The issue of identity – and Taiwan’s relationship with China – has been one of the most significant political divisions on the island, and surveys show it was closely linked to voting patterns in previous elections.

From pineapples to petrochemicals, Beijing uses trade to influence opinion, but analysts say it has little impact.

Taiwan will hold its contentious presidential and legislative election on January 13, with millions of Taiwanese voters expected to vote and elect a new president to lead the democratic island amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

A guide to this month’s vote which will determine who runs the island for the next four years.

Tsai wields lightsaber, poses with Baby Yoda at hobbyist event.

Internationally, the results of the elections in Taiwan will spill over to the elections around the world later that year. If voters in South Korea and India are influenced by the election results in Taiwan, along with the unpredictable elections in Ukraine and Russia in March, the outcomes of these elections could in turn influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday (November 29) appointed Representative to the European Union and to Belgium Yu Dai as the new representative to the United States, replacing Hsiao Meiqin, who has registered as the running mate of Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Lai Ching-te. Before leaving office, Xiao Meiqin said goodbye to her colleagues in the representative office in the United States and thanked the United States for its "love" and support for Taiwan.

Coast Guard says situation around Dongsha Islands normal, no unusual activity.