Prof. Fu-Kou Liu introduced candidates and key issues surrounding the election.

November 30, 2023-Taipei

Jakarta, November 21 -, an Indonesian think tank organized an international symposium with a focus on Taiwan’s upcoming elections, drawing participation from numerous scholars and diplomats representing various countries. Scholars present at the event underscore the critical role Taiwan plays in regional security due to its geographical proximity to several Southeast Asian nations. They emphasize the significant importance of the cross-strait situation.

Scheduled for January next year, Taiwan’s elections took center stage at the symposium organized by The Habibie Center, an Indonesian think tank located in Jakarta. During the afternoon session, discussions honed in on the interplay between next year’s elections across different countries and the broader Indo-Pacific regional order. The spotlight was on exploring the potential impact of the new government post-Taiwan elections on regional dynamics, along with how this new administration would shape relations with Southeast Asia.

Prof. Fu-kuo liu expressed that this symposium marked his first occasion to openly discuss Taiwan and cross-strait issues in Jakarta. Reflecting on the past, he noted that discussions on regional security in Jakarta used to shy away from the mention of cross-strait issues if there were Chinese attendees. However, with the Taiwan Strait now an international concern, Indonesia, as a significant Southeast Asian nation, exhibits heightened interest in neighboring affairs.

Prof. Fu-kuo liu highlighted that the pivotal concern in next year’s Taiwanese presidential election is the relationship with China. He introduced the presidential candidates nominated by various political parties in Taiwan and delved into ongoing talks about ‘blue and white cooperation.’ Underscoring the symposium’s theme, he stressed that Taiwan’s presidential election would wield a crucial impact on the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Drawing a connection to the recently concluded Biden-Xi summit in the United States, Prof. Fu-Kuo Liu pointed out collaborative efforts between China and the U.S. in managing potential risks in the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized that the primary task for Taiwan’s next leader would be navigating relations with China.