China – Politics & Policy media

Taiwan’s Presidential Elections: Situational brief

Taiwan’s upcoming January 2024 presidential election is a pivotal moment in its political landscape, marked by the candidacy of four main contenders: Vice President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang Party (KMT), Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and independent candidate Terry Gou. This election is closely watched by both Washington and Beijing, given its implications for cross-Strait tensions and Taiwan’s global relationships.

The election’s focus is on managing relations with China, a key foreign policy issue, alongside domestic concerns such as economic and environmental policies. Lai Ching-te emphasises increasing Taiwan’s autonomy and security through closer relations with the United States and other democracies. The DPP has been at the helm during a period of growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Conversely, Hou Yu-ih from the Kuomintang (KMT) party, campaigns on averting war with China, asserting that the KMT is better equipped to manage cross-strait tensions.

Chinese electric vehicles & soft power

China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry plays a critical role in its geopolitical strategy, especially as it gains increasing market share in both Western Europe and Asia. In 2023, China’s EV market, accounting for 60% of the global total, is expected to maintain strong growth. The country led global EV sales in 2022, representing around 60% of these sales. This dominant position isn’t just an economic triumph; it’s a strategic move in the realm of soft power and international influence, positioning China as a key player in shaping the future of global transportation and energy policies. It’s a fascinating mixture of technology, geopolitics, soft power and marketing. All in a package that is visible and impactful in the day-to-day lives of regular people.

In Western Europe, Chinese automakers are steadily increasing their presence. They accounted for about 8.4% of the region’s EV market, up from 6.2% the previous year. Made-in-China EVs comprised 11.2% of all EVs sold in Germany in the first half of 2023, and the overall market share of China-based car brands in Western Europe’s EV market is expected to grow from 6% to 9% in 2023. This growth is indicative of China’s expanding influence in one of the world’s key automotive markets.

China and multilateral financial institutions

Q: “has China shown the IMF, the deal that has supposedly been struck between the China EXIM Bank and Sri Lanka?”

A: “We have not seen the details of this yet, but this again should come out through our routine engagement.”
Transcript of the Press Briefing on the 2023 China Article IV Consultation Mission

That exchange, in the latest press briefing by the IMF on China, caused us to revisit our post on Sri Lanka’s debt situation and provides an opportunity to expand on the broader geopolitical issues at play.

China’s interactions with multilateral financial institutions embody its larger international ambitions. Through strategic policy choices and leveraging its creditor status, China is actively working to transform these institutions, seeking a balance between its duties and rights, and striving to infuse the global financial governance structure with its own brand of influence.