As U.S. President Joe Biden hails “a good day for democracy,” a day after the U.S. midterm elections, Taiwan Talks explores what this means for Taiwan, rising Chinese threats, and democratic allies in the region. As key senate and house seats are still too close to call, we examine why the Republican “red wave” appears to have not hit the polls and how the China factor has played a role in U.S. local elections. With DeSantis’s popularity casting doubts on Trump’s 2024 presidential bid, will Biden remain the top contender or will a younger dark horse emerge? We also discuss how support for Ukraine could change with a split Congress and what more defense heavy-Republican seats could mean for Taiwan’s defense.
In this episode, international relations experts, Tso Chen-dong, National Taiwan University Political Science Professor and former Kuomintang Mainland Affairs Department Director, and Chenlung Kuo, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of United Daily News share their insights on what Cross-Strait relations could look like with a split Congress and how China has become a key U.S. voter issue. We also hear from U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Democrats Abroad Taiwan Chair John Eastwood on why Taiwan is key to U.S. national interest.
Topics discussed:
- Reasons behind how Democrats have outperformed in this midterm election, the first in 86 years for a U.S. party in office
- With more Republican seats and potentially a House win, will it complicate Biden’s policy execution and lead to perhaps another government shutdown?
- Anticipated Biden-Xi meeting and how Taiwan will be discussed given U.S. bipartisan consensus on Taiwan support
- Has China softened its stance on the U.S. by demonstrating its willingness to work with the Democrats on climate change by sending Xie Zhenhua to COP26?
- Fate of Taiwan Policy Act and future Taiwan-friendly legislation
- Why hasn’t the “red wave” appear and is Trumpism loosing appeal or is Trump motivating swing voters, moderates, and liberals to go to the polls?
- Impact of inflation, economic slowdown vs. social issues mainly around abortion on the U.S. electorate
- The China factor in U.S. elections: Has anti-China rhetoric become a key message in resonating with voters and what does this mean for Taiwan?
- Split Congress and U.S. support for Ukraine: Will Biden be forced to broker a ceasefire?
- Will more Republican seats translate to more military support and speeding up of arms delivery to Taiwan?
- Is Trump really good for Taiwan or stable U.S. leadership more beneficial for Taiwan’s continued autonomy and survival?
- Surge in Taiwanese Americans running for office and rising awareness on Taiwan amongst the U.S. public
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