Taiwan elects president, congressional news amid China's expectations

Voters begin Taiwan Today, Saturday, people vote in the presidential and parliamentary elections I describe China It's a choice between war and peace after Beijing repeatedly denounced the most prominent presidential candidate to succeed current President Tsai Ing-wen.

In one round of elections, three candidates competed for the presidential throne: the current Vice President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, who also belongs to the Taiwan Independence Democratic Progressive Party, and the KMT candidate Ho You-ah. The Taiwan People's Party, considered closer to Beijing, and the leader of the small Taiwan People's Party, Kuo Wen-hee.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which advocates defending “Taiwan identity,” is seeking to win a third term. The party's candidate, Vice President Lai Chi, is the most prominent candidate to succeed Wen Jiabao, but according to the constitution, Wen Jiabao has no right to serve two terms. Then ran for election again. term of office.

Before the vote, Lai spoke to reporters in the southern city of Tainan, encouraging Taiwanese to vote, saying briefly: “Every vote counts. This is Taiwan's hard-won democracy.”

Ahead of the election, China has repeatedly denounced Taiwan's most prominent presidential candidate, calling him a dangerous separatist and rejecting his repeated calls for talks with China after he reiterated his pledge to “maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait” and continued Committed to maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait. Strengthen the defenses of this island.

The KMT candidate called for resumption of communication with Beijing, starting with exchange of visits, and accused rival Lai Chi of supporting Taiwan's formal independence, while the latter said “He” was a supporter of Beijing, while the latter in turn said “He” was a supporter of Beijing supporters. denies the allegation. And a third candidate, chairman of the small Taiwan People's Party, wants to reengage with China but says this “cannot come at the expense of protecting Taiwan's democracy and way of life.”

Parliamentary elections are no less important than presidential elections, especially if all three parties fail to secure a majority, which could hinder the new president's ability to approve legislation and spending, particularly in the area of ​​defence.

Balloons and warnings

On the other hand, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said this morning that Chinese balloons were spotted again, with one flying over Taiwan, and condemned the balloons reported over the Taiwan Strait last month, calling them psychological warfare and military operations. pose a threat to aviation safety.

On the eve of the election, the U.S. Secretary of State requested Antony Blinken During the meeting with Liu Jianchao, head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, Beijing was authorized to maintain peace and stability in Taiwan.

A U.S. State Department spokesman also said Blinken reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea after China's military pledged to “crush” any efforts in favor of Taiwan's independence. The election was considered decisive.