China is providing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-health-organisation-warns-countries-to-take-action-against-coronavirus-277495">World Health Organization</a> (WHO) with wrong information about the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-city-accused-of-stealing-virus-masks-from-hard-hit-neighbor-279103">coronavirus </a>cases in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-first-case-of-new-sars-like-virus-275782">Taiwan</a>, the island’s foreign ministry said on Thursday, after the WHO published incorrect case numbers earlier this week.

Taiwan is not a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-health-organisation-warns-countries-to-take-action-against-coronavirus-277495">WHO </a>member because of China’s objections. Beijing says the island is a wayward Chinese province and not a country and is adequately represented in the organization by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-city-accused-of-stealing-virus-masks-from-hard-hit-neighbor-279103">China</a>.

Democratically governed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-first-case-of-new-sars-like-virus-275782">Taiwan </a>says it is an independent country called the Republic of China&nbsp;and has never been part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-first-case-of-new-sars-like-virus-275782">People’s Republic of China</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-city-accused-of-stealing-virus-masks-from-hard-hit-neighbor-279103">Chinese city accused of stealing virus masks from hard-hit neighbor</a>

On Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-health-organisation-warns-countries-to-take-action-against-coronavirus-277495">WHO </a>corrected the number of cases reported on the island after having said there were 13. At the time Taiwan had only 10. Taiwan said on Thursday there were now 13 cases, compared to more than 28,000 in China.

Speaking at a news conference, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-first-case-of-new-sars-like-virus-275782">Taiwan </a>Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said the crux of the problem was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctor-who-was-silenced-becomes-a-coronavirus-victim-278542">China </a>giving the wrong case number details to the WHO.

“This was wrong information that was provided by China which created the mistake,” she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctor-who-was-silenced-becomes-a-coronavirus-victim-278542">Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim</a>

“We beseech the WHO not to put Taiwan’s information under China, creating mistake after mistake after mistake,” she added.

Taiwan says the main consequence of that so far has been Italy including Taiwan in its ban on flights from China.

Taiwan’s China Airlines has already stopped its Rome flights, and the island’s other main carrier Eva Airways said on Thursday it would postpone this month’s launch of Milan flights due to the Italian ban.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-health-organisation-warns-countries-to-take-action-against-coronavirus-277495">World Health Organisation warns countries to 'take action' against coronavirus</a>

Ou said they continue to press Italy to reverse the decision to stop flights from Taiwan.

China’s foreign ministry, in a faxed statement to Reuters, said the case numbers it reported to the WHO for Taiwan all came from Taiwan’s government.

“If there are mistakes, this is the relevant authorities in the Taiwan region deliberately reporting mistakes to us,” it said.

The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier this week, Ou said China was “vile” for seeking to limit Taiwan’s access to <a href="Also read: World Health Organisation warns countries to 'take action' against coronavirus">WHO</a> meetings about the virus.

Both the <a href="Also read: World Health Organisation warns countries to 'take action' against coronavirus">WHO</a> and China have repeatedly said Taiwan is getting the access and cooperation it needs.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement on Thursday the island should not “use the virus to plot independence”, and reiterated Taiwan faced no problem with technical cooperation with the <a href="Also read: World Health Organisation warns countries to 'take action' against coronavirus">WHO</a>.

China is providing the World Health Organization (WHO) with wrong information about the number of coronavirus cases in Taiwan, the island’s foreign ministry said on Thursday, after the WHO published incorrect case numbers earlier this week.

China is providing the World Health Organization (WHO) with wrong information about the number of coronavirus cases in Taiwan, the island’s foreign ministry said on Thursday, after the WHO published incorrect case numbers earlier this week. Taiwan is not a WHO member because of China’s objections. Beijing says the island is a wayward Chinese province and not a country and is adequately represented in the organization by China. Democratically governed Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China and has never been part of the People’s Republic of China. Also read: Chinese city accused of stealing virus masks from hard-hit neighbor On Tuesday, the WHO corrected the number of cases reported on the island after having said there were 13. At the time Taiwan had only 10. Taiwan said on Thursday there were now 13 cases, compared to more than 28,000 in China. Speaking at a news conference, Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said the crux of the problem was China giving the wrong case number details to the WHO. “This was wrong information that was provided by China which created the mistake,” she said. Also read: Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim “We beseech the WHO not to put Taiwan’s information under China, creating mistake after mistake after mistake,” she added. Taiwan says the main consequence of that so far has been Italy including Taiwan in its ban on flights from China. Taiwan’s China Airlines has already stopped its Rome flights, and the island’s other main carrier Eva Airways said on Thursday it would postpone this month’s launch of Milan flights due to the Italian ban. Also read: World Health Organisation warns countries to 'take action' against coronavirus Ou said they continue to press Italy to reverse the decision to stop flights from Taiwan. China’s foreign ministry, in a faxed statement to Reuters, said the case numbers it reported to the WHO for Taiwan all came from Taiwan’s government. “If there are mistakes, this is the relevant authorities in the Taiwan region deliberately reporting mistakes to us,” it said. The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier this week, Ou said China was “vile” for seeking to limit Taiwan’s access to WHO meetings about the virus. Both the WHO and China have repeatedly said Taiwan is getting the access and cooperation it needs. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement on Thursday the island should not “use the virus to plot independence”, and reiterated Taiwan faced no problem with technical cooperation with the WHO.

Taiwan says China feeding World Health Organisation wrong information about virus cases on island

Taiwan on Tuesday reported its first confirmed case of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-spreads-beyond-china-human-to-human-transmission-confirmed-275691">new SARS-like coronavirus</a> as the government warned the public against travelling to Chinese city where it emerged.&nbsp;

The patient is a Taiwanese woman in her fifties, living in Wuhan, who returned to the island on Monday with symptoms including fever, coughing and a sore throat.

Asian countries have ramped up measures to block the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-four-people-killed-due-to-deadly-coronavirus-275596">spread of the new virus</a> as the death toll in China rose to six and the number of cases jumped to almost 300 since it first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-confirms-person-to-person-spread-of-the-new-virus-as-fourth-death-reported-275590">China confirms person-to-person spread of the new virus as fourth death reported</a>

The Taiwan patient reported her symptoms to quarantine officials on arrival at Taoyuan airport and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment, said the island's Centers for Disease Control (CDC).&nbsp;

The woman told officials that she had not visited any local markets or had contact with birds or wild animals while in Wuhan.&nbsp;

Authorities are monitoring some 46 passengers and crew from the same flight, the agency said.&nbsp;

The CDC raised its alert on Wuhan to the highest level, urging the public against travelling to the city unless necessary.&nbsp;

"We ask the public not to panic as the individual was taken to hospital directly from the airport and did not step into the community," it said in a statement, adding that it reported the case to the World Health Organization and China authorities.

The coronavirus has spread to Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Taiwan on Tuesday reported its first confirmed case of the new SARS-like coronavirus as the government warned the public against travelling to Chinese city where it emerged.

Taiwan on Tuesday reported its first confirmed case of the new SARS-like coronavirus as the government warned the public against travelling to Chinese city where it emerged. The patient is a Taiwanese woman in her fifties, living in Wuhan, who returned to the island on Monday with symptoms including fever, coughing and a sore throat. Asian countries have ramped up measures to block the spread of the new virus as the death toll in China rose to six and the number of cases jumped to almost 300 since it first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. Also Read: China confirms person-to-person spread of the new virus as fourth death reported The Taiwan patient reported her symptoms to quarantine officials on arrival at Taoyuan airport and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment, said the island's Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The woman told officials that she had not visited any local markets or had contact with birds or wild animals while in Wuhan. Authorities are monitoring some 46 passengers and crew from the same flight, the agency said. The CDC raised its alert on Wuhan to the highest level, urging the public against travelling to the city unless necessary. "We ask the public not to panic as the individual was taken to hospital directly from the airport and did not step into the community," it said in a statement, adding that it reported the case to the World Health Organization and China authorities. The coronavirus has spread to Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Taiwan reports first case of new SARS-like virus

China-Taiwan hostility has hit fever pitch ever since Tsai Ing-Wen got re-elected as the President of Taiwan. While China says it won't allow separatism, Taiwan claims it's already independent. This contradiction threats to evolve into a full-fledged conflict. Take a look.

Gravitas: Taiwan sends stern message to China

Taiwan President <a href="wionews.com/world/china-slams-united-states-for-congratulating-tsai-ing-wen-on-taiwan-poll-win-273789">Tsai Ing-wen</a> urged China on Wednesday to review its policy towards the island, days after she won a landslide re-election victory, in a rebuke that could fuel further tensions with China.

"We hope China can understand the opinion and will be expressed by Taiwanese people in this election and review their current policies," Tsai told reporters in Taipei. She did not elaborate.

China considers democratic Taiwan its own territory and has tried military threats and economic inducements to get the island to accept its rule. Taiwan 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.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged China on Wednesday to review its policy towards the island, days after she won a landslide re-election victory, in a rebuke that could fuel further tensions with China.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged China on Wednesday to review its policy towards the island, days after she won a landslide re-election victory, in a rebuke that could fuel further tensions with China. "We hope China can understand the opinion and will be expressed by Taiwanese people in this election and review their current policies," Tsai told reporters in Taipei. She did not elaborate. China considers democratic Taiwan its own territory and has tried military threats and economic inducements to get the island to accept its rule. Taiwan says it is an independent country, called the Republic of China, its official name.

Taiwan President urges China to review policy after election win

President Tsai Ing-wen on January 15 warned China and said that any invasion would be "very costly" for Beijing. China's leadership had made no secret of its desire to see Tsai turfed out because she and her party refuse to acknowledge their view that the island is part of a "one China".

WION Dispatch: Taiwan's new President warns China

Taiwan separatists are doomed to "stink for eternity", China's top diplomat warned after the island's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dirty-tactics-chinese-media-on-tsais-landslide-taiwan-poll-win-273750">Tsai Ing-wen</a> won a landslide re-election victory in a stinging rebuke to Beijing.

Tsai, who has drawn the ire of Beijing for refusing to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China", secured a record-breaking win in Saturday's vote.

But Chinese Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-china-friendly-presidential-hopeful-faces-backlash-in-divided-south-273096">Wang Yi</a> dismissed her victory and warned supporters of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watch-incited-criminal-activity-says-china-after-denying-kenneth-roth-entry-into-hong-kong-274076">Taiwan independence</a> during a week-long tour through Africa.

"Splitting the country is doomed to leave a name that will stink for eternity," Wang said in a statement on Monday.

The "one-China principle" is a "universal consensus" held by the international community, he said, and one that will "not be affected in the slightest by a&nbsp;local election in Taiwan."

Beijing, which has vowed to one day take Taiwan, by force if necessary, loathes Tsai, who has pitched herself as a defender of liberal democratic values against an increasingly authoritarian China.

Over the last four years, the Chinese government 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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-united-states-for-congratulating-tsai-ing-wen-on-taiwan-poll-win-273789">Democratic Progressive Party</a>, fuelled in part by China's hardline response to months of huge and violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

After Tsai's victory, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-will-not-change-position-on-taiwan-after-landslide-election-273675">China</a> doubled down on its "one-China principle", with foreign ministry spokesman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-protests-to-china-over-border-intrusion-near-south-china-sea-271269">Geng Shuang</a> emphasising that "there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China."

He also slammed country leaders who had congratulated Tsai's win, including the US, Britain, and Japan.

"We oppose any form of official exchange between Taiwan and countries that have established diplomatic relations with China," Geng said in a statement.

Wang issued a strong warning to Taiwan separatists during a trip that took him to Zimbabwe, Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea and Burundi, highlighting China's growing political interest and economic clout in Africa.

African leaders on his trip "all clearly expressed adherence to the one-China principle," said Wang in a statement.

They all see Taiwan as an "inseparable part of China's territory," he added.

Taiwan separatists are doomed to "stink for eternity", China's top diplomat warned after the island's President Tsai Ing-wen won a landslide re-election victory in a stinging rebuke to Beijing.

Taiwan separatists are doomed to "stink for eternity", China's top diplomat warned after the island's President Tsai Ing-wen won a landslide re-election victory in a stinging rebuke to Beijing. Tsai, who has drawn the ire of Beijing for refusing to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China", secured a record-breaking win in Saturday's vote. But Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi dismissed her victory and warned supporters of Taiwan independence during a week-long tour through Africa. "Splitting the country is doomed to leave a name that will stink for eternity," Wang said in a statement on Monday. The "one-China principle" is a "universal consensus" held by the international community, he said, and one that will "not be affected in the slightest by a local election in Taiwan." Beijing, which has vowed to one day take Taiwan, by force if necessary, loathes Tsai, who has pitched herself as a defender of liberal democratic values against an increasingly authoritarian China. Over the last four years, the Chinese government 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 Democratic Progressive Party, fuelled in part by China's hardline response to months of huge and violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. After Tsai's victory, China doubled down on its "one-China principle", with foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang emphasising that "there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China." He also slammed country leaders who had congratulated Tsai's win, including the US, Britain, and Japan. "We oppose any form of official exchange between Taiwan and countries that have established diplomatic relations with China," Geng said in a statement. Wang issued a strong warning to Taiwan separatists during a trip that took him to Zimbabwe, Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea and Burundi, highlighting China's growing political interest and economic clout in Africa. African leaders on his trip "all clearly expressed adherence to the one-China principle," said Wang in a statement. They all see Taiwan as an "inseparable part of China's territory," he added.

Taiwan separatists will 'stink for eternity': China

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!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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

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