What's happened
A decade after the Sunflower Movement, Taiwan's youth-led protests against closer ties with China, the island's political scene sees a shift. The movement birthed a new generation of politicians, but in the recent elections, the ruling Democratic People's Party lost its legislative majority to the Taiwan People's Party, led by Ko Wen-je, appealing to young voters with a pragmatic approach.
Why it matters
The aftermath of the Sunflower Movement continues to shape Taiwan's political landscape, with a shift towards more pragmatic and youth-driven politics. The rise of the Taiwan People's Party signals a changing political tide, impacting the traditional dominance of independence-leaning parties.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera highlights the role of Rex How in sparking the Sunflower Movement by alerting the public to the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement, which led to a new generation of politicians. The Guardian emphasizes the lessons the movement holds for other regions like Hong Kong and Ukraine, showcasing its impact beyond Taiwan.
How we got here
The Sunflower Movement was a student-led protest in 2014 against a trade deal with China, leading to a 23-day occupation of Taiwan's national legislature. This movement birthed a new generation of politicians and parties, with the Taiwan People's Party gaining popularity among young voters for its pragmatic approach.
More on these topics
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Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. Neighbouring countries include the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.
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The Kuomintang, often referred to in English as the Nationalist Party or Chinese Nationalist Party, is a major political party in Taiwan, based in Taipei.