TAIWAN ELECTIONS TEST CONTROL DYNAMICS WITH CHINA; PRESIDENT AND LEGISLATURE CHOSEN

Taiwan is preparing to elect a president and legislature on Saturday in what many see as a test of control with China, which claims the self-governing island republic as its own territory to be unified with force if necessary.

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The presidential race is tight, and both China and Taiwan’s key ally, the US, are weighing in on political and economic issues they hope will sway voters.

The election pits Vice President Lai Ching-te, representing the Democratic Progressive Party, against Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Nationalist Party, and former mayor of the capital Taipei, Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party. The US strongly backs Taiwan against China’s military threats and the Biden administration plans to send an unofficial delegation comprised of former senior officials to the island shortly after the polls.