Asia Times
Date: July 1, 2019
By: Richard Javad "Heydarian, Taipei
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has a simple campaign trail message for China amid its rising
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen speaks during a press conference at the Presidential Office in Taipei on August 21, 2018. Photo: AFP/Sam YehThe result of Taiwan’s 2020 presidential polls could make the difference between regional war and peace
“China is getting more and more aggressive,” Tsai told this correspondent at the Republic of China’s presidential palace this month. “[But] we now have more liberty to speak for our independence,” the leader said.
Taiwan’s leader spoke in broad terms as crucial presidential elections approach in January, 2020, polls that will serve as a de facto pro- versus anti-China national referendum with major implications for regional stability.
In a provocative new year’s speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that Taiwan “must and will be” reunited with the mainland within 2020. That has raised concerns that China may resort to force if Tsai and pro-independence forces dominate the elections.
Tsai, whose approval ratings have dipped from 70% in 2016 to around 30% this year, will be pitted against two insurgent candidates who favor closer ties with China. [FULL STORY]
