In a year where the race to become the president of the United States seems so divisive, Taiwan elected the Democratic Progressive Party candidate, Tsai Ing-wen, as the first woman in the office. Dr. Dennis Hickey, director of the global studies program at Missouri State University and distinguished professor of political science, has studied the relationship between Taiwan and China for more than 30 years.
He wasn’t surprised by the election result but thinks that since the Democratic Progressive Party is the majority party in the legislature, major change could be imminent.
“The big question is now how Taiwan will approach its relationship with mainland China, and how will mainland China react to the new president,” said Hickey.
The Democratic Progressive Party supports Taiwan independence, though Tsai Ing-wen had been silent on the issue.
“Like an American candidate, she’s promised everybody everything. She’s going to increase social spending. She’s going to buy more weapons from America. She’s going to balance the budget and somehow cause the economy to boom,” said Hickey. “Election year promises are one thing, but pretty soon she’s going to have to get down to the hard work and actually see what she can do.”
Hickey’s work is profiled in Mind’s Eye.
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