China Tensions Dominate Taiwan Election With Global Implications
- Presidential election on Saturday is a three-way race
- Vote is first in a slew of big tests of democracy in 2024
Attendees wave Taiwanese flags during a campaign event for Hou Yu-ih in Keelung, Taiwan.
Photographer: Lam Yik Fei/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
When Taiwanese voters pick a new president Saturday their ballot will represent another choice of global significance: Forging closer ties with China or defending the island’s autonomy with Washington’s backing.
The closely fought, three-way contest to succeed President Tsai Ing-wen, who is stepping down due to term limits, marks the world’s first major test of democracy in 2024. This year will see the governments of more than 3 billion people face some 40 elections.