will be able to bring KMT back to power or not.

WION's Power Explainer: Will Hou Yu-ih bring KMT back to power?

Taiwan Elections 2024: All eyes on high-stakes election

With candidates in Taiwan gearing up for the key elections which are now just a day away, China has ramped up the pressure by literally looming over the self-governing island. This is in addition to the remarks from Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping who in his New Year’s address called China’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-taiwan-elections-2024-beyond-xi-jinpings-unification-threat-679049">“reunification”</a> with Taiwan inevitable.

Over the past few days, China has made several remarks going as far as warning voters in Taiwan to make the “right choice” which includes not supporting the current presidential frontrunner and candidate from the self-governing island’s ruling party, Lai Ching-te.&nbsp;

<h2>Chinese ‘spy’ balloons spotted over Taiwan</h2>

Since last month, the Taiwanese defence ministry has reported a spate of Chinese balloons not only flying over Taiwan but also crossing the narrow Taiwan Strait which separates the island from mainland China.&nbsp;

On Tuesday (Jan 9), Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it spotted four Chinese balloons over the Taiwan Strait the day prior, two of which crossed the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;

This was the day after Taiwanese officials said they detected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-spots-more-chinese-balloons-over-strait-accuses-beijing-of-psychological-warfare-ahead-of-elections-677750">three Chinese balloons</a> flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday.&nbsp;

Amid the rise of such incidents, Taiwan accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday (Jan 13).&nbsp;

However, the Taiwanese defence ministry has not directly said that the balloons are being used for spying. Officials have also said that so far they have not recovered any remains of the balloons and were not considering shooting them down, at least for now.&nbsp;

The possibility that China could be using balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. However, Beijing has since said that the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-navy-says-seized-oil-tanker-off-oman-679038">Iran navy says seized oil tanker in Gulf of Oman</a>

China has long flexed its military muscle against Taiwan by sending fighter jets, reconnaissance drones and naval ships almost daily. In April 2023, China conducted three-day military drills on the Taiwan Strait and by the end of it, released&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-releases-simulation-clip-of-how-it-will-attack-taiwan-if-war-breaks-out-watch-581302">simulation video</a> showing how it could launch a full-scale attack against the island if war ever breaks out.

Since December, the island’s defence ministry has been reporting at least 20 of mysterious balloons some of which have crossed the Taiwan Strait. These incidents prompted the Taiwanese ministry to issue a strongly worded statement on Saturday (Jan 6), condemning China’s actions.&nbsp;

“We also express our condemnation of the Chinese communists’ disregard for aviation safety and its disregard for the safety of passengers on cross-Taiwan Strait and international flights.”&nbsp;

The ministry said that its analysis of these actions was that the balloons were part of China’s “grey zone” tactics against Taiwan “in an attempt to use cognitive warfare to affect the morale of our people.”&nbsp;

Similarly, some experts believe that Beijing is trying to influence Taiwan’s elections by using these balloons. “They’re using various different tactics to threaten Taiwan and to put pressure on (President Tsai Ing-wen’s) administration,” Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project told VOA.&nbsp;

Raymond Kuo, director of the RAND Corporation’s Taiwan Policy Initiative told AFP that the balloons’ military purpose is in line with “China’s gray zone coercion strategy towards Taiwan.” He added, “Beijing is signalling that it can violate Taiwanese airspace at will and challenge its sovereignty.”&nbsp;

Kuo also believes that China’s balloon tactic might backfire and these incidents could push Taiwan to form closer security relations with the United States and other countries in Asia.&nbsp;

Taiwan’s government also issued an air raid alert on Tuesday (Jan 9), saying a Chinese rocket carrying a satellite had flown over its southern airspace. Taiwan’s foreign minister described the incident as part of a pattern of harassment before the elections.

<h2>‘War and peace’</h2>

China has not only used its balloons in a bid to potentially influence the Taiwanese elections but also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-pro-china-disinformation-targets-voters-with-deepfakes-and-manipulative-videos-678779">disinformation</a> and words to sway the voters. While Xi struck a stronger tone than he did last year with his New Year’s address, calling Taiwan’s “reunification” with China, he did not mention the elections.&nbsp;

However, Zhang Zhijun, head of China’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, a quasi-official body that handles ties with Taiwan, during his New Year’s address said the Taiwanese people had an important choice to make during the upcoming election.

“The two elections coming up in the Taiwan region are important choices between the prospects for peace and war, prosperity and decline,” said the senior Chinese official.&nbsp;

He added, “Taiwan compatriots must stand on the right side of history, and make a correct choice to promote cross-strait relations back to the right track of peaceful development.”&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan Presidential elections: China warns voters to make correct choice in elections

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Both China and the US are closely watching the elections since the result is expected to impact the future of Taiwan’s relations with Beijing.&nbsp;But China has reportedly been more involved.&nbsp;

Some experts and Taiwanese authorities have said that the election campaign has been hit by a wave of disinformation and TikTok videos, which are particularly aimed at candidates China opposes.

While China has not explicitly supported any candidate, Beijing and Taiwan’s largest opposition party, &nbsp;the Kuomintang (KMT), have warned that Lai poses a “severe danger” to cross-Strait relations.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-using-ai-anchors-to-influence-taiwan-elections-679111">Gravitas: China using AI anchors to influence Taiwan Elections</a>

“I sincerely hope the majority of Taiwan compatriots recognize the extreme harm of the DPP’s (Democratic Progressive Party) ‘Taiwan independence’ line and the extreme danger of Lai Ching-te’s triggering of cross-Strait confrontation and conflict, and to make the right choice at the crossroads of cross-Strait relations,” said China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, “If he comes to power, he will further push for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities (and create) turbulence in the Taiwan Strait.”&nbsp;

A report by AFP detailed how one Chinese hashtag criticising Lai received over 8.5 million views. The report added that replies to such posts and videos criticising the DPP were filled with derogatory remarks and conspiracy theories. &nbsp;

On Thursday (Jan 11), Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu criticised China’s “repeated interference” in the upcoming elections and slammed Beijing for “once again blatantly intimidating the Taiwanese people and the international community”.

It added, “Taiwan’s elections are in the international spotlight &amp; PRC’s repeated interference steals the focus. Frankly, Beijing should stop messing with other countries’ elections &amp; hold their own. Let the #Chinese people freely choose their leaders.”

According to experts, the flow of disinformation demonstrates a Beijing-linked effort to undermine any lawmakers who oppose Taiwan’s status as a part of China. &nbsp;

The incumbent Vice President Lai, recently accused China of trying to undermine the election and said that it is engaging in “unprecedented” levels of interference.

“In addition to political and military pressure, it is also using economic means, cognitive warfare, disinformation, threats and incentives,” he told reporters, on Tuesday (Jan 9). “It has resorted to all means to interfere with this election.”

<h2>Meanwhile in Taiwan…</h2>

Recent opinion polls show most Taiwanese support Lai while the rest are split between KMT’s Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party. It is safe to say that Beijing is not happy, as it wants the ruling DPP, which China has labelled as separatists, to be voted out.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-is-a-choice-for-democracy-or-china-frontrunner-says-661272">Taiwan election is a choice for democracy or China, frontrunner says</a>

In his recent speeches, Lai has asked people not to be swayed by China’s threats while offering talks with Beijing and pledging not to upset the status quo. “Taiwan stands on the front line of the confrontation between democracy and totalitarianism,” said Lai about the upcoming elections.&nbsp;

His supporters have also indicated that they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-people-in-beijing-and-taipei-have-reacted-to-chinas-military-drills-580445">will not be swayed</a>. “China often tries to intimidate Taiwan, but we Taiwanese are not easily frightened,” said a woman surnamed Zheng, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

She added that “less clear-headed people might get scared and vote for unprincipled politicians”.

The DDP has long rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people, while KMT argues that both Taipei and Beijing belong to one single China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The ruling party has portrayed the KMT and its presidential candidate, Hou as being pro-Beijing. He has since rejected the allegation that he is “pro-China and a sell-out of Taiwan.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

With candidates in Taiwan gearing up for the key elections which are now just a day away, China has ramped up the pressure by literally looming over the self-governing island.

With candidates in Taiwan gearing up for the key elections which are now just a day away, China has ramped up the pressure by literally looming over the self-governing island. This is in addition to the remarks from Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping who in his New Year’s address called China’s “reunification” with Taiwan inevitable. Over the past few days, China has made several remarks going as far as warning voters in Taiwan to make the “right choice” which includes not supporting the current presidential frontrunner and candidate from the self-governing island’s ruling party, Lai Ching-te. Chinese ‘spy’ balloons spotted over Taiwan Since last month, the Taiwanese defence ministry has reported a spate of Chinese balloons not only flying over Taiwan but also crossing the narrow Taiwan Strait which separates the island from mainland China. On Tuesday (Jan 9), Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it spotted four Chinese balloons over the Taiwan Strait the day prior, two of which crossed the Taiwan Strait. This was the day after Taiwanese officials said they detected three Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday. Amid the rise of such incidents, Taiwan accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday (Jan 13). However, the Taiwanese defence ministry has not directly said that the balloons are being used for spying. Officials have also said that so far they have not recovered any remains of the balloons and were not considering shooting them down, at least for now. The possibility that China could be using balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. However, Beijing has since said that the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray. ALSO READ | Iran navy says seized oil tanker in Gulf of Oman China has long flexed its military muscle against Taiwan by sending fighter jets, reconnaissance drones and naval ships almost daily. In April 2023, China conducted three-day military drills on the Taiwan Strait and by the end of it, released a simulation video showing how it could launch a full-scale attack against the island if war ever breaks out. Since December, the island’s defence ministry has been reporting at least 20 of mysterious balloons some of which have crossed the Taiwan Strait. These incidents prompted the Taiwanese ministry to issue a strongly worded statement on Saturday (Jan 6), condemning China’s actions. “We also express our condemnation of the Chinese communists’ disregard for aviation safety and its disregard for the safety of passengers on cross-Taiwan Strait and international flights.” The ministry said that its analysis of these actions was that the balloons were part of China’s “grey zone” tactics against Taiwan “in an attempt to use cognitive warfare to affect the morale of our people.” Similarly, some experts believe that Beijing is trying to influence Taiwan’s elections by using these balloons. “They’re using various different tactics to threaten Taiwan and to put pressure on (President Tsai Ing-wen’s) administration,” Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project told VOA. Raymond Kuo, director of the RAND Corporation’s Taiwan Policy Initiative told AFP that the balloons’ military purpose is in line with “China’s gray zone coercion strategy towards Taiwan.” He added, “Beijing is signalling that it can violate Taiwanese airspace at will and challenge its sovereignty.” Kuo also believes that China’s balloon tactic might backfire and these incidents could push Taiwan to form closer security relations with the United States and other countries in Asia. Taiwan’s government also issued an air raid alert on Tuesday (Jan 9), saying a Chinese rocket carrying a satellite had flown over its southern airspace. Taiwan’s foreign minister described the incident as part of a pattern of harassment before the elections. ‘War and peace’ China has not only used its balloons in a bid to potentially influence the Taiwanese elections but also disinformation and words to sway the voters. While Xi struck a stronger tone than he did last year with his New Year’s address, calling Taiwan’s “reunification” with China, he did not mention the elections. However, Zhang Zhijun, head of China’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, a quasi-official body that handles ties with Taiwan, during his New Year’s address said the Taiwanese people had an important choice to make during the upcoming election. “The two elections coming up in the Taiwan region are important choices between the prospects for peace and war, prosperity and decline,” said the senior Chinese official. He added, “Taiwan compatriots must stand on the right side of history, and make a correct choice to promote cross-strait relations back to the right track of peaceful development.” WATCH | Taiwan Presidential elections: China warns voters to make correct choice in elections Both China and the US are closely watching the elections since the result is expected to impact the future of Taiwan’s relations with Beijing. But China has reportedly been more involved. Some experts and Taiwanese authorities have said that the election campaign has been hit by a wave of disinformation and TikTok videos, which are particularly aimed at candidates China opposes. While China has not explicitly supported any candidate, Beijing and Taiwan’s largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), have warned that Lai poses a “severe danger” to cross-Strait relations. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: China using AI anchors to influence Taiwan Elections “I sincerely hope the majority of Taiwan compatriots recognize the extreme harm of the DPP’s (Democratic Progressive Party) ‘Taiwan independence’ line and the extreme danger of Lai Ching-te’s triggering of cross-Strait confrontation and conflict, and to make the right choice at the crossroads of cross-Strait relations,” said China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, in a statement. It added, “If he comes to power, he will further push for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities (and create) turbulence in the Taiwan Strait.” A report by AFP detailed how one Chinese hashtag criticising Lai received over 8.5 million views. The report added that replies to such posts and videos criticising the DPP were filled with derogatory remarks and conspiracy theories. On Thursday (Jan 11), Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu criticised China’s “repeated interference” in the upcoming elections and slammed Beijing for “once again blatantly intimidating the Taiwanese people and the international community”. It added, “Taiwan’s elections are in the international spotlight & PRC’s repeated interference steals the focus. Frankly, Beijing should stop messing with other countries’ elections & hold their own. Let the #Chinese people freely choose their leaders.” According to experts, the flow of disinformation demonstrates a Beijing-linked effort to undermine any lawmakers who oppose Taiwan’s status as a part of China. The incumbent Vice President Lai, recently accused China of trying to undermine the election and said that it is engaging in “unprecedented” levels of interference. “In addition to political and military pressure, it is also using economic means, cognitive warfare, disinformation, threats and incentives,” he told reporters, on Tuesday (Jan 9). “It has resorted to all means to interfere with this election.” Meanwhile in Taiwan… Recent opinion polls show most Taiwanese support Lai while the rest are split between KMT’s Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party. It is safe to say that Beijing is not happy, as it wants the ruling DPP, which China has labelled as separatists, to be voted out. ALSO READ | Taiwan election is a choice for democracy or China, frontrunner says In his recent speeches, Lai has asked people not to be swayed by China’s threats while offering talks with Beijing and pledging not to upset the status quo. “Taiwan stands on the front line of the confrontation between democracy and totalitarianism,” said Lai about the upcoming elections. His supporters have also indicated that they will not be swayed. “China often tries to intimidate Taiwan, but we Taiwanese are not easily frightened,” said a woman surnamed Zheng, as quoted by AFP. She added that “less clear-headed people might get scared and vote for unprincipled politicians”. The DDP has long rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people, while KMT argues that both Taipei and Beijing belong to one single China. The ruling party has portrayed the KMT and its presidential candidate, Hou as being pro-Beijing. He has since rejected the allegation that he is “pro-China and a sell-out of Taiwan.” (With inputs from agencies)

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