The 10th anniversary of the Sunflower Movement was commemorated on Monday with a rally in front of the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan’s legislature, in Taipei. This takes place as part of a series of events organized by the Economic Democracy Union, one of the civil society groups originally involved in the movement. Key movement figures such … Read more
Since Taiwan’s first democratic presidential election in 1996, national elections have centered on national identity and the island’s future relationship with China. At present, however, the majority of Taiwan’s population largely identifies as Taiwanese, contrasting sharply with less than 3 percent identifying as Chinese only. This shift in identity, among other factors such as China’s … Read more
Magazine 10 years on, what impact has the Sunflower Movement had on Taiwan? In this April 7, 2014, file photo, students occupying the parliament floor line up in protest against a trade pact with China in Taipei, Taiwan. Credit: AP Photo/Wally Santana In March 2014, the Kuomintang or KMT – then in control of both … Read more
Despite losing Taiwan’s presidency for the third consecutive election, the Kuomintang (KMT) has reason to celebrate – the KMT scored a plurality in the Legislative Yuan thanks to a new cohort of young, up-and-coming politicians. The KMT has long been a Taiwanese political synonym for gerontocracy, but any long-time Taiwanese politics watcher will note that … Read more
When Lai Ching-te led Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to an unprecedented third term in the presidency on January 13, international commentators were quick to note two things: First, a rejection of Beijing’s “preferred candidate,” Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), and, second, the deep polarization in Taiwan between the “independence-leaning” Green camp and “pro-China” … Read more
Magazine Taiwanese voters have made their choice. Now it’s up to President-elect Lai Ching-te – and the reactions from Washington and Beijing – to shape the future. Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, left, celebrates his victory with running mate Bi-khim Hsiao in Taipei, Taiwan, Jan. 13, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Louise … Read more
On January 13, the world watched closely as Taiwan went to the polls to elect its new president. The victory of Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, of the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suggests a degree of continuity in the island’s foreign policy postures towards its neighbors and traditional partners. Despite Lai’s victory, … Read more
The Diplomat author Mercy Kuo regularly engages subject-matter experts, policy practitioners and strategic thinkers across the globe for their diverse insights into U.S. Asia policy. This conversation with Dr. Dominic Meng-Hsuan Ya, an associate professor in the Department of History, University of Missouri-Columbia, is the 398th in “The Trans-Pacific View Insight Series.” What is the impact of Taiwan’s presidential … Read more
The Diplomat author Mercy Kuo regularly engages subject-matter experts, policy practitioners, and strategic thinkers across the globe for their diverse insights into U.S. Asia policy. This conversation with Dr. Benjamin Tsai – senior associate at TD International (TDI) and former U.S. government intelligence officer on Northeast Asia and the Middle East – is the 397th … Read more
On January 13, Taiwan will hold presidential and legislative elections. Taiwan’s voters will cast one vote for president, one vote for a candidate running for the legislature in their home district, and one vote for their preferred party. The candidate with the most votes will win the presidency, even if they have a plurality rather … Read more