U.S. stays neutral on Taiwan election, with 'no preferred candidate'

WASHINGTON -- The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has maintained a neutral stance ahead of Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections on Saturday, emphasizing that it has no preferred candidate.

The position has been described by analysts as "disciplined neutrality" and is based on the view that none of the main candidates pose a threat to the status quo. The administration is also preparing for the possibility of a hung parliament, where the president does not have a majority in the legislative branch -- a scenario that would require the U.S. to maintain good channels of communication with all sides to steer the relationship in the desired direction.