Vice President Lai Ching-te, a leading candidate in the Taiwan presidential election next January, said Friday the island's democracy will be undermined if Beijing successfully interferes in the poll.
Lai, the leader of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, told foreign media in Taipei that mainland China will seek to interfere in the upcoming election by various means.
Beijing accuses Lai of being a "troublemaker" who clings to the separatist position for Taiwan's independence. Following his U.S. stopovers during a trip to Paraguay earlier this month, China staged military exercises near Taiwan and decided to suspend mango imports from the island.
"Even as Beijing engages in unfair trade practices against our agricultural products, potentially in an effort to undermine the upcoming elections, we remain clear-eyed about our long-term prospects," Lai said.
He praised Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen of the DPP, who is ineligible to seek a third consecutive term, saying she has been recognized worldwide for her very steady diplomatic, national defense and cross-strait policy, as well as work toward peaceful development.
Taiwan and mainland China have been governed separately since they split in 1949 due to a civil war. Beijing views the self-ruled democratic island as a renegade province and remains adamant about its eventual reunification, even if it means using force.
New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih from the Nationalist Party and former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, chairman of the Taiwan People's Party, are two other prominent opposition presidential candidates.
Related coverage:
Tsai vows to bolster Taiwan self-defense on China bombardment anniv.
China holds drills near Taiwan following vice pres.'s U.S. stopovers
Japan, U.S. leaders agree on new missile development
