Party coup changes Taiwan election outlook

Significance

Eric Chu, the party chairman, was nominated to replace Hung Hsiu-chu, whose candidacy failed to rally support within the party. He will run against Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party.

Impacts

• Cross-Strait relations will once again play the central role in the 2016 presidential and legislative elections.
• The Kuomintang's diplomatic stance will shift toward the DPP's in an attempt to assuage concerns over cross-Strait policy.
• Although Tsai has promised not to undo trade agreements with China, she is unlikely to press ahead with new ones.
• China will remain largely silent on the Taiwanese elections, to avoid reinforcing anti-China sentiment that is widespread in Taiwan.