Taiwan Preps for a Big Election

Taiwan is preparing to elect a president and legislature Saturday in what many see as a test of control with China, which claims the self-governing island republic as its own territory to be unified with force if necessary. The presidential race is tight, and both China and Taiwan’s key ally, the US, are weighing in on political and economic issues they hope will sway voters. The election pits Chinese Vice President Lai Ching-te, representing the Democratic Progressive Party, against Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Nationalist Party, as well as former mayor of the capital of Taipei, Ko Wen-je of…