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| James Soong, Chairman of the People First Part (PFP) |
Just being an island off the coast
of major super power China, Taiwan has been able to become independent and its
own country in a sense. In many people eyes the more liberal of any Asian
country the topic of gay marriage and gay rights have been a topic of
discussion as of late. With the United States making gay marriage legal
Taiwanese people look to address the issue. Next year just like the US, Taiwan
will be electing its next president and just recently they have held their 13th
annual gay pride parade in the heart of Taipei the nation’s capital. Jennifer
Lu a candidate for president from the Social Democratic party is openly gay.
She wishes to promote equality for all. In an interview with AFP she said "There’s been a huge change in the
society in recent years with a lot of grassroots efforts pushing for equality, but
the government hasn't kept pace. That's why I want to run.” I think going forward the country and
region’s biggest issue would be how they react to western cultures and ideals.
With globalization basically being sped up by the idea capitalism Asian people
have been exposed to different cultures and ways of living. The Taiwanese people
may aspire to have some of the privileges and opportunities that people from
other countries may enjoy. Another
problem for the Taiwanese people would be China and its intentions.
Increasingly more involved in capitalism, China aspires to be the world leader and
they wish to create a republic that includes Taiwan and other surrounding
countries and islands. This has become an ongoing debate in the country as some
presidential candidates advocate for the union while others believe Taiwanese
independence is best for the country. One party in particular the Nationalist
Party is running with the intent to mend relations with China and make a merger
to the union happen. Having been in power since 2008 the party alongside
President Ma Ying-jeou
has met with China on numerous of occasions signing into law 21 different
agreements dealing with stimulating trade, improving transit and investment. Taiwan
currently has a half-trillion dollar economy and finding ways to stabilize and
improve it with China even more has caused for protests in the country. The Democratic
Progressive Party which is the main competition for the Nationalist
Party in the presidential race is advocating for independence. Their candidate
Tsai Ing-wen who is also a woman is already leading in the polls and with the
general elections happening on January 16th of next year a change
may occur in Taiwan.
Another problem Taiwan has to face head on is their handling
of the thousands of indigenous, aboriginal peoples of the land. Today in Taiwan
aboriginal households make 40 percent less than the national average and
unemployment is at an all-time high. With more labor intensive industries
hiring workers from the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia many natives have
been left out to dry. In the future under the new regime if elected I would
like to see more social programs put in place that would help find jobs and
other means of wealthy for members of Taiwan’s impoverished communities. I am a
firm believer that everyone has the right to live and live comfortably. That
means having things like a home, running water, food and a bed they can sleep
in things that some of Taiwan’s citizens just can’t afford right now.
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