The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which advocates for Taiwan’s separate identity, is seeking a third term in the upcoming elections on Saturday. China has vowed to “crush” any efforts to promote Taiwan’s independence, just a day before the crucial election. The final pre-election rallies were attended by hundreds of thousands of people in Taiwan on Friday ahead of the critical presidential and parliamentary polls on Saturday.
China’s defence ministry spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, stated that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will take all necessary measures to crush any attempts at Taiwan independence. In response to Taiwan’s air force upgrading F-16 fighter jets and purchasing more from the United States, Xiaogang emphasized that the DPP cannot stop the trend of complete reunification of the motherland, despite the acquisitions.
The DPP, which rejects China’s territorial claims and champions Taiwan’s separate identity, will be seeking a third term in office with its candidate, current Vice President Lai Ching-te. China has characterized the elections as a choice between “peace and war” and has urged Taiwanese to make the “right choice.”
The DPP has rejected China’s sovereignty claims and emphasized that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. The upcoming election presents three presidential candidates – Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and current Vice President Lai Ching-te. It is expected that the election result will be clear by late evening Saturday when the losers concede and the winner gives a victory speech.