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Taiwan’s democracy thrives despite China’s overshadowing influence
The current trend of democratic decline and authoritarian strengthening in Asia is driven primarily by internal political and socioeconomic conflicts, rather than solely being attributed to the influence of China.
The Communist Party of China is not the primary threat to democracy in Asia; however, the preservation of Taiwan’s democracy is of particular significance.
- Lai Ching-te of Taiwan’s ruling DPP won the presidential election, securing a third consecutive term for the China-skeptic party.
- Lai is expected to maintain the current policies of the incumbent Tsai Ing-wen and work towards maintaining the status quo with China.
- The DPP’s victory signifies the continuation of Taiwan’s cautious approach towards China in the next four years.
China’s Influence in Asia
The rise of a non-democratic major power in Asia, along with its economic and diplomatic support, could potentially have some impact on the development of political systems in the region. However, the current trend of democratic decline and authoritarian strengthening in Asia is primarily driven by internal political and socioeconomic conflicts, rather than being solely attributed to the influence of China.
Taiwan’s Democracy
Taiwan is the jewel in the crown of the wave of democratisation that swept across the region after the Cold War. The best thing for Taiwan’s democracy is generally sober management of cross-Strait relations by all stakeholders, with a view to preserving the status quo for as long as possible. Western politicians do Taiwanese democracy no favours in shifting Beijing’s political incentives by loudly asserting Taiwan’s autonomy on its behalf and elevating Taiwan’s importance as a focus of geopolitical competition with the United States.
Taiwan’s Presidential Elections
Within Taiwan, the political heat has been taken out of the China question thanks to a convergence towards similar positions on cross-Strait issues. With the China issue not looming as large as it has in previous polls, Taiwan’s social and economic challenges have come to the fore. The big story of the campaign was the breakthrough of former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je and his Taiwan People’s Party’s populist ‘none-of-the-above’ politics. Ko’s chances of election were dashed, and Vice-President Lai Ching-te must be considered the frontrunner in the upcoming elections.
Challenges for Taiwan’s Next Government
Regardless of the form of the next government, addressing challenges such as international economic diplomacy, geopolitical risks, and demographic challenges will be an overriding political priority as Taiwan faces constraints on its growth model.
Read original article here : : Taiwan’s democracy thrives under the shadow of China
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Source: East Asia Forum
