Taiwan FM says less Chinese interference ahead of local elections

Taiwanese foreign minister Joseph Wu said there is less interference from China ahead of the island’s own local elections this month. Wu’s comments come amidst long-running accusations by Taiwan of China of trying to influence their elections.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Wu said there was less interference from China in this year’s local elections in Taiwan, which is set to take place on the weekend. Wu explained that this was likely because Beijing is seeking to improve its standing on the international stage and has its own domestic problems to address. Wu added that China was always a factor among those who voted.

“I would describe it as that the Chinese interference in our election is not as prevailing as previous elections,” said Wu, adding that such interference like buying cheap air tickets for Taiwanese who live in China to travel to the island to vote for pro-China candidates was not seen this time.

Wu said that while he did not know exactly why there was less interference from Beijing this time, the island’s top diplomat said it was likely because China was trying to repair its relations with other countries after it was criticized for its threats to Taiwan. The island nation has long accused China of repeatedly trying to influence its elections through disinformation campaigns or direct military threats.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has accused Taiwan’s governing Democratic Progressive Party of playing up the threat from Beijing for political gain. The DPP has sought to reframe the election to show China that it will not be intimidated and that the world is watching Taiwan defend its democracy.

On Thursday, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said that this election would be a referendum on her leadership. Tsai said that a vote for her party’s candidates was a vote for her and her commitment to “take good care” of Taiwan and ensure peace with China. Tsai’s second term in office runs out in 2024, and can no longer run as president due to term limits after her re-election in 2020.

“If you have not yet decided which city or county chief candidate to vote for, then I ask you to please cast this vote for me, for candidates I am recommending,” said Tsai.