"Taiwan's Presidential Race: A Test for U.S.-China Relations as Election Nears"

Taiwan is set to elect a new president on January 13, with the race featuring three main candidates: current Vice-President William Lai of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), former police chief Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), and ex-mayor Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP). The election comes at a time of heightened tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, and domestic issues such as low wages and high housing costs. Lai, a proponent of Taiwan's self-governing status, leads by a narrow margin, while Hou, who has a background in law enforcement and politics, and Ko, a former surgeon and political wildcard, trail behind. The election will also include legislative votes and is seen as pivotal for Taiwan's future relations with China and its domestic policy direction.