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China Relations Stumble after Beijing Skeptic Wins Reelection in Taiwan

Ralph Jennings

   TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Taiwan's ever-testy relations with China stumbled
   again after a Beijing skeptic was reelected to the presidency and her
   party grabbed a legislative majority Saturday, but analysts and
   officials in Taipei say this dip won't go as deep as others.

   A day after President Tsai Ing-wen won with more than 8.1 million votes
   and a 57% majority, China's official Xinhua News Agency called the
   outcome "a development that deeply worries people who hope for peace"
   and slung charged language at the reelected leader.

   "Tsai and the DPP used dirty tactics such as cheating, repression and
   intimidation to get votes, fully exposing their selfish, greedy and
   evil nature," the commentary said, referring to the ruling Democratic
   Progressive Party.

   This language hearkens back to the harsh words China used after Tsai
   won her first election in 2016. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan
   but Tsai rejects the Beijing government's condition for dialogue that
   both sides belong under one flag. The two sides have been separately
   ruled since the 1940s.

   China followed up from 2016 through 2019 by passing military planes
   near the island, cutting back on Taiwan-bound tourism and persuading
   seven countries to drop recognition of the Taipei government.

   Shallow dip

   Tsai anticipated more pressure from China in a speech Saturday but said
   she would try not to exacerbate it.

   "Pressure from China will continue to exist and could even become
   heavier," Tsai told a news conference. Facing China's threats, she
   said, "We will stick with our non-provocative, non-adventurist attitude
   to do our utmost in ensuring peace and stability between the two
   sides."