Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou’s policy of economic opening to China has frustrated a key constituency: struggling middle- and low-income workers, who could cost him elections this week. That outcome would alarm Beijing and heighten uncertainty in an area that has long been a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. Following massive rallies Sunday by both the ruling Kuomintang and the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party in the capital, Taipei, Mr. Ma and DPP candidate Tsai Ing-wen were back campaigning Monday.
In the presidential office, Mr. Ma met leaders of the southern city of Kaohsiung’s Lion’s Club. He touted his recent progress in trade deals with China and other countries, calling the agreements “the winning strategy and our way to survive in the future.”
Meanwhile in the southern city of Chiayi, considered a battleground in this election, Ms. Tsai cruised the streets in a bulletproof truck, waving to supporters, before speaking to a crowd at her campaign headquarters: “A new government under Tsai Ing-wen will not be winner-takes-all, and the majority will not oppress the minority,” she declared, adding, “We will respect the opposition party and listen to the voice of the people.”
Mr. Ma and Ms. Tsai have been running neck-and-neck, according to analysts, though they say a third candidate, James Soong, could tip the result toward Ms. Tsai by taking votes from Mr. Ma.
Full Article: China Looms Over Coming Taiwan Election – WSJ.com.