China's Election Interference in Taiwan: A Comprehensive Analysis of Tactics, Impact, and Implications in Asia

In recent years, China has engaged in a systematic campaign of election interference in Taiwan, employing a wide range of tactics to influence the outcome of elections in its favor. This interference has had a significant impact on Taiwan's democratic system and has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Asia.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of China's election interference in Taiwan, examining the tactics used, the impact on Taiwan's democratic process, and the implications for the region and beyond.

China has employed a variety of tactics to interfere in Taiwan's elections, including:

Chinese Election Interference in Taiwan (Politics in Asia)

by Edward J. Barss

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1437 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	148 pages

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• Disinformation and Propaganda: China has used state-controlled media and social media to spread disinformation and propaganda aimed at undermining trust in Taiwan's government and promoting pro-China narratives.
• Cyberattacks: China has launched cyberattacks against Taiwan's government and media outlets to disrupt communications and sow chaos.
• Economic Coercion: China has used its economic leverage to pressure Taiwan's businesses and government officials to support pro-China candidates.
• Military Intimidation: China has conducted military exercises and increased its military presence near Taiwan to intimidate voters and influence the election outcome.

China's election interference has had a significant impact on Taiwan's democratic process:

• Erosion of Trust: China's disinformation and propaganda campaigns have eroded trust in Taiwan's government and electoral system.
• Polarization: China's interference has exacerbated political polarization in Taiwan, with pro-China and anti-China factions becoming increasingly entrenched.
• Intimidation of Voters: China's military exercises and economic coercion have intimidated voters and made them less likely to participate in the electoral process.
• Undermining of Democratic Institutions: China's interference has weakened Taiwan's democratic institutions, such as the media and the judiciary, making them more susceptible to manipulation.

China's election interference in Taiwan has implications for the region and beyond:

• Threat to Regional Stability: China's interference in Taiwan's elections has increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait and raised concerns about the potential for military conflict.
• Erosion of Democracy in Asia: China's interference in Taiwan is part of a broader pattern of authoritarianism in Asia, which threatens the region's democratic institutions and values.
• Challenge to US Hegemony: China's interference in Taiwan is a challenge to US hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region and could lead to a shift in the regional balance of power.

China's election interference in Taiwan is a serious threat to Taiwan's democracy and regional stability. The international community must take action to deter China from further interference and to support Taiwan's democratic institutions.

The United States, as Taiwan's primary security partner, has a key role to play in deterring China's election interference. The US should strengthen its military presence in the region, increase economic cooperation with Taiwan, and provide diplomatic support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.

Other countries in the region should also play a role in deterring China's election interference. Japan, South Korea, and Australia are all democracies with a stake in maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region. These countries should work together to provide political and economic support for Taiwan and to counter China's interference.

The international community must also work together to develop new norms and mechanisms to prevent election interference. This could include measures to counter disinformation and propaganda, to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, and to prevent economic coercion.

By taking these steps, the international community can help to ensure that Taiwan's democracy remains strong and that the region remains stable.

Chinese Election Interference in Taiwan (Politics in Asia)

by Edward J. Barss

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1437 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	148 pages

FREE