150180 VO+UE VU Current political developments in East Asia (2012S)

2012 marks an important crossroads for peace and stability in Northeast Asia in the years to come. This year, political leadership and/or legislatures are (s)elected in North Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Mongolia, China, Japan, the United States and South Korea. After the death of Kim Jong-il in December 2011, the DPRK grooms his third son, Kim Jong-un, as successor. Observers speculate about the stability of the country and possible reforms. In South Korea, after having suffered a defeat in the by-elections last October the major political parties, the conservative Saenuri Party and liberal-progressive Democratic United Party, are (again) in turmoil: shortly before the parliamentary elections on 11 April both parties are faced with vote-buying allegations and falling voter support. The election outcome will also have an impact on the parties' nomination of the candidates for the presidential polls in mid-December. In Japan, the ruling party (DPJ) must cope with the political, economic and environmental consequences of the Tohoku earthquake. Dismissing PM Noda's plans to reform social security and taxes the main opposition party (LDP) calls for dissolution of the Lower House and new elections. Taiwan that marked its 100th birthday (Foundation of the Republic of China) in 2011 held its historic election day combining presidential and legislative elections on 14 January. President Ma Ying-jeou (KMT) was re-elected and although the KMT lost some mandates it could maintain its majority in the 113-seat Legislative Yuan. Last but not least, the People's Republic of China prepares for the next power transfer in its most important political decision-making bodies. In fall the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party (CCP) will take place to elect the new members of the CCP's Standing Committee.