06 January 2012
Posted in
National News
The AIIA's January 2012 Policy Commentary, entitled "Cross-Straits at the Crossroads: Taiwan's 2012 Elections,” gives a timely appraisal of various issues surrounding the presidential and legislative elections due to take place in Taiwan on 14 January 2012. It allocates particular attention to the impact that the elections might have on relations between Taiwan and China, and addresses the way that cross-strait relations influence political affiliation and exacerbate divisions in the Taiwanese polity. In the publication, Professor Malcolm Cook outlines the possible results of the elections and analyses the implications for cross-strait relations: either a continuation of policies, albeit in a more difficult environment, or the potential for dramatic change. Associate Professor You Ji also analyses these scenarios with a focus on how either result will be viewed in Beijing and what changes to China’s cross-strait policy can be expected. Dr Chen-shen Yen examines the potential results for both the presidential and legislative elections and raises the intriguing possibility of a “cohabitation” result in which one party wins the presidency and the other the legislative majority. Finally, Ross Maddock looks at the historical issues underpinning the elections and addresses their likely result and the effect they might have on both Chinese and Australian business relations with Taiwan.
Click here to download a PDF copy of the commentary.