Taiwan Faces Increased Electoral Influence from China: An Unprecedented Threat
As Taiwan prepares for its 2024 presidential elections, the Island's National Security Council is grappling with escalating attempts by China to sway the outcome in its favor. According to Wellington Koo, Secretary General of the Security Council, Beijing has launched a multi-pronged approach to influence the election, which includes disinformation campaigns, economic pressure, and intimidation.
China's Aims: Prevent the DPP's Victory
Beijing seeks to prevent Vice President William Lai, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, from winning the election. Lai and the incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen, who won't seek re-election, currently lead in the polls. The Chinese Communist Party regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has openly threatened to seize power by force.
China's Preferred Candidates: KMT and TPP
The Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) trail the DPP in the polls. The KMT, which advocates for talks with China, is seen as a preferred election winner by Beijing. However, despite Beijing's efforts, the KMT and TPP have failed to form an alliance, giving the DPP an opportunity to potential victory.
China's Focus: Targeting Taiwanese Entrepreneurs
China has targeted the founder of the Taiwanese technology giant Foxconn, Terry Gou, by pressuring his company through tax audits. Gou, who is running for presidency and trails in the polls, could potentially attract votes from opposition candidates.
China's Disinformation Campaigns on Social Media
Beijing has also been spreading misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok, aiming to undermine public faith in the DPP. In contrast to blocking these platforms, the Taiwanese government has chosen to counter the false information with truthful corrections.
China's Strategies to Influence Taiwan's Politics
While Beijing is using various methods to influence the 2024 Taiwanese elections, some notable strategies include:
- Economic Coercion: Through trade restrictions, tourism limits, and financial pressure on corporations, China seeks to exert economic leverage on Taiwan.
- Cyberattacks and Disinformation: China's hackers target Taiwan's government agencies daily with cyberattacks complete with deepfake videos and propaganda. Additionally, China has been involved in disinformation campaigns during the 2024 US presidential election.
- Diplomatic Isolation: By blocking Taiwan's participation in international organizations and exerting pressure on corporations, China aims to limit Taiwan's international presence.
- Internal Political Manipulation: China supports recall campaigns against Taiwanese politicians to weaken the pro-independence stance, as demonstrated by Taiwanese billionaire Robert Tsao's anti-KMT recall campaign.
- Psychological Warfare: China's large-scale military exercises and threats serve as a psychological warning against Taiwan's independence, aiming to wear down the Taiwanese people and make them more receptive to reunification with the mainland.
In conclusion, China is leaving no stone unturned to influence Taiwan's 2024 elections. By using an arsenal of strategies, from economic coercion to disinformation campaigns and diplomatic isolation, China seeks to shift public sentiment towards pro-Beijing candidates and maintain its influence over Taiwan.
