Taiwan-China city-level ties bypass central government

Subject

Relations between sub-national governments in Taiwan and China.

Significance

China is attempting to bypass Taiwan’s central government -- with which it has severed formal ties -- and forge better relations with major municipalities and locally elected leaders. These efforts have found greater success since recent local elections that dealt major setbacks to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Impacts

• Politicians from both parties will be emboldened to turn to Chinese investment to stimulate local economies.
• Han Kuo-yu, newly elected mayor of Kaohsiung city, could lead the main opposition party’s comeback at the national level.
• Relations with China are likely to play a decisive role once again in Taiwan’s 2020 national elections.