Tue, Dec 26, 2023 page8

• Handling election interference by Beijing

  • By Li Kuan-long 李坤隆
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  Every time the presidential election is about to happen, China’s presence makes itself felt, with Beijing’s interference in Taiwan’s political affairs becoming more obvious than ever.

  The recent issue of Taiwanese groupers is an example. Another is that China makes a greater effort to spread false news through specific media outlets.

  Everyone knows that the Chinese government has been aggressively trying to interfere in the presidential election, and it is impossible to change their attitude and behavior.

  However, Taiwanese can still fight it by behaving rationally and using reason to disrupt Beijing’s political moves. Only by doing so can the elections be their own, and Taiwan’s democracy can be protected.

  Since 1996 when the first direct presidential election was held in Taiwan, China’s attitude and ways of dealing with the election have remained the same. Beijing has attempted to influence the vote using all sorts of political and economic means. Nevertheless, compared with the late 1990s, Taiwanese have become more democratic. They are now more aware of what it means to practice democracy by voting, and have become increasingly antagonistic toward China’s interference.

  No matter how hard Beijing tries to affect the election, it will not get what it wants.

  Of course, the key to countering China is to look at the whole picture rationally. Based on observation, China has been attacking and threatening Taiwan through military and civilian means, and Beijing keeps repressing Taiwan in the international community.

  The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force has been sending out its aircraft to harass Taiwanese, intending to influence every aspect of their daily lives. China’s coercion could not be more obvious.

  Yet right before next month’s presidential election, Beijing is now holding out an olive branch. Obviously, it is using the carrot-and-stick method. Voters must not be deceived by this seemingly friendly gesture; they must see through Beijing’s scheme and understand its motivation.

  In the meantime, Taiwanese should have more confidence in their nation and its future. Most significantly, Taiwan’s economic power is widely recognized by other countries. Taiwan is also the most free country in Asia and its talent is the best in the region.

  Taiwan’s strength cannot be eliminated by China. As long as Taipei keeps bolstering the nation’s soft power and enhancing national defense, Taiwan will be a much stronger player in the region. Taiwanese should believe that their country is more than capable of competing with China in the Taiwan Strait.

  The presidential election is to be held in less than three weeks and the campaigns will draw to a close, but through the process, Taiwanese can see the problems that have been hidden from them. This drives discussion about these issues and would produce concrete solutions, which would greatly benefit the nation’s development.

  Society must not become more divided because of the election.

  All in all, China’s interference will not stop, and as election day is just around the corner, Beijing’s attacks and threats can be expected to intensify. It is hoped that voters can remain rational, have faith in their country, and ensure the election remains their own.

  Voters should constantly remind themselves that their votes should not be affected by any foreign forces. Every voter must make their decision autonomously, and think clearly before casting their ballot to avoid having any regrets.

  Li Kuan-long is a university lecturer.

  Translated by Emma Liu
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