Taiwan’s presidential candidates, Lai Ching-te, Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je|Taiwan Presidential Office; DRTS; othree|CC BY 2.0
Vote counting commenced in Taiwan as polls closed in a closely-watched three-way presidential race on Saturday, drawing global attention.
President Tsai Ing-wen is set to step down in May after eight years in power, setting the stage for challenges domestically and internationally.
Vice President Lai Ching-te, the ruling party’s candidate, competes against two opposition candidates favoring a friendlier approach to China. They are former cop Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je, former mayor of Taiwan’s capital Taipei.
The focal point of the presidency remains Taiwan’s relationship with China. In response, Beijing has engaged in military exercises and economic coercion recently, threatening further action if Taipei continues on this trajectory.
Biden’s concerns
In Washington, President Joe Biden’s administration is concerned about Beijing’s response, fearing a reversal of recent US-China ties stabilization, especially if VP Lai Ching-te emerges as the winner.
Final results are expected to be announced today. Bloomberg reports show Lai is leading.