China’s tactics to sway Taiwan votes exposed by envoy

CANBERRA (TVBS News) — China is reportedly attempting to interfere in Taiwan's upcoming presidential election, scheduled for Jan. 13, 2024, according to Taiwan's Representative to Australia, Douglas Hsu.

In an article published on Tuesday (Jan. 2) in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Hsu warned of Beijing's interventions. He cited instances where the Central Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party ordered the Taiwanese band Mayday to publicly endorse Beijing's view that Taiwan is a part of China, as reported by Reuters.

Hsu also mentioned that ahead of Taiwan's 2016 election, China compelled Taiwanese singer Tzuyu of the South Korean group Twice to publicly apologize through her agency, stating, "There is only one China."

The AFR report emphasizes that China has interfered in Taiwan's elections since 1996, employing tactics such as military exercises, economic threats, or disseminating disinformation.

Referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping's New Year's address, which asserted that "the reunification of the motherland is an inevitable historical trend"—a sterner tone than his 2023 message of “The two sides of the straits are like a family”—Hsu pointed out that such rhetoric only strengthens the Taiwanese people's desire for self-determination. Long-standing polls indicate that over 80% of Taiwanese wish to maintain the status quo.

Hsu highlighted that each time China tries to interfere in Taiwan's election, it only creates a negative impression and expressed confidence that the Taiwanese people have the wisdom to discern harmful influences and make their own choices.

The AFR, a nationwide newspaper published since 1951, specializes in reporting international economics, finance, and politics, making it one of the most influential mainstream media outlets in Australia.

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