The election, scheduled to take place on Saturday, has significant implications for the relationship between Taiwan and Beijing.

China specifically singled out the ruling party candidate, William Lai, stating that his victory would pose a danger to the already sensitive relations between the two sides. According to China's Taiwan Affairs office, if elected, Lai would further promote separatist activities, pushing Taiwan away from peace and prosperity and closer to war and decline.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, William Lai, has called on voters to "choose the right path" in order to maintain Taiwan's sovereignty. Conversely, his main opponent, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), has portrayed Lai as a threat to relations with China. It is worth noting that Taiwan considers itself a separate nation, although most prefer the status quo of neither seeking independence nor reunification with China.

Taiwan has become a significant point of contention in the ongoing power struggle between China and the United States in Asia. The US has also chimed in ahead of the elections, warning Beijing not to escalate tensions. However, China has criticized the US for what it calls "brazen chattering" and asked Washington to refrain from commenting on the elections. In response, Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, criticized China for interfering in other countries' elections and urged Beijing to focus on its own affairs.

China's message to Taiwanese voters coincided with its demand for the US to avoid intervening in the election process. The Chinese foreign ministry warned that any US interference could seriously damage US-China relations. Beijing expressed its opposition to the US commenting on Taiwan's elections and asserted that voters face a choice between peace and war.

The outcome of the presidential elections in Taiwan will determine the future trajectory of the island's foreign policy and will have implications for key allies, such as the United States. The rivalry between China and the US over Taiwan's status adds a layer of complexity to the already delicate situation.

The election in Taiwan also comes at a crucial time, as the US and China have recently held their first talks since 2021. These discussions took place just days before the pivotal election, further underscoring the significance of Taiwan's role in the broader context of US-China relations.

As the date of the election approaches, tensions rise in Taiwan. Mobile phone users across the island recently received an "air raid alert," highlighting the nerves surrounding the crucial electoral event. The results of the election will shape Taiwan's foreign policy in the coming years, and the international community eagerly awaits the outcome.