What’s at stake in Taiwan’s election?

Many are viewing Saturday’s upcoming election as a referendum on Taiwanese independence from China

TAOYUAN, TAIWAN - JANUARY 08: Taiwan's current president and Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate, Tsai Ing-wen, speaks during a rally ahead of Saturdays presidential election
Taiwan's current president and Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate, Tsai Ing-wen, speaks during a rally ahead of Saturday's presidential election on January 8, 2020 in Taoyuan, Taiwan.
(Image credit: 2020 Getty Images)

As Taiwan prepares for elections on Saturday, it seems all but certain incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen - a flagbearer for independence from mainland China - will coast to victory.

The economy has been a crucial battleground for the campaign, but commentators are painting the result as a referendum on Taiwan’s identity in the face of increasing pressure from Beijing to accept its authority under the “one country, two systems” model seen in Hong Kong and Macao.

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William Gritten

William Gritten is a London-born, New York-based strategist and writer focusing on politics and international affairs.