What Taiwan’s Elections Mean for Cross-Strait Relations

On January 13, Taiwanese voters headed to the polls to elect a new president and legislature. For both Taiwan and observers around the globe, the results of this closely watched election prove pivotal. The incoming president faces significant challenges at home and abroad on issues such as the economy and the future of Taiwan’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China — and the new administration may also have to contend with shake ups in legislative and local elections, which are also taking place this January.

On January 17, USIP hosted a conversation on the significance of the election results and the implications for peace and security in the Taiwan Strait. The discussion explored how Taiwan’s new president might approach cross-Strait relations, what the incoming administration’s key policy priorities will be, how China might respond to the election results, and what it all means for American policymakers.

Speakers:

Evan Medeiros
Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace

Vincent Chao
Spokesperson for William Lai and Head of International Affairs, Democratic Progressive Party (Taiwan)

Alexander Huang
Special Advisor to the Chairman and the Director of International Affairs, Kuomintang Party (Taiwan)

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