Chen Shui-bian's Historic Victory Ends KMT's 50-Year Rule

Taiwan achieved a democratic milestone on March 18, 2000, as voters elected opposition candidate Chen Shui-bian as president, ending the Kuomintang’s 50-year rule and completing the island’s transformation into a fully consolidated democracy—while sending shockwaves through Beijing’s authoritarian leadership.

Historic Victory

Election Results

Chen Shui-bian (DPP): 39.30% (4,977,737 votes)
James Soong (Independent): 36.84% (4,664,932 votes)
Lien Chan (KMT): 23.10% (2,925,513 votes)
Others: 0.76%

Turnout: 82.69%

The highest in Taiwan’s democratic history, demonstrating citizens’ commitment to democratic choice.

First Democratic Transfer

Chen’s victory represented multiple firsts:

First Opposition President - DPP candidate defeats KMT
First Peaceful Transfer - Power changes hands democratically
First Native Taiwanese - Breaking mainlander dominance
First Pro-Independence Party - Platform alarming to Beijing

Beijing’s Worst Nightmare

The CCP leadership viewed Chen’s victory with alarm:

Why Beijing Feared Chen

Former independence activist
Challenged “one China” principle
Represented Taiwan identity
Democratic legitimacy strengthened

Immediate Threats

Military exercises announced
“Taiwan independence means war”
Economic retaliation threatened
International isolation promised

Campaign Under Pressure

The election occurred amid Beijing’s intimidation:

China’s Interference

Premier Zhu Rongji’s threatening speech
Military exercises conducted
Economic pressures applied
Propaganda war waged

Backfire Effect

Voters resented interference
Nationalist sentiment rose
Democracy defended
Chen benefited from backlash

Democratic Maturity

Peaceful Transition

Lee Teng-hui congratulated winner
KMT accepted defeat gracefully
Military remained neutral
Institutions functioned smoothly

Contrast with China

No leadership change mechanism
Power struggles hidden
Military intervention possible
Legitimacy through force

Chen’s Victory Speech

“Taiwan stands up! Today, we have proven that democracy is not a Western import but a universal value embraced by the Taiwanese people. We extend our hand to Beijing in friendship, but we will never compromise our democratic way of life.”

Coalition Politics

Chen faced divided government:

Legislative Challenge

DPP minority in parliament
KMT-PFP opposition alliance
Compromise necessary
Democracy messier but real

Governance Approach

Inclusive cabinet formation
Cross-party cooperation sought
Pragmatic policies adopted
Transparency emphasized

International Reactions

United States

Congratulated democratic process
Urged stability maintenance
Subtle warnings to Beijing
Enhanced unofficial ties

Global Response

Democratic nations praised transition
Business community nervous
Media coverage extensive
Taiwan democracy celebrated

Beijing’s Strategic Response

Short-term Tactics

Wait-and-see approach
Economic integration deepened
United Front work intensified
Military modernization accelerated

Long-term Strategy

Prevent formal independence
Undermine Chen’s governance
Influence 2004 election
Prepare military options

Identity Politics Triumph

Election reflected identity shift:

Taiwanese Identity

75% identified as Taiwanese
Chinese identity declining
Democratic values embraced
Separate path chosen

Generational Change

Young voters overwhelmingly DPP
Martial law generation fading
Democracy natives emerging
Future trends clear

Economic Concerns

Market Reaction

Initial stock market drop
Quick recovery followed
Business adaptation began
Pragmatism prevailed

Cross-Strait Economics

Trade continued growing
Investment rules debated
Security concerns raised
Balance sought

Media Freedom Showcase

Campaign Coverage

Intense media competition
Live debates broadcast
Investigative reporting
Diverse viewpoints

Election Night

Real-time vote counting
Transparent process
International observers
Democracy celebrated

Challenges Ahead

Chen faced daunting tasks:

Cross-Strait Stability - Managing Beijing’s hostility
Economic Management - Maintaining prosperity
Political Cooperation - Working with opposition
International Space - Expanding participation

Historical Significance

The 2000 election proved:

Democracy Consolidated

Peaceful power transfer
Institutional strength
Voter maturity
System legitimacy

Identity Confirmed

Taiwan path chosen
Chinese model rejected
Democratic values supreme
Future direction set

Regional Impact

Asian democracy advanced
China model challenged
U.S. role reinforced
Status quo complicated

Chen Shui-bian’s victory completed Taiwan’s democratic transition, demonstrating that Chinese society could not only establish but also sustain competitive democracy with peaceful transfers of power, directly challenging Beijing’s authoritarian model and creating a permanent democratic alternative in the Chinese-speaking world.