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Taiwan to China: Don't Read Too Much into Election Results

Reuters

   TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Beijing should not interpret Taiwan's elections as
   representing a win or loss for China, Taiwan's foreign minister said
   Thursday, days ahead of a crucial vote overshadowed by Chinese efforts
   to get the island to accept its rule.

   Taiwan holds presidential and parliamentary elections Saturday. Its
   elections are always closely watched by China, which claims the island
   as its territory.

   Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China,
   its formal name.

   "I just don't think China should read Taiwan's election as its own
   victory or defeat," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told reporters in
   Taipei. "If China reads too much into our election ... there might be a
   likely scenario that China will engage in military intimidation or
   diplomatic isolation or using economic measures as punishment against
   Taiwan."

   President Tsai Ing-wen, who is seeking reelection, has repeatedly
   warned Taiwan's people to be wary of Chinese attempts to sway the
   election through disinformation or military intimidation, an accusation
   China denies.

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