Heard on the Street

Freezing Exports, Not Boiling Politics, Determine Taiwan's Growth

Updated Jan. 12, 2012 2:17 a.m. ET

For Taiwan's economy, it's foreign demand not domestic politics that is the decisive factor.

Taiwanese voters are preparing to go to the polls for the presidential election this weekend. As usual, relations with its big neighbor loom large.

Incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou of the pro-China Kuomintang promises stronger ties with the mainland. That's seen as a positive for everyone from iPad manufacturer Hon Hai Precision...

Available to WSJ.com Subscribers