![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://bollspel.com/white-house-gears-up-for-taiwan-presidential-elections-and-anticipates-increased-tension/&media=https://bollspel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/15427-white-house-gears-up-for-taiwan-presidential-elections-and-anticipates-increased-tension.jpeg&description="Get the latest on the White House's preparations for the upcoming Taiwan presidential elections and their expectations for heightened tension in the region. Stay informed with our in-depth coverage."){kind=link}
U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a high-level meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ week in Woodside, California, on Nov. 15, 2023.
Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images
The Biden administration is showing strong support for Taiwan’s democratic process as they prepare for a presidential election. This election will be crucial in determining China’s influence over Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.
A senior Chinese liaison to Taiwan warned that Saturday’s election will be a choice between “peace and war,” and Beijing has cautioned Washington to not get involved.
The election results will have far-reaching effects on geopolitics and global trade and could lead to increased Chinese military activity. The White House is preparing for various possible outcomes, and an “unofficial delegation” of Americans plans to meet with Taipei shortly after the election to reinforce the partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan.
Although the U.S. insists it doesn’t endorse any top candidates, it’s clear that Beijing’s preferred choice is not the same as Washington’s. Lai Ching-te and Hou Yu-ih are generally seen as more open to relations with mainland China, while Ko Wen-je is positioning himself as a pragmatist and moderate.
The cautiously defiant message from Washington follows recent meetings between U.S. and Chinese officials, including a one-on-one meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping in San Francisco.