Taiwanese and Hongkongers Unite Against Chinese Threat At 2020 Election Rally

Taiwan's current president and Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate, Tsai Ing-wen (in black) stands with party colleagues on stage during a rally ahead of Saturday's presidential election in Taipei, Taiwan, on Jan. 10, 2020. Carl Court/Getty Images

TAIPEI, Taiwan—Solidarity between Taiwanese citizens and Hong Kong protesters was on full display at a rally to drum up support for President Tsai Ing-wen and her party’s other candidates, a day before local voters go to the polls.

On Jan. 11, the electorate will choose their next president and vice president, as well as 113 representatives to the island’s parliament, known as the Legislative Yuan.

The Taipei rally was attended by tens of thousands of people supporting the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has traditionally advocated for Taiwan to formally declare independence from China—though Tsai has said she wishes to maintain the status quo.

Supporters wave flags and smartphone lights during an election rally for Taiwan's current president and Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate, Tsai Ing-wen, ahead of Saturday's presidential election in Taipei, Taiwan on Jan. 10, 2020. Carl Court/Getty Images

The Chinese regime’s threats to annex the self-governing island often play a big part in Taiwan elections. Beijing has adopted a carrot-and-stick strategy, sometimes flexing its military muscle by intentionally carrying out military exercises close to the election date, or offering incentives to entice Taiwanese companies and citizens to invest in mainland China—with the ultimate objective of swaying public opinion to accept unification with China.

Tsai is being challenged by Han Kuo-yu, who is advocating for closer ties with China as the Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate, and James Soong, of the pro-Beijing People’s First Party.

Support for Hong Kong

Among the attendees were Hongkongers who had flown to the island to observe Taiwan’s democratic system, as well as Hong Kong exchange students currently studying in Taiwan.

Mass protests in Hong Kong ignited in June over Beijing’s encroachment on the city’s autonomy. The protests are widely supported by Taiwanese.

Au, 23, added that if Tsai were reelected, her second term in office would indirectly help the ongoing Hong Kong protest movement.

Au called on Taiwanese people to cherish their freedom and democracy by coming out to vote. Currently, in Hong Kong, Au said that freedom of assembly was being repressed, as growing numbers are being arrested during police-approved protests.