While in the past, it seemed that not many in Taiwan have cared much for the presidential elections that are soon to take place between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT), both parties have been working hard. In the case of the DPP, it has been a difficult battle for the party candidate, Frank Hsieh.
So far, both Frank Hsieh of the DPP and Ma Ying-jeou of the KMT have advocated developing closer ties with China. However, Ma has led over Hsieh over the opinion polls led by Taiwan’s media.
His stance is reconciling with Beijing.
Now, the two men have spoken out on differences after the violent protests in Tibet and the violent crackdown by China. The protests came less than two weeks before the start of the Olympic Torch relay which begins in Tibet. Many pro-Tibet independence activists plan to use the relay points to stage their protests.
Tibet is one of a few major issues looming over China as it hosts the 2008 Olympics coming this August. There have been talks of boycotting the Olympics as a result of what has happened in Tibet.
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, said that he is not looking for a boycott. He said that he supports using the Olympics to publicize the cause. The Dalai Lama had accused China of committing “cultural genocide.”
China’s Premiere Wen Jiabao called it nothing but lies. He accused the Dalai Lama of starting the violent demonstrations and trying to ruin the Olympics.
US Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged an international investigation into China. As one of the fiercest critics, Pelosi warned China that the world is watching carefully.
US Republican nominee Senator John McCain said it was unacceptable of a world power such as China to violently crackdown on the demonstrations.
China’s crackdown has also been condemned by 30 Nobel Laureates including Holocaust Elie Wiesel.
In the case of Taiwan, it has come up as a last minute key issue before the voting takes place. Before the Tibetan protests had taken place, the campaigning had focused on Taiwan’s economy. Now, the focus has shifted towards Tibet.
Ma debates a boycott of the Olympics. He said that he would not go to that extreme at the moment. But, Ma gave the indication that a boycott is still possible depending on the situation in Tibet.
Hsieh warned that Ma could turn Taiwan into “another Tibet” if he is elected. This is an indication that Hsieh hints that Ma would allow China to occupy Taiwan.
It is unknown how big a role Tibet will have on the Taiwan elections. Many that live in Taiwan want close ties to China in order to help the economy.
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