By Niki J P Alsford

The re-election of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is a remarkable moment for global progressive politics in the face of continued populism, fake news and voter manipulation. Tsai, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), won the January 11 poll with just over 8 million votes – 57.1 per cent of the total – the highest total number of votes in Taiwan’s democratic history. Following a bitter electoral campaign marred by sexism, misinformation and cyberbullying, it was a resounding victory.

In the Legislative Yuan – Taiwan’s parliament – the DPP won 61 of the 113 seats, a drop of seven seats from the 2016 election but a majority of four seats. Tsai’s main rival, Han Kuo-yu, took 38.6 per cent&nbsp;of the vote in the presidential election and his party, the Kuomintang (KMT), won 38 seats in the Legislative Yuan – gaining three seats.

With Tsai representing those who want to distance Taiwan from China, much of the analysis of the result has been on the “China factor” and the rebuke to Beijing that her victory represents. But as my own research on Taiwanese history and society stresses, it’s an injustice to Taiwan to always focus on a top-down, China-centric perspective.

The DPP is a centre-left party, which introduced same-sex marriage in Taiwan in 2019, and is a long-term member of Liberal International, a worldwide federation of progressive democratic parties. Tsai’s victory, against a new form of populism pushed by Han, is a significant one for the island and emphasises how much Taiwanese people cherish their free and democratic way of life.

Blue wall remains

Tsai’s success was due in part to a refusal by many Taiwanese to vote for Han as president. Most voters have two ballots, one for their local district candidate and the other for a party list. Of the 113 seats in parliament, 73 represent local constituencies and 34 are allocated from the party-list vote. A further six seats are reserved for Taiwan’s indigenous population – elected via an extra single transferable vote for people with indigenous status.

For the 2020 party-list vote, the DPP took 33.9 per cent, while the KMT took 33.3 per cent, with a number of smaller other parties picking up the other third. Since Tsai’s personal vote was so much more decisive, it suggests that many who voted for her in the presidential election voted for other parties in the party list vote.

A closer look at the new political map of Taiwan for both the presidential and parliamentary votes reveals there is still a clear blue wall – a reference to the blue colour of the China-leaning parties – extending across the centre and down the east coast.

Indigenous votes

Taiwan’s indigenous peoples make up 2.38 per cent of the island’s population. Their ancestry predates the majority settler Han Chinese communities that began arriving from the 17th century.

The KMT has long relied on the indigenous vote, due to a combination of identity politics and entrenched community service centres in indigenous areas. The foundation of these are the fuwuzhan, a type of centre established to provide essentials such as oil and rice to indigenous communities, established by the KMT under martial law when Taiwan was ruled by an authoritarian one-party system between 1949 and 1987.

Since 2008, when the DPP lost the presidential election, the party began to establish its own fuwuzhan, but the 64 it has are dwarfed by the 383 KMT-led ones, according to official figures.

In the 2020 election, the KMT won three of the six indigenous seats, the DPP two – gaining one seat – and one went to an independent candidate. Not only is indigenous culture essential in Taiwan’s shift away from its sino-centric history, the reserved seat system for indigenous people can also play a pivotal role in the overall result, due to the lower voter threshold. The fact that the DPP won an extra seat demonstrated a potential shift away from the traditional “iron vote” of indigenous people for the KMT.

Future for the KMT and DPP 
 
Questions surrounding the future of the KMT will undoubtedly be raised by their second successive election defeat on a ticket campaigning for closer relations to China. That said, 5 million voters still supported Han and his populist pro-China stance – a significant bloc of voters which both the KMT and DPP must pay attention to.

After losing the 2016 and now the 2020 elections, the KMT appear rudderless. To win back power, they will need a charismatic character like Ma Ying-jeou, their former president. Although Ma had an appalling approval rating towards the end of his tenure, he won 58.5 per cent&nbsp;of the vote in 2008 and 51.6 per cent&nbsp;in 2012.

A potential future leader for the KMT might be Chiang Wan-an, great-grandson of former Chinese President Chiang Kai-shek, who was re-elected for Taipei City District 3. As presidential candidate, Han had moved the KMT both towards the right of the political spectrum, and further towards China. But Chiang’s credentials could see the KMT shift back to the more pragmatic engagement with China that it had in the past as a way to win back electoral support.

In her 2020 new year speech, Tsai emphasised that Taiwan is not willing to accept the “one country, two systems” relationship with China – a reference to the system currently in place in Hong Kong. The election result proves her point. As the global gaze falls upon Taiwan, it’s up to Tsai and her government to keep repeating this message.

(Niki J P Alsford is Professor in Asia Pacific Studies, Director of the Asia Pacific Studies Institutes, University of Central Lancashire)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/taiwan-what-election-victory-for-tsai-ing-wen-means-for-the-islands-future-129802">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Niki J P Alsford The re-election of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is a remarkable moment for global progressive politics in the face of continued populism, fake news and voter manipulation.

By Niki J P Alsford The re-election of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is a remarkable moment for global progressive politics in the face of continued populism, fake news and voter manipulation. Tsai, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), won the January 11 poll with just over 8 million votes – 57.1 per cent of the total – the highest total number of votes in Taiwan’s democratic history. Following a bitter electoral campaign marred by sexism, misinformation and cyberbullying, it was a resounding victory. In the Legislative Yuan – Taiwan’s parliament – the DPP won 61 of the 113 seats, a drop of seven seats from the 2016 election but a majority of four seats. Tsai’s main rival, Han Kuo-yu, took 38.6 per cent of the vote in the presidential election and his party, the Kuomintang (KMT), won 38 seats in the Legislative Yuan – gaining three seats. With Tsai representing those who want to distance Taiwan from China, much of the analysis of the result has been on the “China factor” and the rebuke to Beijing that her victory represents. But as my own research on Taiwanese history and society stresses, it’s an injustice to Taiwan to always focus on a top-down, China-centric perspective. The DPP is a centre-left party, which introduced same-sex marriage in Taiwan in 2019, and is a long-term member of Liberal International, a worldwide federation of progressive democratic parties. Tsai’s victory, against a new form of populism pushed by Han, is a significant one for the island and emphasises how much Taiwanese people cherish their free and democratic way of life. Blue wall remains Tsai’s success was due in part to a refusal by many Taiwanese to vote for Han as president. Most voters have two ballots, one for their local district candidate and the other for a party list. Of the 113 seats in parliament, 73 represent local constituencies and 34 are allocated from the party-list vote. A further six seats are reserved for Taiwan’s indigenous population – elected via an extra single transferable vote for people with indigenous status. For the 2020 party-list vote, the DPP took 33.9 per cent, while the KMT took 33.3 per cent, with a number of smaller other parties picking up the other third. Since Tsai’s personal vote was so much more decisive, it suggests that many who voted for her in the presidential election voted for other parties in the party list vote. A closer look at the new political map of Taiwan for both the presidential and parliamentary votes reveals there is still a clear blue wall – a reference to the blue colour of the China-leaning parties – extending across the centre and down the east coast. Indigenous votes Taiwan’s indigenous peoples make up 2.38 per cent of the island’s population. Their ancestry predates the majority settler Han Chinese communities that began arriving from the 17th century. The KMT has long relied on the indigenous vote, due to a combination of identity politics and entrenched community service centres in indigenous areas. The foundation of these are the fuwuzhan, a type of centre established to provide essentials such as oil and rice to indigenous communities, established by the KMT under martial law when Taiwan was ruled by an authoritarian one-party system between 1949 and 1987. Since 2008, when the DPP lost the presidential election, the party began to establish its own fuwuzhan, but the 64 it has are dwarfed by the 383 KMT-led ones, according to official figures. In the 2020 election, the KMT won three of the six indigenous seats, the DPP two – gaining one seat – and one went to an independent candidate. Not only is indigenous culture essential in Taiwan’s shift away from its sino-centric history, the reserved seat system for indigenous people can also play a pivotal role in the overall result, due to the lower voter threshold. The fact that the DPP won an extra seat demonstrated a potential shift away from the traditional “iron vote” of indigenous people for the KMT. Future for the KMT and DPP Questions surrounding the future of the KMT will undoubtedly be raised by their second successive election defeat on a ticket campaigning for closer relations to China. That said, 5 million voters still supported Han and his populist pro-China stance – a significant bloc of voters which both the KMT and DPP must pay attention to. After losing the 2016 and now the 2020 elections, the KMT appear rudderless. To win back power, they will need a charismatic character like Ma Ying-jeou, their former president. Although Ma had an appalling approval rating towards the end of his tenure, he won 58.5 per cent of the vote in 2008 and 51.6 per cent in 2012. A potential future leader for the KMT might be Chiang Wan-an, great-grandson of former Chinese President Chiang Kai-shek, who was re-elected for Taipei City District 3. As presidential candidate, Han had moved the KMT both towards the right of the political spectrum, and further towards China. But Chiang’s credentials could see the KMT shift back to the more pragmatic engagement with China that it had in the past as a way to win back electoral support. In her 2020 new year speech, Tsai emphasised that Taiwan is not willing to accept the “one country, two systems” relationship with China – a reference to the system currently in place in Hong Kong. The election result proves her point. As the global gaze falls upon Taiwan, it’s up to Tsai and her government to keep repeating this message. (Niki J P Alsford is Professor in Asia Pacific Studies, Director of the Asia Pacific Studies Institutes, University of Central Lancashire) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Taiwan elections: What does Tsai Ing-wen's victory mean for island's future

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

Chinese state media have accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-declares-victory-in-taiwan-election-273651">Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen</a> of "dirty tactics" and cheating after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing's campaign to isolate the self-ruled island.

Tsai, who has pitched herself as a defender of liberal democratic values against an increasingly authoritarian China, secured a record-breaking win in Saturday's presidential election.

But Chinese state media sought to downplay her victory, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Tsai's campaign.

"This is obviously not a normal election," said official news agency Xinhua in an English-language editorial on Sunday.

Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) used "dirty tactics such as cheating, repression and intimidation to get votes, fully exposing their selfish, greedy and evil nature", it added.

Xinhua also accused Tsai of buying votes in a Chinese-language op-ed. It also said "external dark forces" were partly responsible for the election results.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-will-not-change-position-on-taiwan-after-landslide-election-273675">China says will not change position on Taiwan after landslide election</a>

Beijing, which has vowed to one day take Taiwan -- by force if necessary -- loathes Tsai because she refuses to acknowledge the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".

China doubled down on its "one-China principle" after Tsai's victory, with foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang emphasising Sunday that "regardless of what happens in Taiwan, the basic facts won't change: there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China".

"The Chinese government's position won't change," he added in a statement.

Over the last four years, Beijing has ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure on the island, hoping it would scare voters into supporting Tsai's opposition.

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But the strong-arm tactics have backfired and voters flocked to Tsai's DPP, fuelled in part by China's hardline response to months of huge and violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Chinese state media have accused Tsai, who frequently invokes Hong Kong's protests as a warning about a Beijing-controlled Taiwan, of fear mongering.

Tsai and her party are "orchestrating tensions", wrote the nationalistic Global Times on Saturday.

At the end of 2019, the Taiwanese leader "wantonly hyped up the so-called threat from the Chinese mainland while slandering Han Kuo-yu's mainland connections", it said, referring to her Beijing-friendly main opponent from the Kuomintang party.

Chinese state media also dismissed Saturday's election results as an anomaly in long-term ties between Taiwan and the mainland, with Xinhua describing Tsai's win as a "fluke".

"The fact that the Chinese mainland is getting increasingly stronger and the Taiwan island is getting weaker is an inevitable reality," added the Global Times.

"Recognising and complying with the reality is the only feasible option for Taiwan's peaceful development."

Chinese state media have accused Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen of "dirty tactics" and cheating after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing's campaign to isolate the self-ruled island.

Chinese state media have accused Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen of "dirty tactics" and cheating after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing's campaign to isolate the self-ruled island. Tsai, who has pitched herself as a defender of liberal democratic values against an increasingly authoritarian China, secured a record-breaking win in Saturday's presidential election. But Chinese state media sought to downplay her victory, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Tsai's campaign. "This is obviously not a normal election," said official news agency Xinhua in an English-language editorial on Sunday. Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) used "dirty tactics such as cheating, repression and intimidation to get votes, fully exposing their selfish, greedy and evil nature", it added. Xinhua also accused Tsai of buying votes in a Chinese-language op-ed. It also said "external dark forces" were partly responsible for the election results. Also read: China says will not change position on Taiwan after landslide election Beijing, which has vowed to one day take Taiwan -- by force if necessary -- loathes Tsai because she refuses to acknowledge the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". China doubled down on its "one-China principle" after Tsai's victory, with foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang emphasising Sunday that "regardless of what happens in Taiwan, the basic facts won't change: there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China". "The Chinese government's position won't change," he added in a statement. Over the last four years, Beijing has ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure on the island, hoping it would scare voters into supporting Tsai's opposition. × But the strong-arm tactics have backfired and voters flocked to Tsai's DPP, fuelled in part by China's hardline response to months of huge and violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Chinese state media have accused Tsai, who frequently invokes Hong Kong's protests as a warning about a Beijing-controlled Taiwan, of fear mongering. Tsai and her party are "orchestrating tensions", wrote the nationalistic Global Times on Saturday. At the end of 2019, the Taiwanese leader "wantonly hyped up the so-called threat from the Chinese mainland while slandering Han Kuo-yu's mainland connections", it said, referring to her Beijing-friendly main opponent from the Kuomintang party. Chinese state media also dismissed Saturday's election results as an anomaly in long-term ties between Taiwan and the mainland, with Xinhua describing Tsai's win as a "fluke". "The fact that the Chinese mainland is getting increasingly stronger and the Taiwan island is getting weaker is an inevitable reality," added the Global Times. "Recognising and complying with the reality is the only feasible option for Taiwan's peaceful development."

'Dirty tactics': Chinese media downplays Tsai's landslide Taiwan poll win

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

Taiwan's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-voting-begins-in-polls-closely-watched-by-china-273500">Tsai Ing-wen</a> is seeking a second term against the main challenger <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-2020-china-friendly-han-kuo-yu-challenges-president-tsai-ing-wen-273288">Han Kuo-yu</a> in Saturday's elections.

Watch:&nbsp;Who will win Taiwan's Election?

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Tsai hails from the independence-leaning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-rival-rallies-on-final-day-before-taiwan-votes-273463">Democratic Progressive Party</a> (DPP) and has been campaigning on a platform of defending Taiwan's sovereignty against threats from Beijing.

Han is from the mainland-friendly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-china-friendly-presidential-hopeful-faces-backlash-in-divided-south-273096">Kuomintang party</a> (KMT) and is pushing for warmer relations with Taiwan's giant authoritarian neighbour.

Here are profiles of the candidates:

Tsai Ing-wen&nbsp;

<img alt="Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen waves after voting at a polling station in Chunghe district, New Taipei City" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b60fa591-af76-42fb-a603-c6d18d1baf44" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_8.jpg" /> 
[ Taiwan President, Tsai Ing-wen waves after voting at a polling station in Chunghe district, New Taipei City (Courtesy: AFP) ]

Tsai made history in 2016 when she became Taiwan's first female leader in a landslide election victory, as the public grew wary of the KMT's perceived cosiness with Beijing over the previous eight years.

But it has been far from smooth sailing since the 63-year-old took the helm.

Beijing rebuffed her calls for talks and instead set about isolating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-vote-in-shadow-of-china-pressure-hong-kong-protests-272816">Taiwan</a> because Tsai refuses to acknowledge the idea that the island is part of a "one China".

It cut off official communication, ramped up military and economic pressure, froze Taiwan out of major international bodies and poached seven of the island's dwindling diplomatic allies.

On the domestic front, her government's push for a controversial reform agenda, most notably pension cuts and legalising gay marriage, saw her approval ratings dive.

But in the past year, her fortunes have rebounded, going from below 20 points behind at her nadir to significantly ahead of Han.

<img alt="Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen gestures to supporters as she campaigns in the Banqiao" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7591998-6cc1-4122-a879-499be8eccc8b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2817%29_5.jpg" /> 
[ Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gestures to supporters as she campaigns in the Banqiao (Courtesy: AFP)&nbsp;]

Analysts say bellicose threats from Beijing and ongoing massive protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-2020-china-friendly-han-kuo-yu-challenges-president-tsai-ing-wen-273288">Hong Kong</a> have helped fuel her resurgence as voters fret about the shadow cast by communist China, which views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to seize it one day.

Her push to legalise gay marriage, while divisive, also reinvigorated her youth base.

Born into a wealthy family, Tsai was an academic and a trade negotiator before she entered politics.

Soft-spoken and mild-mannered, she has frequently had to battle misogynistic insults in a political culture where male veterans have historically dominated.

She lost her first presidential bid in 2012, but stayed the course and won increased support from within her own party and the public ahead of her 2016 victory.

Her 2020 campaign has remained largely gaffe-free as she pushes the idea that the DPP will stand up to China and maintain Taiwan's position as one of Asia's most progressive democracies.

While the economy has fared well during her tenure even in the midst of the global trade war, it is the main attack point for her opponents who accuse the DPP of needlessly antagonising China and leaving Taiwan struggling as a result.

Han Kuo-yu

<img alt="Han Kuo-Yu, presidential candidate for Taiwan, casts his ballot as he votes at Linyuan District in Kaohsiung" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4fba2a3-1aa9-4662-a1d6-e817ba380ddb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_5.jpg" /> 
[ Han Kuo-Yu, presidential candidate for Taiwan, casts his ballot as he votes at Linyuan District in Kaohsiung (Courtesy: AFP)&nbsp;]

Han Kuo-yu fits the current zeitgeist for populist outsiders who shake up the old political establishment.

In the past two years, the 62-year-old has journeyed from relative obscurity to KMT presidential candidate, backed by a fervent base of supporters that local media have dubbed the "Han tide".

But he has struggled to maintain his stellar rise since winning his party's primary.

Written off by many KMT bigwigs, Han shot to political stardom in 2018 when he swept the mayoralty of Kaohsiung, a city in the south of Taiwan that had long been a DPP heartland.

He then saw off challenges by billionaire Foxconn founder Terry Gou and other veteran politicians to seize the primary.

Han has projected a plain-talking "everyman" image, using his modest upbringing and experience of unemployment to appeal to grassroots voters.

He has shown a knack for using the criticism to his advantage. When a spokesman for Tsai dismissed Han as something of a country bumpkin by calling him an "earthen steamed bun", he responded by presiding over a steamed bun cooking competition. &nbsp;

<img alt="Han Kuo-Yu, Taiwan’s presidential candidate prays for the victims killed during a helicopter crash during campaign rally in Tainan " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65d94af8-1666-4280-b756-ec7d827627e1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_5.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Han Kuo-Yu, Taiwan’s presidential candidate prays for the victims killed during a helicopter crash during a campaign rally in Tainan&nbsp;(Courtesy: AFP)&nbsp;]

Han has described January's vote as a choice between "peace or crisis" with China, campaigning on the slogan "Taiwan safe, people rich" with promises to restore warmer ties with Beijing and boost the economy.

That message appeals to many, especially those whose businesses rely on the much larger mainland economy.

But it has left Han vulnerable to criticism that he is too friendly towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-rival-rallies-on-final-day-before-taiwan-votes-273463">Beijing</a>, especially after he met senior Chinese officials during a trip to the mainland last year.

Han's plain-talking has also resulted in gaffes on the campaign trail as well as accusations that he is a "runaway mayor" who promised to bring jobs and investment to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-polls-millions-cast-votes-in-a-closely-watched-presidential-and-parliamentary-election-273580">Kaohsiung</a> only to run for president instead.

He remains significantly behind in most polls.&nbsp;

But Han has often been written off in the past, only to prove his detractors wrong once the votes are cast.&nbsp;

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen is seeking a second term against the main challenger Han Kuo-yu in Saturday's elections. Watch: Who will win Taiwan's Election? × Tsai hails from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and has been campaigning on a platform of defending Taiwan's sovereignty against threats from Beijing.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen is seeking a second term against the main challenger Han Kuo-yu in Saturday's elections. Watch: Who will win Taiwan's Election? × Tsai hails from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and has been campaigning on a platform of defending Taiwan's sovereignty against threats from Beijing. Han is from the mainland-friendly Kuomintang party (KMT) and is pushing for warmer relations with Taiwan's giant authoritarian neighbour. Here are profiles of the candidates: Tsai Ing-wen [ Taiwan President, Tsai Ing-wen waves after voting at a polling station in Chunghe district, New Taipei City (Courtesy: AFP) ] Tsai made history in 2016 when she became Taiwan's first female leader in a landslide election victory, as the public grew wary of the KMT's perceived cosiness with Beijing over the previous eight years. But it has been far from smooth sailing since the 63-year-old took the helm. Beijing rebuffed her calls for talks and instead set about isolating Taiwan because Tsai refuses to acknowledge the idea that the island is part of a "one China". It cut off official communication, ramped up military and economic pressure, froze Taiwan out of major international bodies and poached seven of the island's dwindling diplomatic allies. On the domestic front, her government's push for a controversial reform agenda, most notably pension cuts and legalising gay marriage, saw her approval ratings dive. But in the past year, her fortunes have rebounded, going from below 20 points behind at her nadir to significantly ahead of Han. [ Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gestures to supporters as she campaigns in the Banqiao (Courtesy: AFP) ] Analysts say bellicose threats from Beijing and ongoing massive protests in Hong Kong have helped fuel her resurgence as voters fret about the shadow cast by communist China, which views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to seize it one day. Her push to legalise gay marriage, while divisive, also reinvigorated her youth base. Born into a wealthy family, Tsai was an academic and a trade negotiator before she entered politics. Soft-spoken and mild-mannered, she has frequently had to battle misogynistic insults in a political culture where male veterans have historically dominated. She lost her first presidential bid in 2012, but stayed the course and won increased support from within her own party and the public ahead of her 2016 victory. Her 2020 campaign has remained largely gaffe-free as she pushes the idea that the DPP will stand up to China and maintain Taiwan's position as one of Asia's most progressive democracies. While the economy has fared well during her tenure even in the midst of the global trade war, it is the main attack point for her opponents who accuse the DPP of needlessly antagonising China and leaving Taiwan struggling as a result. Han Kuo-yu [ Han Kuo-Yu, presidential candidate for Taiwan, casts his ballot as he votes at Linyuan District in Kaohsiung (Courtesy: AFP) ] Han Kuo-yu fits the current zeitgeist for populist outsiders who shake up the old political establishment. In the past two years, the 62-year-old has journeyed from relative obscurity to KMT presidential candidate, backed by a fervent base of supporters that local media have dubbed the "Han tide". But he has struggled to maintain his stellar rise since winning his party's primary. Written off by many KMT bigwigs, Han shot to political stardom in 2018 when he swept the mayoralty of Kaohsiung, a city in the south of Taiwan that had long been a DPP heartland. He then saw off challenges by billionaire Foxconn founder Terry Gou and other veteran politicians to seize the primary. Han has projected a plain-talking "everyman" image, using his modest upbringing and experience of unemployment to appeal to grassroots voters. He has shown a knack for using the criticism to his advantage. When a spokesman for Tsai dismissed Han as something of a country bumpkin by calling him an "earthen steamed bun", he responded by presiding over a steamed bun cooking competition. [ Han Kuo-Yu, Taiwan’s presidential candidate prays for the victims killed during a helicopter crash during a campaign rally in Tainan (Courtesy: AFP) ] Han has described January's vote as a choice between "peace or crisis" with China, campaigning on the slogan "Taiwan safe, people rich" with promises to restore warmer ties with Beijing and boost the economy. That message appeals to many, especially those whose businesses rely on the much larger mainland economy. But it has left Han vulnerable to criticism that he is too friendly towards Beijing, especially after he met senior Chinese officials during a trip to the mainland last year. Han's plain-talking has also resulted in gaffes on the campaign trail as well as accusations that he is a "runaway mayor" who promised to bring jobs and investment to Kaohsiung only to run for president instead. He remains significantly behind in most polls. But Han has often been written off in the past, only to prove his detractors wrong once the votes are cast.

Tsai versus Han: Taiwan's top two presidential candidates

<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

Five things to know about the state of Taiwan

At a raucous&nbsp;election&nbsp;rally for Taiwanese President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-voting-begins-in-polls-closely-watched-by-china-273500">Tsai Ing-wen</a>,&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Konger Karen Leung surveyed the huge crowd of excited flag-waving voters as a rap song blasted over the loudspeakers and sighed: "We&nbsp;want&nbsp;to have&nbsp;elections&nbsp;like this."

Leung is one of the scores of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;election</a>&nbsp;tourists&nbsp;who have travelled to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;this week to witness something denied to them universal suffrage.

Tsai, who is seeking a second term, has repeatedly invoked the seven months of pro-democracy protests engulfing the financial hub as a warning call for what might happen should Beijing succeed in its wish to one day take control of&nbsp;Taiwan.

Her opponent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-2020-china-friendly-han-kuo-yu-challenges-president-tsai-ing-wen-273288">Han Kuo-yu</a> of the Kuomintang party favours warmer ties with China but has also promised to defend the island's freedoms.

<img alt="Han Kuo-Yu, presidential candidate for Taiwan, casts his ballot as he votes " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5d1953d-f3ca-44f3-b469-1876cb061aad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_4.jpg" /> 
[ Han Kuo-Yu, presidential candidate for Taiwan, casts his ballot as he votes at Linyuan District in Kaohsiung&nbsp;(Courtesy: AFP)&nbsp;]

In the days running up to Saturday's presidential and parliamentary&nbsp;elections,&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kongers have become an increasingly common sight at Tsai's&nbsp;rallies.

"I feel like there is hope here (in&nbsp;Taiwan)," Leung, a 26-year-old accountant, told reporters&nbsp;after getting a tote bag stamped with&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's pro-democracy protests slogans at a booth on the sidelines of Tsai's final rally on Friday night.

"Taiwan&nbsp;has its freedom and they are standing up to China," she added.

She also took on twitter and wrote: "Tomorrow, the power rests in our hands. Let’s show the world that the light of democracy burns strong in #Taiwan. Get out and vote!"

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Tomorrow, the power rests in our hands. Let’s show the world that the light of democracy burns strong in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a>. Get out &amp; vote! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsWin2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsWin2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/YB4dQg7XlK">pic.twitter.com/YB4dQg7XlK</a>
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) <a href="https://twitter.com/iingwen/status/1215588814237757440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hong&nbsp;Kong's democracy activists have long maintained close ties with Taipei, an island that transitioned from decades of dictatorship into one of Asia's most liberal democracies.

But months of violent pro-democracy protests in the city has intensified Taiwanese interest&nbsp;as debate rages about how close to tack to its giant authoritarian neighbour.

The phrase "Today&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, tomorrow&nbsp;Taiwan" has become a popular slogan among supporters of Tsai's ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-has-urgent-need-for-infiltration-law-in-face-of-china-president-tsai-ing-wen-270657">Democratic Progressive Party</a> (DPP).

Kyle, a 26-year-old&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Konger at Tsai's Friday night rally, said he took inspiration from how&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;shook off its own dictatorship under Kuomintang leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-terror-hong-kongs-china-critics-beaten-in-targeted-attacks-257848">Chiang Kai-shek</a> and also have resisted pressure from Beijing's communist leadership.

Watch:&nbsp;A brief analysis of Taiwan elections 2020

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"The people of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;bled and even sacrificed their lives until they had democracy," he said.

"In&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, we only have struggled for several years in fighting for democracy, so there is no reason for us to give up so quickly."

The island does not recognise the concept of asylum. But under Tsai's administration, officials have turned a blind eye to dozens of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kongers who have fled there and Taiwanese supporters have also sent gas masks and helmets to protesters.

"The movement in the past year has brought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-2020-china-friendly-han-kuo-yu-challenges-president-tsai-ing-wen-273288">Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and&nbsp;Taiwan</a>&nbsp;closer," Ivy, a 36-year-old social worker who travelled from the city, told reporters.

"Taiwan&nbsp;has helped&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong. They didn't drive away from the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;youngsters who fled our city," she said at the Tsai rally.

A smattering of the financial hub's flag and pro-demonstration slogans have now become commonplace at Tsai's&nbsp;rallies.

<img alt="Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen waves after voting at a polling station in Chunghe district" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eac3bef5-046e-414a-b22e-5872cbfc3528" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_6.jpg" /> 
[ Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen waves&nbsp;after voting at a polling station in Chunghe district (Courtesy: AFP) ]

When Tsai appeared at a Thursday night rally, the crowd shouted the popular protest chant: "Free&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, the revolution of our times."

Some Taiwanese have even dressed up as protesters from the restive city.

A 19-year-old, who gave his surname Lu, was greeting participants draped in a pro-democracy&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;flag and wearing a yellow construction helmet, a symbol of the city's protests, and holding a placard urging young people to&nbsp;vote.

"I'm showing my support for the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;frontline protesters who are fighting the police," he said. "I am worried that what's happening in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;could happen in&nbsp;Taiwan."

At a raucous election rally for Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, Hong Konger Karen Leung surveyed the huge crowd of excited flag-waving voters as a rap song blasted over the loudspeakers and sighed: "We want to have elections like this.

At a raucous election rally for Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, Hong Konger Karen Leung surveyed the huge crowd of excited flag-waving voters as a rap song blasted over the loudspeakers and sighed: "We want to have elections like this." Leung is one of the scores of Hong Kong election tourists who have travelled to Taiwan this week to witness something denied to them universal suffrage. Tsai, who is seeking a second term, has repeatedly invoked the seven months of pro-democracy protests engulfing the financial hub as a warning call for what might happen should Beijing succeed in its wish to one day take control of Taiwan. Her opponent Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang party favours warmer ties with China but has also promised to defend the island's freedoms. [ Han Kuo-Yu, presidential candidate for Taiwan, casts his ballot as he votes at Linyuan District in Kaohsiung (Courtesy: AFP) ] In the days running up to Saturday's presidential and parliamentary elections, Hong Kongers have become an increasingly common sight at Tsai's rallies. "I feel like there is hope here (in Taiwan)," Leung, a 26-year-old accountant, told reporters after getting a tote bag stamped with Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests slogans at a booth on the sidelines of Tsai's final rally on Friday night. "Taiwan has its freedom and they are standing up to China," she added. She also took on twitter and wrote: "Tomorrow, the power rests in our hands. Let’s show the world that the light of democracy burns strong in #Taiwan. Get out and vote!" Tomorrow, the power rests in our hands. Let’s show the world that the light of democracy burns strong in #Taiwan. Get out & vote! #Taiwan2020 #LetsWin2020 pic.twitter.com/YB4dQg7XlK — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) January 10, 2020 × Hong Kong's democracy activists have long maintained close ties with Taipei, an island that transitioned from decades of dictatorship into one of Asia's most liberal democracies. But months of violent pro-democracy protests in the city has intensified Taiwanese interest as debate rages about how close to tack to its giant authoritarian neighbour. The phrase "Today Hong Kong, tomorrow Taiwan" has become a popular slogan among supporters of Tsai's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Kyle, a 26-year-old Hong Konger at Tsai's Friday night rally, said he took inspiration from how Taiwan shook off its own dictatorship under Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek and also have resisted pressure from Beijing's communist leadership. Watch: A brief analysis of Taiwan elections 2020 Video Embed Code: × "The people of Taiwan bled and even sacrificed their lives until they had democracy," he said. "In Hong Kong, we only have struggled for several years in fighting for democracy, so there is no reason for us to give up so quickly." The island does not recognise the concept of asylum. But under Tsai's administration, officials have turned a blind eye to dozens of Hong Kongers who have fled there and Taiwanese supporters have also sent gas masks and helmets to protesters. "The movement in the past year has brought Hong Kong and Taiwan closer," Ivy, a 36-year-old social worker who travelled from the city, told reporters. "Taiwan has helped Hong Kong. They didn't drive away from the Hong Kong youngsters who fled our city," she said at the Tsai rally. A smattering of the financial hub's flag and pro-demonstration slogans have now become commonplace at Tsai's rallies. [ Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen waves after voting at a polling station in Chunghe district (Courtesy: AFP) ] When Tsai appeared at a Thursday night rally, the crowd shouted the popular protest chant: "Free Hong Kong, the revolution of our times." Some Taiwanese have even dressed up as protesters from the restive city. A 19-year-old, who gave his surname Lu, was greeting participants draped in a pro-democracy Hong Kong flag and wearing a yellow construction helmet, a symbol of the city's protests, and holding a placard urging young people to vote. "I'm showing my support for the Hong Kong frontline protesters who are fighting the police," he said. "I am worried that what's happening in Hong Kong could happen in Taiwan."

Taiwan Election 2020: Hong Kong tourist cites 'We want this' during election rally

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

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&nbsp;Han Kuo-yu.&nbsp;

More than 19.3 million people will be eligible for the polls, out of which 3.1 million are below 30 years old, and 1.81 million will cast their first vote on Saturday, as per official figures.&nbsp;

<img alt="Tsai Ing-wen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="679cb7a0-9e1c-4d1e-9e23-8f12cb1efd39" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/zpMkyfHS.jpg" />

[Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (Photo Credit: AFP)]

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-china-friendly-presidential-hopeful-faces-backlash-in-divided-south-273096">Taiwan's China-friendly presidential hopeful faces backlash in divided south</a>

China considers Taiwan as part of its territory which can be taken by force if required.&nbsp;

Tsai is seen as the frontrunner in the upcoming elections and youngsters are likely to back him due to her progressive leanings and suspicion to Chinese activities.&nbsp;

<img alt="Han Kyo-yu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8c9da667-a0a1-4e97-911a-b7a9343110f7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/UrrzVadY.jpg" />

[Presidential candidate&nbsp;Han Kuo-yu&nbsp;(Photo Credit: AFP)]

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>

Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019 after Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gave a green signal to it. &nbsp;

DPP views itself as a party that protects democratic values against Beijing's authoritarianism.&nbsp;

Han is the leader of Kuomintang Party who is in favour of closer ties with China. He also made a high-profile visit to China and Hong Kong in March last year and reitarated his commitment to "one China". &nbsp;

"Every Taiwan leader needs to find a balance between the US and China, but with Han, he has completely shifted towards China," said Aaron Yin, one of the leaders of a protest movement that held a massive rally against presidential contender.

The 62-year-old has become a divisive figure in Taiwanese politics since his reappearance from 2017 and his skills to electrify crowds helped him win mayorship of Kaohsiung in late 2018.

Han accuses DPP of imperilling Taiwan's long-term future by provoking Beijing. Han has portrayed the image of a common man in order to connect to grassroots voters and endorsed nicknames such as "bald guy".

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

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.

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. More than 19.3 million people will be eligible for the polls, out of which 3.1 million are below 30 years old, and 1.81 million will cast their first vote on Saturday, as per official figures. [Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (Photo Credit: AFP)] Also read: Taiwan's China-friendly presidential hopeful faces backlash in divided south China considers Taiwan as part of its territory which can be taken by force if required. Tsai is seen as the frontrunner in the upcoming elections and youngsters are likely to back him due to her progressive leanings and suspicion to Chinese activities. [Presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu (Photo Credit: AFP)] Also read: Taiwan to vote in shadow of China pressure, Hong Kong protests Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019 after Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gave a green signal to it. DPP views itself as a party that protects democratic values against Beijing's authoritarianism. Han is the leader of Kuomintang Party who is in favour of closer ties with China. He also made a high-profile visit to China and Hong Kong in March last year and reitarated his commitment to "one China". "Every Taiwan leader needs to find a balance between the US and China, but with Han, he has completely shifted towards China," said Aaron Yin, one of the leaders of a protest movement that held a massive rally against presidential contender. The 62-year-old has become a divisive figure in Taiwanese politics since his reappearance from 2017 and his skills to electrify crowds helped him win mayorship of Kaohsiung in late 2018. Han accuses DPP of imperilling Taiwan's long-term future by provoking Beijing. Han has portrayed the image of a common man in order to connect to grassroots voters and endorsed nicknames such as "bald guy". (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Taiwan election 2020: China-friendly Han Kuo-yu challenges President Tsai Ing-wen

Taiwan's presidential rivals held massive rallies Friday night in a final push to convince voters on the eve of a closely watched election that looks set to infuriate China and send ripples far beyond its borders.

Some 19 million people are eligible to vote on Saturday to choose between two leaders with very different visions for Taiwan's future -- in particular how close the self-ruled island should tack to its giant neighbour.

Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day retake the island, by force if necessary.

But China is also Taiwan's largest trade partner, leaving it in a precariously dependent relationship.

President Tsai Ing-wen, who is seeking a second term and is the frontrunner, has pitched herself as a defender of Taiwan's liberal values against the increasingly authoritarian shadow cast by Beijing under President Xi Jinping.

Her main competitor Han Kuo-yu, 62, favours much warmer ties with China -- saying it would boost the island's fortunes -- and accuses the current administration of needlessly antagonising Beijing.

Huge crowds hundreds of thousands strong and a dazzling sea of flags -- green for Tsai, red and blue for Han -- greeted both candidates during their raucous last rallies.

"This election will determine if Taiwanese people can bravely choose democracy and freedom despite pressure from China," Tsai told supporters.

But Han told his crowd it was time to mend ties with Beijing.

"Interactions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have become frosty and are at their lowest ebb," he said.

Pressure campaign

Taiwan bans publishing polls within 10 days of elections but Tsai has led comfortably throughout the campaign. Her party currently has a parliamentary majority, which analysts expect it to retain.

Beijing has made no secret of its desire to see Tsai ousted.

Her Democratic Progressive Party leans towards independence, and Tsai rejects Beijing's view that Taiwan is part of "one China".

In the four years since Tsai won a landslide victory, Beijing has tightened the screw, severing official communications with her administration while ramping up economic and military pressure.

It also poached seven of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies, hopeful that a stick approach would convince voters to punish Tsai at the ballot box.

But the campaign appears to have backfired, especially in the last year after Xi gave a particularly bellicose speech stating Taiwan's absorption into the mainland was "inevitable".

Taiwanese voters were increasingly rattled by China's hardline response to pro-democracy protests in neighbouring Hong Kong and the mass internment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.

Friend or foe? 
 
Arthur Bai, a 29-year-old theatre technician, was draped in a rainbow flag and among the huge crowd in Taipei where Tsai held her final rally.&nbsp;

"She has been very elegant in dealing with China, she stands up to them," he told AFP.

Tsai's party, which is popular with younger voters, legalised gay marriage last year -- a first for Asia -- and Bai said he feared that landmark could be at risk if Han won power.

"We have to choose a progressive government, not go backwards," he added.

Han, who is more popular with older, socially conservative Taiwanese, held his final rally in the southern city of Kaohsiung where he is mayor.&nbsp;

"I want Taiwan and China to be one family, we need to coexist peacefully with China," local resident Chu Ming-hui, 63, told AFP at Han's rally.

Han has struggled on the campaign trial.

A plain-speaking populist, he stormed onto the political scene from relative obscurity in 2018 when he won Kaohsiung, a DPP stronghold, and then beat prominent competitors to win his party's primary.

But his political momentum slowed once he became a presidential candidate as he fought to shake off accusations he lacked experience, was too cosy with Beijing and had limited concrete policy proposals.

Tsai has seen the opposite trajectory.

A year ago she looked a lame-duck president, languishing in the polls after the DPP received a thumping at local mid-term elections.

But analysts say Tsai's ability to seize on the protests in Hong Kong, as well as Taiwan's successful economic navigation of the US-China trade war, have boosted her fortunes.

The results of Saturday's vote will also be closely watched by regional powers and in Washington, especially given the parlous state of US-China relations.

Taiwan has long been a potential flashpoint between Beijing and Washington, which remains the island's main military ally.

Taiwan's presidential rivals held massive rallies Friday night in a final push to convince voters on the eve of a closely watched election that looks set to infuriate China and send ripples far beyond its borders.

Taiwan's presidential rivals held massive rallies Friday night in a final push to convince voters on the eve of a closely watched election that looks set to infuriate China and send ripples far beyond its borders. Some 19 million people are eligible to vote on Saturday to choose between two leaders with very different visions for Taiwan's future -- in particular how close the self-ruled island should tack to its giant neighbour. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day retake the island, by force if necessary. But China is also Taiwan's largest trade partner, leaving it in a precariously dependent relationship. President Tsai Ing-wen, who is seeking a second term and is the frontrunner, has pitched herself as a defender of Taiwan's liberal values against the increasingly authoritarian shadow cast by Beijing under President Xi Jinping. Her main competitor Han Kuo-yu, 62, favours much warmer ties with China -- saying it would boost the island's fortunes -- and accuses the current administration of needlessly antagonising Beijing. Huge crowds hundreds of thousands strong and a dazzling sea of flags -- green for Tsai, red and blue for Han -- greeted both candidates during their raucous last rallies. "This election will determine if Taiwanese people can bravely choose democracy and freedom despite pressure from China," Tsai told supporters. But Han told his crowd it was time to mend ties with Beijing. "Interactions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have become frosty and are at their lowest ebb," he said. Pressure campaign Taiwan bans publishing polls within 10 days of elections but Tsai has led comfortably throughout the campaign. Her party currently has a parliamentary majority, which analysts expect it to retain. Beijing has made no secret of its desire to see Tsai ousted. Her Democratic Progressive Party leans towards independence, and Tsai rejects Beijing's view that Taiwan is part of "one China". In the four years since Tsai won a landslide victory, Beijing has tightened the screw, severing official communications with her administration while ramping up economic and military pressure. It also poached seven of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies, hopeful that a stick approach would convince voters to punish Tsai at the ballot box. But the campaign appears to have backfired, especially in the last year after Xi gave a particularly bellicose speech stating Taiwan's absorption into the mainland was "inevitable". Taiwanese voters were increasingly rattled by China's hardline response to pro-democracy protests in neighbouring Hong Kong and the mass internment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. Friend or foe? Arthur Bai, a 29-year-old theatre technician, was draped in a rainbow flag and among the huge crowd in Taipei where Tsai held her final rally. "She has been very elegant in dealing with China, she stands up to them," he told AFP. Tsai's party, which is popular with younger voters, legalised gay marriage last year -- a first for Asia -- and Bai said he feared that landmark could be at risk if Han won power. "We have to choose a progressive government, not go backwards," he added. Han, who is more popular with older, socially conservative Taiwanese, held his final rally in the southern city of Kaohsiung where he is mayor. "I want Taiwan and China to be one family, we need to coexist peacefully with China," local resident Chu Ming-hui, 63, told AFP at Han's rally. Han has struggled on the campaign trial. A plain-speaking populist, he stormed onto the political scene from relative obscurity in 2018 when he won Kaohsiung, a DPP stronghold, and then beat prominent competitors to win his party's primary. But his political momentum slowed once he became a presidential candidate as he fought to shake off accusations he lacked experience, was too cosy with Beijing and had limited concrete policy proposals. Tsai has seen the opposite trajectory. A year ago she looked a lame-duck president, languishing in the polls after the DPP received a thumping at local mid-term elections. But analysts say Tsai's ability to seize on the protests in Hong Kong, as well as Taiwan's successful economic navigation of the US-China trade war, have boosted her fortunes. The results of Saturday's vote will also be closely watched by regional powers and in Washington, especially given the parlous state of US-China relations. Taiwan has long been a potential flashpoint between Beijing and Washington, which remains the island's main military ally.

Huge rival rallies on final day before Taiwan votes

In balmy&nbsp;southern Taiwan, with its rural hamlets, industrial belts and slower-paced cities, a rising tide of residents are pushing back against opposition&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;hopeful<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-vote-in-shadow-of-china-pressure-hong-kong-protests-272816">&nbsp;Han Kuo-yu</a>, fearing he'll sell out core Taiwan interests to&nbsp;China.

Han, the mayor of the&nbsp;south's biggest city of Kaohsiung, had been expected to build his support base over the past year since winning office on a promise to help citizens "make a big fortune" by forging better economic ties with&nbsp;China.

Instead, as he prepares for the election on Saturday against incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen and her independence-minded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-has-urgent-need-for-infiltration-law-in-face-of-china-president-tsai-ing-wen-270657">Democratic Progressive Party</a> (DPP), he has seen his fortunes wane, hammered by criticism over controversial public remarks and failing to deliver on campaign promises, including oil exploration in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.

Last month, a coalition of groups called "Wecare Kaohsiung" held a mass anti-Han rally that drew tens of thousands, some holding signs with the words "Dismiss pro-Communist mayor".

"Every Taiwan leader needs to find a balance between the US&nbsp;and&nbsp;China, but with Han, he has completely shifted towards&nbsp;China," said Aaron Yin, one of the leaders of the movement.

Taiwan's&nbsp;vote for a new president and parliament comes at a delicate moment for its giant neighbour, and sentiment in&nbsp;southern Taiwan has become a key factor for the election, which could set the democratic island's future course with autocratic&nbsp;China.

In March last year, Han, whose Kuomintang Party favours close ties with&nbsp;China, paid a high-profile visit to Hong Kong and&nbsp;China, where he met with senior Chinese officials and reiterated his commitment to "one&nbsp;China" as a core of cross-strait relations.

Han's red-carpet treatment raised alarm bells, as many Taiwanese harbour a deep mistrust of&nbsp;China, especially after Chinese President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-president-xi-jinping-a-study-in-contrast-255342">Xi Jinping</a> threatened Taiwan with force.

<img alt="Taiwan's city of Tainan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32f0fabd-2b96-4a06-a327-e2c729cef7f2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2857%29.jpg" />

"The main aim of this election is to reject any rapprochement with&nbsp;China," Yin told Reuters in a small office stacked with anti-Han pamphlets and those pledging solidarity with the pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

Han, 62, has proven a divisive figure since reappearing in politics in 2017 to make a failed bid for the chairmanship of the Kuomintang. Known for fiery rhetoric, his ability to electrify crowds helped him clinch the mayorship of Kaohsiung in late 2018.

Although Han has said "one country, two systems" isn't an acceptable model for Taiwan, he has promised to restart dialogue with&nbsp;China&nbsp;if elected president and called for an agreement between&nbsp;China's Communists and the Kuomintang that both sides belong to "one&nbsp;China", with each having their own interpretation of what that means.

Han has described&nbsp;Taiwan's&nbsp;formal independence as scarier than syphilis and warned that Tsai's re-election could lead to a "volcano eruption" of tensions with&nbsp;China.

Wang Lin Chiao, a Kuomintang politician seeking a parliamentary seat in the&nbsp;southern township of Meinong, said that stability is paramount, and that continued engagement with&nbsp;China&nbsp;is the only way forward.

"The 21st century belongs to&nbsp;China," Wang said as she campaigned on a quiet street with a three-person support team, struggling to find people to speak to.

<img alt="Taiwan's city of Tainan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77de2807-231f-4aa2-932e-f4c74f826a1c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2858%29.jpg" />

"Taiwan needs a good future, so we don't want to meddle in sensitive political issues and change things. People only care about money here, and having a safe life," she said, noting a decline in Chinese tourists and exports of agricultural produce to&nbsp;China&nbsp;after curbs by Beijing last year.

But some, such as Chiu Yi-Ying, a DPP lawmaker competing against Wang for the 222,700-voter constituency, say Taiwan must further deepen its "New&nbsp;Southbound Policy" of economic engagement with 18 countries in&nbsp;South-east Asia, rather than rely on&nbsp;China.

Chiu peppers her lobbying with Hong Kong references, telling older voters that an influx of Chinese immigrants and tourists into Hong Kong since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997 had substantially lengthened queues at public hospitals and depleted supplies of essentials like milk-powder.

"That's when they really understand that Hong Kong today is&nbsp;Taiwan's&nbsp;tomorrow," she told Reuters in her campaign office, where massive billboards feature her smiling beside Tsai.

Some farmers and pigeon breeders in the&nbsp;south's rural patchwork of ponds and fields say they've been scarred by past decades of conflicts with&nbsp;China&nbsp;and want to avoid that. But they can't ignore the realities of Hong Kong and the dangers faced by a more aggressive&nbsp;China&nbsp;under Xi.

"One country, two systems is not good," said Chen Jin-Wen, a pigeon breeder in the north of the historic port city of Tainan as he exercised his birds along a stretch of coastline overlooking the Taiwan Strait, referring to the model by which&nbsp;China&nbsp;has been ruling Hong Kong.

"You see what's happening in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong people are used to freedom, like Taiwan people," he said, as his racing birds pecked about in a wooden cage before bolting skywards.

"But mainland&nbsp;China&nbsp;is taking it away from them now," he said. "It's like my birds, they can fly free for a while but they always end up back in a cage."

In balmy southern Taiwan, with its rural hamlets, industrial belts and slower-paced cities, a rising tide of residents are pushing back against opposition presidential hopeful Han Kuo-yu, fearing he'll sell out core Taiwan interests to China.

In balmy southern Taiwan, with its rural hamlets, industrial belts and slower-paced cities, a rising tide of residents are pushing back against opposition presidential hopeful Han Kuo-yu, fearing he'll sell out core Taiwan interests to China. Han, the mayor of the south's biggest city of Kaohsiung, had been expected to build his support base over the past year since winning office on a promise to help citizens "make a big fortune" by forging better economic ties with China. Instead, as he prepares for the election on Saturday against incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen and her independence-minded Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), he has seen his fortunes wane, hammered by criticism over controversial public remarks and failing to deliver on campaign promises, including oil exploration in the South China Sea. Last month, a coalition of groups called "Wecare Kaohsiung" held a mass anti-Han rally that drew tens of thousands, some holding signs with the words "Dismiss pro-Communist mayor". "Every Taiwan leader needs to find a balance between the US and China, but with Han, he has completely shifted towards China," said Aaron Yin, one of the leaders of the movement. Taiwan's vote for a new president and parliament comes at a delicate moment for its giant neighbour, and sentiment in southern Taiwan has become a key factor for the election, which could set the democratic island's future course with autocratic China. In March last year, Han, whose Kuomintang Party favours close ties with China, paid a high-profile visit to Hong Kong and China, where he met with senior Chinese officials and reiterated his commitment to "one China" as a core of cross-strait relations. Han's red-carpet treatment raised alarm bells, as many Taiwanese harbour a deep mistrust of China, especially after Chinese President Xi Jinping threatened Taiwan with force. "The main aim of this election is to reject any rapprochement with China," Yin told Reuters in a small office stacked with anti-Han pamphlets and those pledging solidarity with the pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. Han, 62, has proven a divisive figure since reappearing in politics in 2017 to make a failed bid for the chairmanship of the Kuomintang. Known for fiery rhetoric, his ability to electrify crowds helped him clinch the mayorship of Kaohsiung in late 2018. Although Han has said "one country, two systems" isn't an acceptable model for Taiwan, he has promised to restart dialogue with China if elected president and called for an agreement between China's Communists and the Kuomintang that both sides belong to "one China", with each having their own interpretation of what that means. Han has described Taiwan's formal independence as scarier than syphilis and warned that Tsai's re-election could lead to a "volcano eruption" of tensions with China. Wang Lin Chiao, a Kuomintang politician seeking a parliamentary seat in the southern township of Meinong, said that stability is paramount, and that continued engagement with China is the only way forward. "The 21st century belongs to China," Wang said as she campaigned on a quiet street with a three-person support team, struggling to find people to speak to. "Taiwan needs a good future, so we don't want to meddle in sensitive political issues and change things. People only care about money here, and having a safe life," she said, noting a decline in Chinese tourists and exports of agricultural produce to China after curbs by Beijing last year. But some, such as Chiu Yi-Ying, a DPP lawmaker competing against Wang for the 222,700-voter constituency, say Taiwan must further deepen its "New Southbound Policy" of economic engagement with 18 countries in South-east Asia, rather than rely on China. Chiu peppers her lobbying with Hong Kong references, telling older voters that an influx of Chinese immigrants and tourists into Hong Kong since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997 had substantially lengthened queues at public hospitals and depleted supplies of essentials like milk-powder. "That's when they really understand that Hong Kong today is Taiwan's tomorrow," she told Reuters in her campaign office, where massive billboards feature her smiling beside Tsai. Some farmers and pigeon breeders in the south's rural patchwork of ponds and fields say they've been scarred by past decades of conflicts with China and want to avoid that. But they can't ignore the realities of Hong Kong and the dangers faced by a more aggressive China under Xi. "One country, two systems is not good," said Chen Jin-Wen, a pigeon breeder in the north of the historic port city of Tainan as he exercised his birds along a stretch of coastline overlooking the Taiwan Strait, referring to the model by which China has been ruling Hong Kong. "You see what's happening in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong people are used to freedom, like Taiwan people," he said, as his racing birds pecked about in a wooden cage before bolting skywards. "But mainland China is taking it away from them now," he said. "It's like my birds, they can fly free for a while but they always end up back in a cage."

Taiwan's China-friendly presidential hopeful faces backlash in divided south

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

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.

Different strokes, same election: Taiwan artists draw presidential candidates in contrasting medium

Beijing's growing influence may stroke US anxieties deeper as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-viral-pneumonia-infects-several-in-china-272495">China</a> on Monday hoped to expand its newly restored ties with the pacific state of&nbsp;strategic but mothballed Chinese space tracking station,&nbsp;Kiribati, as per reports.

A senior Chinese diplomat said Beijing was "open" to all sorts of projects in Kiribati, an ex-British colony made up mainly of atolls in the central Pacific, in waters dominated by the United States and its allies since World War Two.

Speaking to reporters after Chinese President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-violates-international-law-272517">Xi Jinping</a> met Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau in Beijing, the diplomat, Lu Kang, did not respond directly to a question about whether Beijing planned to reopen the space tracking station.

"A lot of ideas, a lot of initiatives for joint ventures are still on the way," said Lu, who heads the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs.

"So long as any ideas that could benefit both sides, especially both peoples on both sides, definitely China is open to these kinds of ideas," he said, without elaborating.

China's space program is overseen by the military, which has so far declined to comment on the Kiribati facility.

China and Kiribati restored diplomatic ties last year after the Pacific state cut them with Taiwan. China considers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rattles-sabre-and-offers-friendship-days-before-taiwans-elections-271145">Taiwan</a> merely a Chinese province, with no right to state-to-state relations, and refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with countries that recognize Taipei.

Kiribati had established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2003, prompting the break with Beijing.

Up until then, China had operated a space tracking station in Kiribati, which played a role in tracking China's first manned space flight and is in a part of the world where the United States tests missiles and other military hardware.

A former Taiwanese ambassador to Kiribati, Abraham Chu, told Taiwan's Central News Agency last year that China had never fully removed the tracking station in Kiribati and that it "could come back at any time".

The Solomon Islands, another Pacific state, also switched to Beijing from Taipei last year, in a process watched with concern by Washington, which is wary of China's growing global clout.

Taiwan now has formal relations with just 15 countries, mostly small and poor nations in Latin America and the Pacific, including Nauru, Tuvalu, and Palau. China has signaled it is coming for the rest of Taiwan's allies.

Beijing's growing influence may stroke US anxieties deeper as China on Monday hoped to expand its newly restored ties with the pacific state of strategic but mothballed Chinese space tracking station, Kiribati, as per reports.

Beijing's growing influence may stroke US anxieties deeper as China on Monday hoped to expand its newly restored ties with the pacific state of strategic but mothballed Chinese space tracking station, Kiribati, as per reports. A senior Chinese diplomat said Beijing was "open" to all sorts of projects in Kiribati, an ex-British colony made up mainly of atolls in the central Pacific, in waters dominated by the United States and its allies since World War Two. Speaking to reporters after Chinese President Xi Jinping met Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau in Beijing, the diplomat, Lu Kang, did not respond directly to a question about whether Beijing planned to reopen the space tracking station. "A lot of ideas, a lot of initiatives for joint ventures are still on the way," said Lu, who heads the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs. "So long as any ideas that could benefit both sides, especially both peoples on both sides, definitely China is open to these kinds of ideas," he said, without elaborating. China's space program is overseen by the military, which has so far declined to comment on the Kiribati facility. China and Kiribati restored diplomatic ties last year after the Pacific state cut them with Taiwan. China considers Taiwan merely a Chinese province, with no right to state-to-state relations, and refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with countries that recognize Taipei. Kiribati had established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2003, prompting the break with Beijing. Up until then, China had operated a space tracking station in Kiribati, which played a role in tracking China's first manned space flight and is in a part of the world where the United States tests missiles and other military hardware. A former Taiwanese ambassador to Kiribati, Abraham Chu, told Taiwan's Central News Agency last year that China had never fully removed the tracking station in Kiribati and that it "could come back at any time". The Solomon Islands, another Pacific state, also switched to Beijing from Taipei last year, in a process watched with concern by Washington, which is wary of China's growing global clout. Taiwan now has formal relations with just 15 countries, mostly small and poor nations in Latin America and the Pacific, including Nauru, Tuvalu, and Palau. China has signaled it is coming for the rest of Taiwan's allies.

China eyes increased ties with Kiribati, site of space tracking station

Yet Another Black Hawk Helicopter Crash In Taiwan: 8 Including Military Chief Killed. #WION #Gravitas #Taiwan

Gravitas: Taiwan Military Chief killed in helicopter crash

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said.&nbsp;

The UH-60M <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-lacks-pilots-engineers-to-handle-black-hawk-copters-us-watchdog-warns-195285">Black Hawk</a> helicopter carrying 13 people including chief of general staff <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-asks-us-for-new-fighter-jets-to-defend-against-china-201759">General Shen Yi-ming</a> made the crash landing in the mountains near Taipei for unknown reasons, it said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ministry said ten people have been found alive while rescuers were searching for Shen, 62, and two others that were still missing. They were on a routine mission to visit soldiers in the northeast Yilan county ahead of the lunar new year.

Air force commander Hsiung Hou-chi said the aircraft disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off and the ministry has set up a taskforce to investigate the incident.

"The search and rescue operation continues... We are investigating whether (the cause) was environmental or mechanical... the aircraft's condition is not ideal," Hsiung told reporters.

"We hope everyone can be safe and we should know the results this afternoon," he said, adding that the ministry has dispatched ground troops and rescue helicopters for the operation.

An air force official said some on board were "trapped under&nbsp;fragments of the helicopter" without elaborating.

Hou You-yi, mayor of New <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rattles-sabre-and-offers-friendship-days-before-taiwans-elections-271145">Taipei City</a> where the crash landing site was, said 11 people have been rescued while two were still unaccounted for without identifying them.&nbsp;

A New Taipei City fire department official told local TV stations that Shen had been found alive, although the defence ministry was yet to confirm.

"It had been raining in the mountains in the past few days, the mountain roads are muddy and very steep. We are racing against time," said Chen Chung-chi, a supervisor of the operation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-rejects-chinas-offer-to-unify-under-hong-kong-model-271327">Tsai Ing-wen</a>'s office said she has cancelled her schedule for the rest of the day to monitor the rescue.

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said.

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter carrying 13 people including chief of general staff General Shen Yi-ming made the crash landing in the mountains near Taipei for unknown reasons, it said in a statement. The ministry said ten people have been found alive while rescuers were searching for Shen, 62, and two others that were still missing. They were on a routine mission to visit soldiers in the northeast Yilan county ahead of the lunar new year. Air force commander Hsiung Hou-chi said the aircraft disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off and the ministry has set up a taskforce to investigate the incident. "The search and rescue operation continues... We are investigating whether (the cause) was environmental or mechanical... the aircraft's condition is not ideal," Hsiung told reporters. "We hope everyone can be safe and we should know the results this afternoon," he said, adding that the ministry has dispatched ground troops and rescue helicopters for the operation. An air force official said some on board were "trapped under fragments of the helicopter" without elaborating. Hou You-yi, mayor of New Taipei City where the crash landing site was, said 11 people have been rescued while two were still unaccounted for without identifying them. A New Taipei City fire department official told local TV stations that Shen had been found alive, although the defence ministry was yet to confirm. "It had been raining in the mountains in the past few days, the mountain roads are muddy and very steep. We are racing against time," said Chen Chung-chi, a supervisor of the operation. President Tsai Ing-wen's office said she has cancelled her schedule for the rest of the day to monitor the rescue.

Taiwan's military chief of staff missing after helicopter crash

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two others who went missing after a helicopter crashed landed in a mountain. #Taiwan #TaiwanMilitaryChief

Taiwan's top military chief Shen was killed in a helicopter crash on January 2, the defence ministry said, just days before the island goes to polls to elect a new president.

Taiwan's top military chief Shen was killed in a helicopter crash on January 2, the defence ministry said, just days before the island goes to polls to elect a new president.

Taiwan's Top Military Chief Shen Yi-ming

Taiwan&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-has-urgent-need-for-infiltration-law-in-face-of-china-president-tsai-ing-wen-270657">Tsai Ing-wen</a> said on Wednesday the island would not accept a "one country, two systems" political formula Beijing has suggested could be used to&nbsp;unify&nbsp;the democratic island, saying such an arrangement had failed in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

China claims&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its territory, to be brought&nbsp;under&nbsp;Beijing's control by force if necessary.&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;says it is an independent country called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-republic-of-china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-in-beijing-253107">Republic of China</a>, its official name.

Tsai, who's seeking re-election in a January 11 votes, also vowed in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/may-this-year-be-filled-with-joy-and-prosperity-pm-modi-tweets-out-271326">New Year</a>'s speech to defend&nbsp;Taiwan's sovereignty, saying her government would build a mechanism to safeguard freedom and democracy as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island.

Fear of China has become a major element in the campaign, boosted by months of anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

"Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people have shown us that 'one country, two systems' is definitely not feasible," Tsai said, referring to the political arrangement that guaranteed certain freedoms in the former British colony of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;after it was returned to China in 1997.

"Under&nbsp;'one country, two systems', the situation continues to deteriorate in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong. The credibility of 'one country, two systems' has been sullied by the government's abuse of power," Tsai said.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has been hit by months of anti-government protests triggered by widespread resentment of perceived efforts by Beijing to exert control of the city despite the promises of autonomy.

Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration law on Tuesday to combat perceived threats from China, further straining ties between&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and Beijing.

Tsai said the law will protect&nbsp;Taiwan's democracy and cross-strait exchanges will not be affected amid worries that the legislation may damage business ties with China.

China suspects Tsai and her independence-leaning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-appoints-new-premier-after-resignations-over-poll-defeats-189499">Democratic Progressive Party</a> of pushing for the island's formal independence and has threatened it with war if there was any such move.

Tsai denies seeking independence and reiterated that she would not unilaterally change the status quo with China.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday the island would not accept a "one country, two systems" political formula Beijing has suggested could be used to unify the democratic island, saying such an arrangement had failed in Hong Kong.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday the island would not accept a "one country, two systems" political formula Beijing has suggested could be used to unify the democratic island, saying such an arrangement had failed in Hong Kong. China claims Taiwan as its territory, to be brought under Beijing's control by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name. Tsai, who's seeking re-election in a January 11 votes, also vowed in a New Year's speech to defend Taiwan's sovereignty, saying her government would build a mechanism to safeguard freedom and democracy as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island. Fear of China has become a major element in the campaign, boosted by months of anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong. "Hong Kong people have shown us that 'one country, two systems' is definitely not feasible," Tsai said, referring to the political arrangement that guaranteed certain freedoms in the former British colony of Hong Kong after it was returned to China in 1997. "Under 'one country, two systems', the situation continues to deteriorate in Hong Kong. The credibility of 'one country, two systems' has been sullied by the government's abuse of power," Tsai said. Hong Kong has been hit by months of anti-government protests triggered by widespread resentment of perceived efforts by Beijing to exert control of the city despite the promises of autonomy. Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration law on Tuesday to combat perceived threats from China, further straining ties between Taiwan and Beijing. Tsai said the law will protect Taiwan's democracy and cross-strait exchanges will not be affected amid worries that the legislation may damage business ties with China. China suspects Tsai and her independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party of pushing for the island's formal independence and has threatened it with war if there was any such move. Tsai denies seeking independence and reiterated that she would not unilaterally change the status quo with China.

Taiwan leader rejects China's offer to unify under Hong Kong model

Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration&nbsp;law&nbsp;on Tuesday to&nbsp;combat&nbsp;perceived threats from China as the island gears up for a presidential vote on January&nbsp;11 amid heightened tension with Beijing.

The legislation is part of a years-long effort to&nbsp;combat&nbsp;what many in&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;see as&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;efforts to&nbsp;influence&nbsp;politics&nbsp;and the democratic process, through illicit funding of politicians and the media and other methods.

The move further strains ties between&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and Beijing, which suspects&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsai-ing-wen-urges-world-to-stand-up-to-china-147236">Tsai Ing-wen</a> of pushing for the island's formal independence and has ramped up pressure on her since she took office in 2016.

Watch:&nbsp;China irked by US-Taiwan arms deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-irked-by-us-taiwan-arms-deal-243606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The rise of China has posed a threat to all countries, and&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;is facing the biggest threat," Chen Ou-po of the majority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-appoints-new-premier-after-resignations-over-poll-defeats-189499">Democratic Progressive Party</a> (DPP) told parliament after the bill was passed.

"Taiwan&nbsp;is on the frontline of&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;infiltration and urgently needs the anti-infiltration&nbsp;law&nbsp;to protect people's rights."

Lawmakers of Tsai's DPP backed the bill, which passed 67 to zero, despite opposition criticism of it as a "political tool" to gain votes before the election.

Lawmakers of the main opposition Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, did not participate in the vote.

China's policy-making&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Affairs Office, in a statement carried by state media, said the DPP was seeking electoral gain from the move and creating enmity across the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait.

"We sternly warn the DPP, blood is thicker than water for the compatriots from both sides of the strait, who protect and help each other: this is something no force can change," it said.

The&nbsp;law&nbsp;gives legal teeth to efforts to stop China's funding activities on the island, such as lobbying or election campaigns. It carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail and will take effect after Tsai signs it into&nbsp;law&nbsp;in January.

China claims&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its territory, to be brought under Beijing's control by force if necessary.&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;says it is an independent country called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-republic-of-china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-in-beijing-253107">Republic of China</a>, its official name.

The Kuomintang has said it supports efforts to protect&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;from infiltration but accused the DPP of rushing through the legislation for electoral gain, calling it a threat to&nbsp;Taiwan's democracy.

Several Kuomintang&nbsp;lawmakers staged a sit-in protest in front of the speaker's podium during the parliamentary session, holding signs that read "Objecting to bad&nbsp;law" and "Damaging human rights" while wearing black masks that read "Objection".

A handful of supporters from pro-China political parties protested outside parliament, calling&nbsp;lawmakers to withdraw what they see as legislation that "ruins" cross-Strait exchanges.

China said last week the DPP was trying to "blatantly reverse over" democracy with the bill. In response, Tsai said it was hypocritical of an autocratic China that lacks democracy, human rights or freedom of speech to use the language of democracy to criticise the proposal.

Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration law on Tuesday to combat perceived threats from China as the island gears up for a presidential vote on January 11 amid heightened tension with Beijing.

Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration law on Tuesday to combat perceived threats from China as the island gears up for a presidential vote on January 11 amid heightened tension with Beijing. The legislation is part of a years-long effort to combat what many in Taiwan see as Chinese efforts to influence politics and the democratic process, through illicit funding of politicians and the media and other methods. The move further strains ties between Taiwan and Beijing, which suspects Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen of pushing for the island's formal independence and has ramped up pressure on her since she took office in 2016. Watch: China irked by US-Taiwan arms deal "The rise of China has posed a threat to all countries, and Taiwan is facing the biggest threat," Chen Ou-po of the majority Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) told parliament after the bill was passed. "Taiwan is on the frontline of Chinese infiltration and urgently needs the anti-infiltration law to protect people's rights." Lawmakers of Tsai's DPP backed the bill, which passed 67 to zero, despite opposition criticism of it as a "political tool" to gain votes before the election. Lawmakers of the main opposition Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, did not participate in the vote. China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, in a statement carried by state media, said the DPP was seeking electoral gain from the move and creating enmity across the Taiwan Strait. "We sternly warn the DPP, blood is thicker than water for the compatriots from both sides of the strait, who protect and help each other: this is something no force can change," it said. The law gives legal teeth to efforts to stop China's funding activities on the island, such as lobbying or election campaigns. It carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail and will take effect after Tsai signs it into law in January. China claims Taiwan as its territory, to be brought under Beijing's control by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name. The Kuomintang has said it supports efforts to protect Taiwan from infiltration but accused the DPP of rushing through the legislation for electoral gain, calling it a threat to Taiwan's democracy. Several Kuomintang lawmakers staged a sit-in protest in front of the speaker's podium during the parliamentary session, holding signs that read "Objecting to bad law" and "Damaging human rights" while wearing black masks that read "Objection". A handful of supporters from pro-China political parties protested outside parliament, calling lawmakers to withdraw what they see as legislation that "ruins" cross-Strait exchanges. China said last week the DPP was trying to "blatantly reverse over" democracy with the bill. In response, Tsai said it was hypocritical of an autocratic China that lacks democracy, human rights or freedom of speech to use the language of democracy to criticise the proposal.

Taiwan passes law to combat Chinese influence on politics

Citing a letter from a young Hong Konger appealing for people "not to believe the Communists", Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday the island's democratic way of life was at risk from the danger China posed to Taiwan.

The months of anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-police-arrest-15-in-fresh-shopping-mall-protests-270781">Hong Kong</a> have taken centre stage in Taiwan ahead of the January&nbsp;11 presidential and parliamentary elections, with Tsai in particular warning Taiwan would be next if it gives into Chinese pressure and accepts Beijing's rule.

Speaking at a televised presidential debate, Tsai read excerpts from a letter she said she received from a young person in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-paid-17-million-in-allowances-related-to-protests-270751">Hong Kong</a>. She did not name the person nor say when the letter was written.

Tsai read from the letter: "'I ask that Taiwan's people not believe the Chinese Communists, don't believe any pro-Communist official, and don't fall into China's money trap.'"

Taiwan's people have been through their own traumas under martial law before adopting democracy and are now seeing "the end of Hong Kong", Tsai quoted the letter as saying.

Tsai said she wanted to read the letter to remind people of the significance of their vote next month.

"On Jan. 11, the vote in our hands can decide whether our democratic way of life of today can continue. The whole world is watching what Taiwan will do on Jan. 11."

China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be taken under its control by force if needed. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name.

China says it will run Taiwan under the "one country, two systems" model - the same as used in Hong Kong - granting it a high degree of autonomy.

Tsai and her main opponent Han Kuo-yu from the Kuomintang, which favours close relations with China, have both rejected this model, though Tsai has repeatedly portrayed Han as supporting it.

Han said Tsai was "deceiving" the people of Hong Kong by using their struggle to try and win votes.

"They are bleeding from fighting against China, while you are enjoying electoral gains. Your campaign is based on the blood of Hong Kong people. You are exploiting the values they uphold," he said, citing remarks from a Hong Kong student leader who later apologised for his criticism.

Han also reiterated what has become a frequent complaint, that senior members of Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party and Tsai herself had previously been to China, accusing them of hypocrisy for denouncing a trip he made earlier this year.

"And you slam me for accepting 'one country, two systems' - this is really too much," Han said.

Citing a letter from a young Hong Konger appealing for people "not to believe the Communists", Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday the island's democratic way of life was at risk from the danger China posed to Taiwan.

Citing a letter from a young Hong Konger appealing for people "not to believe the Communists", Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday the island's democratic way of life was at risk from the danger China posed to Taiwan. The months of anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong have taken centre stage in Taiwan ahead of the January 11 presidential and parliamentary elections, with Tsai in particular warning Taiwan would be next if it gives into Chinese pressure and accepts Beijing's rule. Speaking at a televised presidential debate, Tsai read excerpts from a letter she said she received from a young person in Hong Kong. She did not name the person nor say when the letter was written. Tsai read from the letter: "'I ask that Taiwan's people not believe the Chinese Communists, don't believe any pro-Communist official, and don't fall into China's money trap.'" Taiwan's people have been through their own traumas under martial law before adopting democracy and are now seeing "the end of Hong Kong", Tsai quoted the letter as saying. Tsai said she wanted to read the letter to remind people of the significance of their vote next month. "On Jan. 11, the vote in our hands can decide whether our democratic way of life of today can continue. The whole world is watching what Taiwan will do on Jan. 11." China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be taken under its control by force if needed. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name. China says it will run Taiwan under the "one country, two systems" model - the same as used in Hong Kong - granting it a high degree of autonomy. Tsai and her main opponent Han Kuo-yu from the Kuomintang, which favours close relations with China, have both rejected this model, though Tsai has repeatedly portrayed Han as supporting it. Han said Tsai was "deceiving" the people of Hong Kong by using their struggle to try and win votes. "They are bleeding from fighting against China, while you are enjoying electoral gains. Your campaign is based on the blood of Hong Kong people. You are exploiting the values they uphold," he said, citing remarks from a Hong Kong student leader who later apologised for his criticism. Han also reiterated what has become a frequent complaint, that senior members of Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party and Tsai herself had previously been to China, accusing them of hypocrisy for denouncing a trip he made earlier this year. "And you slam me for accepting 'one country, two systems' - this is really too much," Han said.

'Don't believe the Communists': Taiwan president channels Hong Kong protests in appeal for votes

Taiwan “urgently” needs to pass a planned anti-infiltration law to face threats from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-rumours-and-cyber-armies-taiwan-fights-election-fake-news-268872">China to penetrate</a> the island, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-aircraft-carrier-sails-through-taiwan-strait-again-270359">denouncing China’s opposition</a> to it as illogical and hypocritical.&nbsp;

The legislation is part of a years-long effort to combat what many in Taiwan see as Chinese efforts to influence politics and the democratic process, through illicit funding of politicians and the media and other underhand methods.

China claims Taiwan as its territory, to be brought under Beijing’s control by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name.

Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has begun a renewed push for the legislation, ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections on Jan. 11. The bill is due for debate in parliament again on Tuesday, when it may pass into law.

In a televised policy address - on which formal debate is set for Sunday - Tsai said the bill was about a threat from China that is not as easy to see as the likes of the Chinese aircraft carrier which sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday.

“I think that certainly there is an urgency in Taiwan society for the anti-infiltration law,” Tsai said. “I hope that we can as soon as possible examine it.”

Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, has condemned the proposed legislation as a “political tool” of Tsai and her DPP to gain votes while trying to paint them as Chinese Communist Party agents.

They also say the bill will only criminalize normal exchanges with China, something Tsai and the DPP have denied.

China’s policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated its opposition to the bill this week too, saying the DPP was trying to “blatantly reverse over” democracy and increase enmity.

Tsai said it was totally hypocritical of an autocratic China that lacks democracy, human rights or freedom of speech to use the language of democracy to criticize the bill.

“China has no democracy and yet it is criticizing Taiwan for reversing over democracy,” she said. “China has no democratic elections and interferes in Taiwan’s democratic elections the whole day long. This is an absurd and laughable position.”

China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan’s elections.

Tsai’s main opponent, the Kuomintang’s Han Kuo-yu, did not directly mention the bill, but again slammed senior DPP politicians for previous visits they have made to China. Han went to China earlier this year and met senior officials.

“Your exchanges are just exchanges, but our contacts are selling out Taiwan?” Han said, holding up a picture of DPP officials meeting with Chinese counterparts.

Taiwan “urgently” needs to pass a planned anti-infiltration law to face threats from China to penetrate the island, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday, denouncing China’s opposition to it as illogical and hypocritical.

Taiwan “urgently” needs to pass a planned anti-infiltration law to face threats from China to penetrate the island, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday, denouncing China’s opposition to it as illogical and hypocritical. The legislation is part of a years-long effort to combat what many in Taiwan see as Chinese efforts to influence politics and the democratic process, through illicit funding of politicians and the media and other underhand methods. China claims Taiwan as its territory, to be brought under Beijing’s control by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name. Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has begun a renewed push for the legislation, ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections on Jan. 11. The bill is due for debate in parliament again on Tuesday, when it may pass into law. In a televised policy address - on which formal debate is set for Sunday - Tsai said the bill was about a threat from China that is not as easy to see as the likes of the Chinese aircraft carrier which sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday. “I think that certainly there is an urgency in Taiwan society for the anti-infiltration law,” Tsai said. “I hope that we can as soon as possible examine it.” Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, has condemned the proposed legislation as a “political tool” of Tsai and her DPP to gain votes while trying to paint them as Chinese Communist Party agents. They also say the bill will only criminalize normal exchanges with China, something Tsai and the DPP have denied. China’s policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated its opposition to the bill this week too, saying the DPP was trying to “blatantly reverse over” democracy and increase enmity. Tsai said it was totally hypocritical of an autocratic China that lacks democracy, human rights or freedom of speech to use the language of democracy to criticize the bill. “China has no democracy and yet it is criticizing Taiwan for reversing over democracy,” she said. “China has no democratic elections and interferes in Taiwan’s democratic elections the whole day long. This is an absurd and laughable position.” China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan’s elections. Tsai’s main opponent, the Kuomintang’s Han Kuo-yu, did not directly mention the bill, but again slammed senior DPP politicians for previous visits they have made to China. Han went to China earlier this year and met senior officials. “Your exchanges are just exchanges, but our contacts are selling out Taiwan?” Han said, holding up a picture of DPP officials meeting with Chinese counterparts.

Taiwan has 'urgent' need for infiltration law in face of China: President Tsai Ing-wen

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../white-house-considered-kicking-huawei-out-of- us-banking-system-sources-265973">Tech giant Huawei</a> has cancelled the launch of a flagship phone and watch in Taiwan after Taipei imposed a temporary ban on some of its products for listing the island as part of China.&nbsp;

On its official Taiwan Facebook page, Wednesday Chinese company Huawei said the launch of its Mate 30 Pro smartphone and its GT 2 digital watch had been cancelled due to "supply issues" without elaborating further.&nbsp;

"We thank all users who participated in the pre-order event of the products&nbsp;and express deep regret for causing you inconvenience," the statement said, adding that users would be refunded.&nbsp;

The cancellations came after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../fourth-round-of-relief-measures-to-be- introduced-in-hong-kong-carrie-lam-265826">Taiwan</a> last month suspended sales of three Huawei models that listed the self-ruled, democratic island as "Taiwan, China" for timezones and contacts.

On Thursday Taiwan's National Communications Commission (NCC) said the temporary ban of Huawei's P30, P30 Pro and Nova 5T models was still effective as the company had yet to change the wording.

How Taiwan is described is a hugely sensitive political issue.&nbsp;

Beijing considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it by force if necessary, even though the two sides have been governed separately for the last seven decades.&nbsp;

In recent years international brands have routinely found themselves bowing to Beijing's stance on Taiwan,&nbsp;a much smaller market compared to the lucrative mainland.&nbsp;

A growing list of international firms, including luxury brands, airlines and hotels, have been pushed to apologise to Beijing or change Taiwan's classification on their websites to "Taiwan, China" or "Chinese Taipei".

The authoritarian mainland has ramped up diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise that idea that the island is part of "one China".&nbsp;

The pressure is building as Taiwan heads towards elections in January, with Tsai seeking to defeat an opponent who favours much warmer ties with China.&nbsp;

Huawei, the world's number two smartphone producer, has previously come under fire in mainland China for the opposite offence,&nbsp;not labelling the cities of Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau as part of China in some Chinese-language settings.&nbsp;

The company is also fighting legal battles in the United States, saying Thursday it has petitioned a US court to overturn a ban imposed on national security grounds that prevents carriers in rural America from buying its equipment by tapping an $8.5-billion federal fund.&nbsp;

Tech giant Huawei has cancelled the launch of a flagship phone and watch in Taiwan after Taipei imposed a temporary ban on some of its products for listing the island as part of China.

Tech giant Huawei has cancelled the launch of a flagship phone and watch in Taiwan after Taipei imposed a temporary ban on some of its products for listing the island as part of China. On its official Taiwan Facebook page, Wednesday Chinese company Huawei said the launch of its Mate 30 Pro smartphone and its GT 2 digital watch had been cancelled due to "supply issues" without elaborating further. "We thank all users who participated in the pre-order event of the products and express deep regret for causing you inconvenience," the statement said, adding that users would be refunded. The cancellations came after Taiwan last month suspended sales of three Huawei models that listed the self-ruled, democratic island as "Taiwan, China" for timezones and contacts. On Thursday Taiwan's National Communications Commission (NCC) said the temporary ban of Huawei's P30, P30 Pro and Nova 5T models was still effective as the company had yet to change the wording. How Taiwan is described is a hugely sensitive political issue. Beijing considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it by force if necessary, even though the two sides have been governed separately for the last seven decades. In recent years international brands have routinely found themselves bowing to Beijing's stance on Taiwan, a much smaller market compared to the lucrative mainland. A growing list of international firms, including luxury brands, airlines and hotels, have been pushed to apologise to Beijing or change Taiwan's classification on their websites to "Taiwan, China" or "Chinese Taipei". The authoritarian mainland has ramped up diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise that idea that the island is part of "one China". The pressure is building as Taiwan heads towards elections in January, with Tsai seeking to defeat an opponent who favours much warmer ties with China. Huawei, the world's number two smartphone producer, has previously come under fire in mainland China for the opposite offence, not labelling the cities of Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau as part of China in some Chinese-language settings. The company is also fighting legal battles in the United States, saying Thursday it has petitioned a US court to overturn a ban imposed on national security grounds that prevents carriers in rural America from buying its equipment by tapping an $8.5-billion federal fund.

Huawei cancels new phone launch in Taiwan after China row

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