“Many offered constructive advice to Ma when he ran for president [in 2008], but after he took office, it seemed he was busy with his administration and stopped short of correcting the misconceptions of the previous years … Many people asked him to reset the guideline changes, but he appeared indifferent,” Su wrote. Su also … Read more
Johnny Chiang, a KMT legislator and former party chairman, took the vice-speaker’s post. Han defeated his opponent You Si-kun of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in a 54-51 narrow victory, securing the support of two independents to take the speaker’s chair after eight years of DPP control. The smaller opposition party – the Taiwan People’s … Read more
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
In a meeting with the KMT’s newly elected legislators on Monday, party chairman Eric Chu Li-luan confirmed that legislator-elect Han Kuo-yu, a former Kaohsiung mayor and ex-presidential candidate, would be the party’s candidate for the legislative speaker role – also known as the legislative presidency – to be decided on February 1. Legislator-elect Johnny Chiang, … Read more
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
Lai took an early lead when counting began at 4pm, eventually finishing with 40 per cent of the total votes cast, or just under 5.6 million. The election had a turnout of 71.9 per cent – about 14 million people – slightly lower than the 74.9 per cent recorded four years ago. The result means … Read more
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing in our New Year Flash Sale. Counting has begun in Taiwan in one of the most closely watched elections this year. The island’s 19 million-plus voters have cast their ballots to decide who will … Read more
“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
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
Regardless of who wins the January 13 election, Chen and other representatives of Taiwanese businesses – from fish farms to chemical manufacturers – say they are now clear-eyed about the need to minimise as much as possible their dependence on trade with mainland China as they expect more turbulence in cross-strait relations. Beijing’s dilemma if … Read more
