Taiwan’s 2024 presidential taiwan election is set to take place on January 13, 2024, and it is expected to be a closely contested race. The election is significant for the United States as it poses an early test of its aim to steady China ties. The outcome of the election will have implications for Taiwan’s relationship with China, as well as its relationship with the United States.
Background
Taiwan is a self-governing democratic island that China claims as its own territory. The two sides have been governed separately since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and tensions between the two sides have been rising in recent years.
Candidates
The three main candidates in the 2024 presidential election are Vice President William Lai of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-Ih of the Kuomintang or Nationalist Party (KMT), and former Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP).
Lai has cast Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election as a choice between democracy and autocracy, arguing that he is the only candidate who can protect Taiwan’s autonomy and its democracy. With China posing a growing threat to Taiwan, Lai has argued that Taiwan needs to strengthen its defenses, draw closer to the United States and other democratic nations, and reduce its economic dependence on China. Lai has attempted to walk back previous pro-independence comments, instead pledging that he would maintain the status quo and not pursue independence.
Hou, on the other hand, has emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s relationship with China. He has called for a resumption of talks with China and has said that he would seek to improve cross-strait relations if elected. Hou has also criticized the DPP’s handling of the economy and has promised to create jobs and boost economic growth.
Ko, the leader of the Taiwan People’s Party, has positioned himself as a centrist candidate who can bridge the divide between the DPP and the KMT. He has called for a more pragmatic approach to cross-strait relations and has said that he would seek to maintain the status quo. Ko has also emphasized the need to address social and economic issues, such as income inequality and housing affordability.
Implications
The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Taiwan’s relationship with China and the United States. If Lai is elected, it is likely that Taiwan will continue to take a more assertive stance towards China and seek to deepen its ties with the United States and other democratic nations. This could lead to further tensions between Taiwan and China, as well as between the United States and China.
If Hou is elected, it is possible that Taiwan could seek to improve its relationship with China. However, it is unclear how far the two sides would be able to move towards reconciliation, given the growing tensions between the two sides. It is also possible that a Hou victory could lead to a more stable relationship between Taiwan and China, as well as between the United States and China.
If Ko is elected, it is likely that Taiwan would take a more pragmatic approach to cross-strait relations. Ko has emphasized the need to address social and economic issues, which could help to reduce tensions between Taiwan and China. However, it is unclear how much progress could be made towards reconciliation, given the deep divisions between the DPP and the KMT.
Conclusion
Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election is set to be a closely contested race that will have significant implications for Taiwan’s relationship with China and the United States. The outcome of the election will be closely watched by policymakers in Washington, as it poses an early test of the Biden administration’s aim to steady China ties. Ultimately, the people of Taiwan will choose their next leader on January 13, and whoever is elected will face the challenges of governing a deeply divided society.
