Letters | Why Taiwanese are casting a vote for Asia, and the global economy
- Readers discuss the global significance of Taiwan’s election, and whether Hong Kong should drive on the right
In a piece headlined “Why a Taiwan election upset could be a US blessing”, even Washington Post columnist Jason Willick opines that a KMT win would be a reprieve for the United States, instead of a win by the pro-US DPP.
The potential impact of Taiwan-mainland China conflict on the global economy is staggering, with Bloomberg estimating a shock of US$10 trillion, or about 10 per cent of global gross domestic product – worse than even the Covid-19 pandemic, the global financial crisis, or the Ukraine-Russia war.
In contrast, outgoing leader Tsai Ing-wen’s antagonistic stance in the past eight years has hindered the development of Taiwan’s once robust economy and caused regional uncertainties.
The looming threat of the Taiwan issue escalating into a broader conflict involving mainland China and the United States is ominous. The historical involvement of the US since the Chinese civil war complicates an issue perceived by the Chinese people as internal. Retired Australian diplomat John Lander warns of Taiwan becoming a host of a US proxy war against mainland China.