Taiwan's Drive for Independence Weakens... Concerns Over Struggles in Local Elections

Ahead of the November 26 Local Elections, Kuomintang Advances... Democratic Progressive Party Faces Major Defeat, Likely Weakening Independence Cohesion
Concerns Over Mainland China Interfering in 2024 Presidential Election by Cutting DPP's Campaign Funding Sources

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] Ahead of Taiwan's November 26 local elections, there are forecasts that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will struggle. The upcoming November 26 local elections have the character of a preliminary battle for Taiwan's presidential election in January 2024. If the DPP suffers a heavy defeat to the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) in the local elections, the momentum for Taiwan independence could weaken.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Japanese economic media Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) reported on the 21st that in the November 26 local elections for 22 county and mayoral seats in Taiwan, KMT candidates are leading in 14 places. Meanwhile, DPP candidates are considered strong in 7 places.

Nikkei focused on public opinion trends in the six special municipalities, where 70% of Taiwan's population resides. In particular, attention was paid to the Taipei City mayoral election. Nikkei introduced poll results showing that the race for Taipei mayor has been narrowed down to a three-way contest among KMT candidate Chang Wan-an, DPP candidate Chen Shih-chung, and independent candidate Huang Shan-shan, with Chang leading Chen.

Candidate Chang is the great-grandson of former Taiwan President Chiang Kai-shek, who is praised as the founding father of Taiwan. Holding a U.S. lawyer license, Chang appeals for votes by saying, "The DPP creates a confrontational situation in Taiwan by putting up enemies every election," and asks for support as a young and fresh candidate, Nikkei reported.

Nikkei predicted that the results of this local election will greatly influence the 2024 presidential election. If the ruling DPP suffers a crushing defeat, a decline in the regime's cohesion will be inevitable.

Some express concerns that Chinese authorities may intervene in the 2024 presidential election by cutting off the DPP's election funding. At the end of last year, China imposed fines and tax penalties totaling 474 million yuan (approximately 89.3 billion Korean won) on Taiwan's Yuantong Group, which operates businesses on the Chinese mainland. Additionally, pre-approved idle land was reclaimed. Chinese authorities emphasized that the penalties were imposed because Yuantong Group violated several related laws, including environmental protection regulations.

Shortly after the fines were imposed, Wang Yang, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee (ranked 4th), sent a strong warning message to Taiwanese businesspeople, urging them to sever ties with independence forces such as the DPP. Eventually, Xu Xidong, chairman of Yuantong Group, published a reflective article opposing Taiwan independence in Taiwan's United Daily News. In the article, Chairman Xu stated support for the "One China" principle and the "1992 Consensus" (an agreement recognizing one China while allowing each side to use its own name).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.