Taiwan produces over 90 percent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors, and its location anchors a network of U.S. allies stretching from Japan to the Philippines. So what is at stake for the United States in Taiwan’s presidential election—and what are the chances of a pro-Beijing candidate winning?
NTD spoke to retired Colonel and senior fellow at the Center for Security Policy, John Mills, to find out more about the significance of the Taiwanese election.
“This is a democracy right on the front door of a communist, totalitarian nation,” he said. “And it’s going to be important to see that democratic processes prevail, regardless of the outcome on Saturday.”
He said the presidential race is looking closer than anticipated, though the momentum currently lies with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, who assumes a more cautious approach to China relations than his Kuomintang (KMT) rival.
Mr. Mills said that for the United States, Taiwan, a self-ruled island, “really presents a kind of a first line of defense … and deterrence against China and from China’s breaking out into the deeper Pacific.”