Ties with China dominate Taiwan’s presidential election debate

Democratic Taiwan is two weeks away from a crucial election, the outcome of which might determine Taipei’s future relations with an increasingly belligerent China.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has announced it will retake the island by force if necessary, and has also suspended high-level contacts with the administration of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.

Its Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is basing its campaign largely on independence from China, and DPP candidate Vice President Lai Ching-te has described himself as a “pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence.”

Opponents relentlessly attacked him in televised debates, saying that speaking out for independence would “harm Taiwan’s security.”

Lai Ching-te replied: “The independence of Taiwan belongs to the 23 million people of Taiwan.” It does not belong (to China).”

The DPP spokesman added that only he and his electoral colleague Hsiao Bi-khim (Siao Bichim), who is running for vice president, “can be together with other democratic allies.”

Communist China has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, sending military planes and ships around the island on a daily basis.

It also held two major military exercises – which coincided with a meeting between Taiwanese leaders and Washington officials – and simulated a blockade of the island.

In the debate, Lai Ching-te also accused Hou Yu-ih (Hu Juji), the candidate of the Kuomintang (Guomindang, KMT) party, which is seen as having closer ties to Beijing, of being pro-China.

“I will not go back to the past like the Kuomintang and become a vassal of totalitarianism. There are so many uncertainties regarding their policies and this is not the way we want to go,” said Lai Ching-te.

Hou Yu-ih accused Lai Ching-te of slandering him.

“Communication and exchange (with China) is what we have to do. Because you didn’t do that, you see a big danger across the Taiwan Strait because of it,” Hou Yu-ih said.

He also reiterated his opposition to Taiwan independence as well as China’s “one country, two systems” policy, the doctrine Beijing applies to the governance of its administered Hong Kong and Macau.

Lai Ching-te also criticized Taiwan People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je for saying that the island and China “are one family”.

In Ko Wen-je, whose small TPP has performed better than expected in Taiwan’s bipartisan environment, President Tsai Ing-wen called Taiwan-China policy a “mess”.

“There are issues not only between Taiwan and China, but also between the United States and China,” Ko Wenje said.

“Taiwan needs to find a balance on this issue. The DPP always takes a very confrontational stance, while the KMT always thinks regarding cooperation (with China),” he added.