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Latest news and analysis from our ongoing coverage in the lead-up to a critical presidential election for Taiwan. Candidates from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) and New Power Party (NPP) are contesting for the top job, with the island going to the polls on January 13, 2024.
Coastal province to be gateway to mainland China for island residents and firms in bid to advance reunification without force.
By standing as an independent, the Foxconn tycoon is likely to split the opposition in January’s race and leave way open for secessionist DPP.
Beijing and Washington must take full advantage of their return to high-level talks to snuff out dangerous speculation about an impending war in the Taiwan Strait. As long as Taiwan does not declare independence, war is highly unlikely.
- A joint ticket for Taiwan’s presidential election could be the only way the KMT and TPP can beat DPP front-runner William Lai Ching-te
- But the two parties coming to an agreement over who would be the presidential candidate could prove impossible, analysts say
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman says the remarks ‘undermine mutual trust and hurt the feelings of compatriots’. With a presidential election looming, Kuomintang vice-chairman Andrew Hsia last month said it was wrong to call it the ‘unification party’.
Lai says in newspaper interview that if the island is ‘invaded and annexed’ by Beijing it will ‘surely threaten Japan’
Island’s former president Ma Ying-jeou decries slogan describing holiday as ‘Taiwan National Day’, with no mention of the Republic of China, and accuses ruling DPP of violating constitution with name change.
Latest opinion polling shows 2 million voters have turned away from Tsai in a ratings slump that could affect January elections.
On the campaign trail, Hou Yu-ih pushes for deterrence and dialogue to ease tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Taipei tracks at least 143 warplanes and 56 warships entering air defence zone in recent days, and military expert says intensifying pressure from mainland could be form of ‘cognitive warfare’ to make Taiwanese people drop their guard.
Singer and actress Tammy Lai recently appeared in hit Netflix drama that helped spark #MeToo movement in Taiwan.
Logo to mark the October 10 celebrations says ‘2023 Taiwan National Day’, with no mention of the Republic of China.
Three months after failing to secure KMT nomination the businessman says it’s time to pull independence-leaning DPP ‘off the shelf’.
Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo says that while Taiwan’s presidential election is important, the island is only a ‘piece on the chessboard’ in the context of China-US relations.
Presidential hopefuls use site of former clashes with China as place to push their campaigns of peace
High interest in New Taipei mayor’s views on island’s defence and security expected among American officials and experts he meets over eight-day trip.
Latest sale of infrared search-and-track equipment built by Lockheed Martin deepens interoperability with American fighter-jet programme.
Bernardo Arevalo, who was elected on an anti-corruption platform, has said he does not want to cut ties with Taipei, but does want more trade with mainland.
Beijing says criticism of its activities in the South China Sea and over Taiwan amount to interference in its affairs.
Presidential front runner William Lai uses overseas trip to strengthen image in lead-up to January vote
People’s Liberation Army stages exercise near the island after Taiwanese presidential candidate William Lai’s stops in US provoke Beijing’s ire.
Commerce ministry says ‘appropriate measures’ will be taken based on outcome of its investigation into restrictions on mainland goods.
Taipei’s defence ministry announces 55 per cent budget increase in fuel cost to meet challenges from Beijing’s military operations around island.
Lai made a brief stopover in New York en route to Paraguay, prompting accusations that Washington was supporting separatists on the island.
The vice-president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is known for anti-Beijing comments and declaring Taiwan contingency is a contingency for Japan.
Taiwanese opposition could suffer if Gou enters presidential race, according to polling.
It follows a series of claims against high-profile figures since late May that have rocked the island’s ruling party.
Some of this year’s activities in response to mainland military manoeuvres in August and April, analyst says.
