The global stakes of Taiwan’s election

Voters across Taiwan head to the polls Saturday in an election that could reverberate around the world. As pressure tactics increase from Beijing, the island of 23 million faces existential questions about how to preserve its identity and fend off war.

With Beijing military planes at times looming, Taiwan’s ruling party’s candidate, Lai Ching-te, contends democracy itself is on the ballot this weekend. Opposition candidate Hou Yu-ih warns that voters face a choice between war and peace. And a new third party candidate, Ko Wen-je, has been drawing a younger, anti-establishment base. 

Today, “Post Reports” speaks with Christian Shepherd, based in Taipei, about Taiwan’s unusual three-party presidential race, and how it could shape regional and international security in the years to come.

Read more: 

The Taiwan party toughest on China has a strong lead as election nears

4 ways China is trying to interfere in Taiwan’s presidential election

These three men are vying to lead Taiwan — and fend off threats from China

2024 brings wave of elections with global democracy on the ballot

How Chinese aggression is increasing the risk of war in the Taiwan Strait

Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon and guest hosted by Arjun Singh. It was mixed by Sam Bair and edited by Monica Campbell, with help from Lucy Perkins. Thanks to Vic Chiang, Pei-Lin Wu and Anna Fifield. 

Subscribe to The Washington Post here.