The International Stakes Are High Ahead Of Taiwan’s Presidential Election

It’s 2024, but the U.S. isn’t the only country preparing for an important presidential election. In Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen must vacate the office due to term limits in place, and her successor will inherit a nation with a deeply uncertain future ahead of it.

What are the big issues?

Lai Ching-te, the deputy to the current president, represents the status quo and hopes to keep Taiwan under the rule of the Democratic Progressive Party. He’s being challenged by Ko Wen-je, the founder of the Taiwan People’s Party, and Hou Yo-ih, who represents the Kuomintang, an opposition party that was in control throughout the nation’s long period of authoritarian rule.

And while each candidate represents a different vision for the future of Taiwan, there’s one topic that looms large over the entire race: China’s ongoing threat to annex the country. Of course, this is nothing new. Taiwan’s official name is the Republic of China, after all.

But China has become increasingly outspoken about its intentions, so concern is palpable far and wide.

And then there’s the issue that is at the center of political debates in almost every nation: the economy. Taiwan has been mired in inflation and, without wage increases to keep up with costs, now many of its cities hold the unenviable distinction of being among the least affordable in the world.

What’s going to happen?

The three candidates have all promised to help bring down the cost of necessities, but there’s a lot of daylight between what they say and what Taiwanese citizens believe they’ll actually do.

For members of an indigenous village called Smangus, Lai seems to be the best bet. Community leader Masay Sulung said the local Atayal people “have high expectations” for him and believe “he has a clear vision for the country.”

Chris Agee January 9th, 2024

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