Taiwan Has Just Opened a Window of Opportunity to China
As opposition parties on the island unite in a joint campaign ahead of next year’s election, Beijing eyes closer cross-strait relations.
Pushing boundaries.
Photographer: HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images
It’s been a good week for China’s Xi Jinping. He’s made his first visit to the US in six years. He’s signed a number of deals with US President Joe Biden, dialing down the acrimonious tone the two countries have had recently. The leaders agreed to resume high-level military communications, combat fentanyl, and open a dialogue on artificial intelligence.
And finally — a win closer to home. Taiwan’s two key opposition parties standing for January’s presidential election have decided to team up, potentially paving the way for smoother cross-strait relations. New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of the recently formed but increasingly popular Taiwan People’s Party announced their plans on Wednesday, although it is not clear yet which of their two nominees would head the campaign as the presidential candidate.