From NYTimes.com: China Tensions Sway Taiwan Election

China's suppression of protests in Tibet and missteps by the opposition Nationalist Party have made the Taiwanese presidential election on Saturday an unexpectedly close race. What once seemed to be an insuperable lead for the Nationalist candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, has narrowed considerably, politicians and political analysts said.

Taiwan wants no part of what China's dealing these days.  Tibet is just a reminder of what hugging a bear could get you.  Taiwan has been a de facto independent nation since WWII.  Taiwan is a democracy, China is not.  If the United States truly wants democracy around the world, why not start here and support Taiwan.