Taiwan votes in crucial election as China’s shadow looms
(CNA) – Millions of Taiwanese cast votes Saturday in a closely watched presidential and parliamentary election that has seen the island’s fraught relationship with China take centre stage.
The outcome will reverberate far beyond Taiwan’s borders, with the two main candidates laying out very different visions for its future – in particular how close the self-ruled island should tack to its giant neighbour.
Polls closed at 4pm (0800 GMT) for counting to begin although those who joined queues before the cut-off point will still be allowed to cast their votes. Initial results are expected in the evening.
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 four-year term, has pitched herself as a defender of Taiwan’s liberal values against the increasingly authoritarian shadow cast by Beijing under President Xi Jinping.
“We hope our citizens can come out to vote to exercise their rights and make Taiwan’s democracy stronger,” Tsai told reporters after casting her vote in the capital Taipei.
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.
He declined to speak to the media after voting in the southern city of Kaohsiung but has cast the election as a choice between “peace or crisis” with China, adopting the slogan “Taiwan safe, people rich”.
