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Taiwan: China vows to 'crush' independence ahead of vote

January 12, 2024

A day before Taiwan's electorate vote for a new president, China has said it will "crush" any independence attempts. Plus, massive election rallies hype up the three main contenders hours before polls open.

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Supporters of Kuomintang (KMT) cheer during a campaign rally on the eve of general election on January 12, 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan.
All the major parties staged last-gasp rallies in Taipei on Friday ahead of Saturday's voteImage: Annice Lyn/Getty Images

The Chinese military said on Friday that it was ready to put down any attempts at what it called "Taiwan independence," a day before the self-governing island heads to the polls to pick a new parliament and president.

"The Chinese People's Liberation Army maintains high vigilance at all times and will take all necessary measures to firmly crush 'Taiwan independence' attempts of all forms," Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said in a statement.

Beijing has increased its antagonism toward Taiwan under the presidency of Tsai Ing-wen, with Friday's comments considered to be an attempt to sway voters to more Beijing-friendly parties.

Who is running in the Taiwan election?

Tsai cannot run again for a third term, but her Vice President Lai Ching-te will run as the candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

He will face off against two main opposition figures — Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), who has campaigned for restarting relations with Beijing, and Ko Wen-je from the small and fairly new Taiwan People's Party (TPP).

Taiwan elections: How to deal with China?

Lai has accused Huo of being pro-Beijing, a label he rejects, while Beijing has said Lai supports Taiwan declaring formal independence — a move that could spark a regional and potentially global conflict.

China considers Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and has repeatedly stated that it would be prepared to use force to regain control of the island.

The island, with its 23-million-strong population, is located just 180 kilometers (around 110 miles) off the Chinese mainland.

World watching Taiwan election

Massive election rallies with hundreds of thousands of people — supporters of the three main contenders — were held Friday ahead of the key vote.

Supporters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) hype up their candidate, Lai Ching-te, at a pre-election rally
Supporters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) hype up their candidate, Lai Ching-te, at a pre-election rallyImage: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/REUTERS
Ko Wen-je, an outspoken surgeon-turned-politician and the founder of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has drawn the attention of first-time voters
Ko Wen-je, an outspoken surgeon-turned-politician and the founder of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has drawn the attention of first-time votersImage: Ann Wang/REUTERS

The eyes of the world will be watching what happens on Saturday as the outcome of the vote could influence the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

Taipei has also accused Beijing of interfering with the election with numerous Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait in recent weeks.

Hou Yu-ih, the presidential candidate from the opposition Nationalist Party has promised to boost the country's defense capabilities while restarting dialogue with China
Hou Yu-ih, the presidential candidate from the opposition Nationalist Party, has promised to boost the country's defense capabilities while restarting dialogue with ChinaImage: Alastair Pike/AFP/Getty Images

The TPP, which was only founded in 2019, could prove to be the major disrupter of the election — normally a two-party affair — having garnered widespread support among Taiwan's youth.

Ko, who previously served as the mayor of Taipei, has said he would re-engage with China, but insists that this cannot be at the expense of Taiwanese democracy.

How China is meddling in Taiwan election

rm, ab/msh (Reuters, AFP)