Taiwan Holds Direct Presidential Election Under PRC Missile Intimidation

On March 23, 1996, Taiwan held its direct presidential election under the ROC constitution. In the weeks prior, the PRC fired ballistic missiles into waters near Taiwan's major ports, deploying 100,000 troops in Fujian Province to intimidate the electorate. The United States deployed two carrier battle groups to the region in response. Incumbent Lee Teng-hui won with 54% of the vote; the missile campaign is documented to have increased his support. The election completed Taiwan's democratic transition begun under Chiang Ching-kuo and established the framework of cross-strait deterrence operative to the present.