President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan quits as head of the governing Democratic Progressive Party after loss in election

The vote in Taiwan has drawn global attention because the loss of President Tsai Ing-wen could become a bigger geopolitical flashpoint between China and the United States. Tsai Ing-wen resigned as head of the governing Democratic Progressive Party after its poor performance in local elections. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) won major races including the capital Taipei. Prior to the election, President Tsai had described the election as a vote for democracy amid rising tensions with China. After the results came out, she admitted that - "the election results were not as expected... I should shoulder all the responsibility and I resign as DPP chairwoman immediately.” However, she will continue as president of the self-ruled island. These elections for local councils and city mayors theoretically have a domestic agenda and focused on local issues such as crime, housing and social welfare. Those elected will not have a direct say on Taiwan's policy regarding China. However, Ms Tsai and government officials had urged voters to use the elections to send a message about standing up for democracy, as Beijing increases pressure on the island. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen quits as party chair after local elections. The Chinese government perceives Taiwan as a breakaway province that will, in due course of time, be part of the country.

A large section of Taiwanese people considers their self-ruled island to be distinct. It has its own form of government and a democratic system. However, tensions peaked in August when Beijing staged huge military drills around Taiwan. It was in a protest against the visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island. The US has long walked a tightrope over Taiwan. Officially, it does not have any formal ties with Taiwan. In spite of that, it has also pledged to supply the island with defensive weapons and stressed that any attack by China would cause "grave concern." Taiwan has two major political parties. Their views differ on China. One of these is the Kuomintang (KMT). It consists of conservative business champions and traditionally seen as pro-China "doves." They advocate economic engagement with China and appear to favor unification while denying being pro-China. Their main rival is Ms Tsai's governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). She had won a landslide victory in the 2020 national election. Her stand is Beijing needs to show respect to Taiwan. She also said Taipei would not bow to pressure.

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