International media focus on tensions, security and uncertainty as Taiwan votes
- More than 400 journalists from around the world have converged on the island to cover the presidential election
- Asahi Shimbun says poll will affect ‘security of East Asia’, while New York Times report calls Taiwan ‘single biggest flashpoint’ in US-China rivalry
It was Taiwan’s eighth presidential poll since the island first held free and direct elections in 1996.
The results could have implications that may change the dynamics across the Taiwan Strait and also test the relationship between Beijing and Washington.
Japanese newspaper the Asahi Shimbun, whose coverage included a live blog on Saturday, called it an important election that “will affect the security of East Asia, including Japan”.
In Singapore, Lianhe Zaobao, the largest Chinese-language newspaper, reported on the “apathy towards politics” and “indifference towards the election campaign” among younger voters in Taiwan. But its analysis also pointed to the election’s “great importance to the regional situation and to determining the future direction of major policies”.
The Straits Times, another Singaporean paper, quoted a 78-year-old Taiwanese woman as saying: “I’m very worried about the future of my grandchildren. What will Taiwan look like for them?”