"Taiwan's Presidential Race Focuses on Sovereignty and China Relations"

Taiwan's Vice President and presidential candidate Lai Ching-te emphasized during a debate that Taiwan's sovereignty and independence are determined by its 23 million people, not China. The debate, which focused on relations with China and tensions in the Taiwan Strait, comes ahead of the January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections. Lai, who leads in opinion polls, is open to dialogue with China, despite China's view of him as a separatist. His main opponent, Hou Yu-ih, advocates for maintaining the status quo and peace with China while keeping close ties with the US. The third candidate, Ko Wen-je, prioritizes protecting Taiwan's political system and way of life in any engagement with China.