Mainland China-friendly Taiwanese lawmaker tipped to lead group tasked with promoting democracy

Mainland China-friendly Taiwanese lawmaker tipped to lead group tasked with promoting democracy

Han Kuo-yu, Taiwan’s new legislative speaker from the mainland-friendly Kuomintang (KMT), is expected to take up the helm as chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD), an entity sanctioned by Beijing. The non-profit, government-funded organisation plays a key role in Taiwan’s engagement with the world. Its stated goals are to build partnerships with civil … Read more

KMT deputy chief Andrew Hsia starts mainland China trip with call for dialogue with Taiwan

KMT deputy chief Andrew Hsia starts mainland China trip with call for dialogue with Taiwan

“We also hope the government can find a channel for dialogue between the two sides as soon as possible.” Hsia made the comments at Taipei’s Songshan Airport at the start of a trip that will also take him to Guangzhou, Nanchang, Hangzhou, Kunshan and Shanghai. 02:20 Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit … Read more

Can Taiwan’s KMT yield to changing voter attitudes without offending Beijing?

Can Taiwan’s KMT yield to changing voter attitudes without offending Beijing?

It was also a losing night for Lin’s party, which failed to take the legislature and the presidency to give the ruling DPP an unprecedented third term in power under president-elect William Lai Ching-te. The KMT’s defeat is the first time in Taiwan’s 30 years of democracy that a political party has spent three consecutive … Read more

Mainland Chinese journalist Wang Zhian banned from Taiwan after mocking disabled DPP candidate

Mainland Chinese journalist Wang Zhian banned from Taiwan after mocking disabled DPP candidate

Beijing sees ‘hope and opportunity’ in DPP’s weak Taiwan election result Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency said on Wednesday that the ban was imposed because Wang entered Taiwan on a tourist visa, but his participation in the show did not correspond with the purpose of the trip. For years, Taiwanese authorities turned a blind eye to … Read more

Can Ko Wen-je’s TPP bring meaningful change to Taiwan’s politics?

Can Ko Wen-je’s TPP bring meaningful change to Taiwan’s politics?

“I was very, very disappointed. Because the DPP will be in charge, there is a greater chance that Taiwan will go to war,” Weng, 26, said, referring to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Despite the loss, he said he remained optimistic about the TPP’s future and Ko’s chances for another presidential run in 2028. After … Read more

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen leaves tough legacy for president-elect William Lai

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen leaves tough legacy for president-elect William Lai

That warning has been echoed by prominent political figures, including Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who in a speech in April described tensions over the Taiwan Strait as the “most dangerous flashpoint” for conflict. Taiwan election: Lai’s victory risks further tensions with Beijing Observers said Tsai’s handling of cross-strait relations was the primary source … Read more

Taiwan election 2024: results sound early knell for opposition hopes

Taiwan election 2024: results sound early knell for opposition hopes

But even an hour into the count, some of their supporters had already accepted that it was not going to be their day. “I’m not disappointed, I knew he was unlikely to win,” one of Ko’s supporters, a 45-year-old named Huang, said. The Taipei resident who works in the logistics industry had brought his daughter … Read more

On eve of Taiwan elections, PLA warns it will take ‘all necessary measures’ to ‘crush’ separatism

On eve of Taiwan elections, PLA warns it will take ‘all necessary measures’ to ‘crush’ separatism

“Full combat readiness, vigorous training, [Taiwan’s armed forces] are the guardians of national security and the defenders of freedom and democracy!” the post said. Who is running in Taiwan’s presidential race and what does it mean for Beijing? Taiwan will hold its presidential and legislative elections on Saturday. William Lai Ching-te, vice-president and candidate of … Read more

As Taiwan election nears, William Lai is ‘playing safe’ to win over DPP supporters

As Taiwan election nears, William Lai is ‘playing safe’ to win over DPP supporters

They chat about their experience and goals as they drive from the city to a country road before they reach the coast. “You can drive better than me,” Tsai tells Lai after she hands him the key and steps out of the car. Lai responds: “She’s here. We have no problem.” Hsiao Bi-khim, his running … Read more

Taiwan election 2024: KMT presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih’s bid as future leader weighed down by party’s past

Taiwan election 2024: KMT presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih’s bid as future leader weighed down by party’s past

When public polling stopped in early January, multiple pools reported Hou and his running mate Jaw Shaw-kong trailing Vice-President William Lai Ching-te of the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) by one to five points, while Ko Wen-je, who heads the smaller Taiwan People’s Party was lagging behind both. The middle way Hou’s “middle way” vision … Read more