Before China’s 20th party congress, where the leader is expected to extend his rule, Taiwanese residents are divided over Xi Jinping’s anticipated third term in office.
Relations between China and Taiwan are still strained because Beijing regards the democratic island as part of its territory, despite the fact that Taiwan is a sovereign state with its own democratic government, flag, and army.
However, given to China’s demand that other countries cannot maintain diplomatic relations with both China and Taiwan, it currently lacks international recognition.
Some people say Xi’s reelection is positive for Taiwan because they think China’s behaviour will be easier to predict as long as he is in power.
High school student Andy Chang feels that there would be more doubt over Beijing’s intentions for Taiwan under a different leader.
“If it’s another one, you don’t know if China will seize Taiwan or not, but if it’s Xi Jinping, a third term, we understand him,” the speaker said. “We already know him for the past two terms.”
But other locals think an attack is possible given the mainland’s increasing hostility.
One resident says many of her friends have already left Taiwan for New Zealand over fears of a Chinese invasion.
Following China’s suppression of opposition voices in Hong Kong, taxi driver Ahlin Chiu claims Taiwan could become “the next Hong Kong.”
“A good illustration is Hong Kong. Although they keep insisting there are two systems in one country, there is really just one.”
The ‘one country, two systems policy’ refers to an agreement between China and Hong Kong that maintains the region is part of China but retains its own economic and political systems.
In the wake of its contentious national security bill intended to crack down on pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong, independent human rights experts have accused China of violating this guideline.
Xi will become China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, who reigned for over 30 years, after winning a third term.
President Xi, who is 69, has already served two five-year terms and could now potentially rule for life.
He’s paved his way toward re-selection by not naming a successor, purging potential rivals through an anti-corruption drive and scrapping the two-term presidential limit.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation has provided funding for Cushla Norman’s travel to Taiwan.
Taiwan’s response to Xi Jinping’s third term has been mixed.
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