TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Ryan Hass, a prominent Taiwan and China analyst affiliated with the Brookings Institution, and Vincent Chao, the spokesperson for President-elect Lai Ching-te's election campaign, offered insights into the election outcome and its implications for future U.S.-Taiwan-China relations during an exclusive interview with TVBS commentator Wenchi Yu on Tuesday, January 16.
Chao acknowledged the accuracy of pre-election polls and stated that the election results aligned with expectations. While securing a presidential victory, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) fell short of a legislative majority, similar to their performance in 2016 and 2020. Chao highlighted the DPP's substantial victory in southern Taiwan and mentioned, "In New Taipei City, we retained a few seats."
Addressing the message the newly elected president will convey before the May 20 inauguration, Chao emphasized that "over 80% of Taiwanese people support the status quo." He added, "Any party deviating from the status quo won't garner majority support in Taiwan," underscoring the importance of maintaining regional stability.
Regarding reactions from Washington, D.C., and U.S. President Joe Biden's statement that the U.S. does not endorse Taiwan independence, Hass shared his presumption: "He likely aimed to emphasize that any tensions in the Taiwan Strait won't be the result of American or Taiwanese actions."
Hass also reflected on the evolving dynamics between the U.S., Taiwan, and China over the years, noting fluctuations during different Taiwanese administrations. He anticipated continued "ebbs and flows" in the triangular relationship as Taiwan prepares for the Lai administration.
Hass commended Taiwan as a model for the upcoming U.S. elections in November, expressing hope that "it mirrors the experience that Taiwan has just provided for us."