Commentary
New York Sun

Republic of China’s 2024 Presidential Race Shaping up as Referendum on Communist China

While cross-strait relations were not a key factor that swayed voters’ preferences in the local elections last November, it will play a decisive role 2024.

abby_fu
abby_fu
Abby Fu
Former Research Fellow
Abby Fu
TAIPEI, TAIWAN - NOVEMBER 26: Chiang Wan-an, Taipei mayoral candidate of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), celebrates his victory in local elections on November 26, 2022 in Taipei, Taiwan. Taiwan holds local elections to appoint mayors, councillors and magistrates in several counties on Saturday. The local elections are a litmus test for the popularity of the ruling DPP as young candidates including the grandson of Chiang Kai-shek, Chiang Wan-an, seek to turn the tide. (Photo by Louise Delmotte/Getty Images)
Chiang Wan-an, Taipei mayoral candidate of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), celebrates his victory in local elections on November 26, 2022, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Louise Delmotte/Getty Images)

Although Taiwan’s local elections have barely ended, all eyes are already focusing on 2024, as the island democracy braces for its presidential election. 

With the current vice president of the Republic of China on Taiwan, William Lai, successful in his bid Wednesday to replace President Tsai Ing-Wen as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s chairman, he is likely to run uncontested as the party’s presidential candidate. President Tsai is term-limited next year. 

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