Asia Program

On January 14th, voters in Taiwan will choose their next president from a field that includes incumbent Ma Ying-jeou, veteran politician James Soong, and the country's first ever female candidate, Tsai Ing-wen. To learn more about the issues and factors likely to decide the outcome, we spoke with regional expert, Bryce Wakefield.

Bryce Wakefield serves as a program associate specializing in Northeast Asia and the Pacific for the Wilson Center's Asia Program. He earned his Ph.D. in political studies from the University of Auckland and his master's degree from Osaka University's School of International Public Policy. Before joining the Wilson Center, Bryce lectured in comparative politics and conducted a course on diplomacy at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Tell us about the 3 candidates for president and what the dynamic of the race is heading toward election day.

What are the dominant issues and are they different at the presidential level as opposed to the legislative races?

There have been charges of corruption in previous elections. Will such charges be an issue this time?

How does the China question factor into the equation?

Is there a better or worse outcome from the U.S. perspective?

Beyond the election, what will you be watching to give you a sense of where the country is headed?