Taiwan election
\n Taiwan\u2019s Democratic Progressive Party seeks a third term with Vice President Lai Ching-te as its candidate
\nNews Agency
\nTaiwan
\nIn the final pre-election rallies in Taiwan, tens of thousands gather as the nation braces for crucial presidential and parliamentary polls. As China issues stern warnings, framing the elections as a choice between \u201cpeace and war,\u201d the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) seeks a third term with Vice President Lai Ching-te as its candidate.
\nThe DPP, which champions Taiwan\u2019s distinct identity, rejects China\u2019s territorial claims, emphasising that only Taiwan\u2019s people can determine their future.
\nChina, maintaining a stance that it has never ruled out force to control Taiwan, labels the DPP as dangerous separatists, urging the Taiwanese to make the \u201cright choice.\u201d Responding to Taiwan\u2019s air force upgrades, China\u2019s defence ministry vows to \u201ccrush any form of \u2018Taiwan independence\u2019\u201d and defend national sovereignty.
\nPresident Lai, committed to peace across the Taiwan Strait, accuses China of interference through disinformation and economic pressure.
\nWith two opponents\u2014Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People\u2019s Party (TPP)\u2014Lai faces challenges. Both KMT and TPP advocate for a change of government after eight years of DPP rule, while the TPP aims to disrupt the two-party status quo.
\nAmid the looming threat from China, Taiwan anticipates potential pressure on its incoming president, with military manoeuvres expected this spring.
\nThe election\u2019s outcome remains uncertain, with each party holding final rallies. The DPP and KMT confront a formidable TPP, representing Taiwan\u2019s third force and advocating for reform.
\nKo Wen-je, the TPP\u2019s candidate, focuses on bread-and-butter issues, gaining support, especially among young voters. Emphasising the need to re-engage with China without compromising democracy, Ko remains resolute against external pressures.
\nAs polls open and close, the result, expected by late Saturday, will determine Taiwan\u2019s political landscape, marking a historic transition after Queen Margrethe II\u2019s retirement announcement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Taiwan election Taiwan\u2019s Democratic Progressive Party seeks a third term with Vice President Lai Ching-te as its candidate News Agency Taiwan In the final pre-election rallies in Taiwan, tens of thousands gather as the nation braces for crucial presidential and parliamentary polls. As China issues stern warnings, framing the elections as a choice between \u201cpeace […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":380495,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-380468","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n