Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen stepped up down as such head of Its ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Saturday after suffering defeat in Local elections on Saturday and have strategy to frame local elections as a challenge to China rising aggressiveness failed to pay off And the win public support as a friend of Beijing main The opposition held out.
The election for Mayors, county chiefs, and local councilors are ostensibly on local issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and crimeand those elected She will not have a direct opinion on China policy.
But Tsai recast the election as it was more from local votesaying world He is watching how Taiwan defends its democracy amid military tensions with China, which claims the island as its territory.
The main opposition party The Kuomintang, or KMT, was leading or claimed victory in 13 of 21 city Mayor and county chairpersons’ seats up for Takeover, including the capital Taipei, compared to five DPP, on a large scale in Line with expectations and the like results of The last local elections in 2018.
“The results failed Our expectations. We accept humbly results And accept Taiwanese people’s decision,” Tsai told reporters party Headquarters because she resigned party head that is also After poor 2018 results.
“it’s not like DPP never had failed before, Tsai who He will continue to serve as captain until 2024, added. “We don’t have time to be sorry. We fell, but we will stand up.” up again. “
Tsai said she had rejected an offer of resignation from Premier Su Tseng-chang, also a senior DPP member, adding that she asked him to stay in office to me ensure Its policies will be implemented properly.
Cabinet said Su agreed to stay because of need for Stability amid local “uphill” and international Situation.
China’s response was muted with The official Xinhua news Agency simply refers to Tsai’s resignation to take responsibility for The party’s performance in Local elections in Taiwan”.
“red” accusations
Both the Democratic Progressive Party and the Kuomintang have traditionally favored close relations with Although China strenuously denies being pro-Beijing, it has focused on campaign efforts in Northern Taiwan rich and populous, particularly Taipei, which Mayor of small Taiwan People’s Party could not run again because of term border.
The KMT accused Tsai and the DPP of Universe overly confrontation with China and of attempt to discredit party for Being “red” – a reference to colours of Chinese Communist Party.
I focused her campaign on The government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been critical, especially after a boom in cases of this year.
The KMT chief, Eric Chu, celebrated their victory but said they would not also Protect Taiwan’s freedoms.
“We will win on Defense of the Republic of China and the protection of democracy and freedom,” he told reporters, using Taiwan official Noun. “we will also work hard to maintain regional peace.
China carried out war games near Taiwan in August to express his anger over US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei military Activities continued, though on a reduced Scale.
The election took place A month after the twentieth congress of The Communist Party of China, with President Xi Jinping taking an unprecedented third place term in office – Tsai point frequently made on The campaign Pass Buildings.
