Taiwan votes on Saturday in a tight presidential contest that is being closely watched in the United States and China because it could deliver an outcome that adds to the strains in U.S.-China ties in an already
challenging year.
More tension between China and Taiwan is the last thing the United States needs as it heads into this year’s presidential election locked in disputes with the Chinese over trade and currency, maritime security in the South China Sea and a new American military strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.
China is facing a Communist Party leadership transition in late 2012, and Chinese help in taming the nuclear ambitions of North Korea and Iran – hard to get in the best of times – could be less forthcoming amid friction over Taiwan.
Full Article: U.S. neutral but closely watching key Taiwan vote – chicagotribune.com.